Acts 19:21-41 – Apparent Chaos

The church at Ephasus began with just twelve men (v 7). All the members received the special baptism of the Spirit which was not an individual experience but which was the distinctive mark of the New Testament church and of the exalted Saviour (John 7:39; 1 Corinthians 12:13). They also received water baptism in its distinctive Christian form and these Ephesians were received as members of the now international continuing church of God. (We may also notice that John’s baptism was not the same as New Testament baptism). This church had grown and so had the opposition. There was widespread concern about the way (v 22) – compare Acts 9:2 and 19:9 pointing to the exclusiveness of Christianity.

Demetrius perceived that the Gospel was bringing radical change to individual lives and if this continued it would affect the whole way of life at Ephesus. His covetousness (v 25) is because he made silver models of the temple to be used as charms or actual objects of devotion. He, however, put a pious and patriotic veneer upon his motive. Gaius and Aristarchus (v.29) were taken into the amphitheatre and Paul seemed to be willing to risk his life for them. The people (demos) came together but were not lawfully so called. The Jews pushed forward Alexander (v.33) (whether a convert or an unbelieving Jew) to disassociate themselves from the Christians. Even the pagan Asiarces were more sympathetic than the unbelieving Jews. In a crisis don’t look for sympathy or expect help from people just because they are religious. The town clerk brought order and dismissed the assembly.

Questions
1. Do we expect our idea of the ideal situation to prevail before we evangelise?
2. Do we understand that God works in the midst of what to us seems like chaos?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for those believers being persecuted in different places.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.