Acts 19:21-41 The Riot in Ephesus

Luke tells us of a different trouble today. While Paul is still in Ephesus a silversmith, Demetrius, who is getting rich off of the worship of Artemis gathers all of the artisans. He gets them all riled up by saying that they are in danger of losing business because of Paul. Paul is convincing many people to convert to the Way (Christianity) and telling them not to worship false idols; gods made by man.

 

The artisans begin shouting and this causes a riot. The unruly crowd descends on the theater with Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions, in tow. Paul wants to speak to the crowd, but the disciples wouldn’t let him. Luke tells us that most people did not even know why they were there. Somehow Alexander gets pushed to the front and managers to get everyone’s attention. But they realize he is a Jew so the crowd shouts, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” for two hours.

Finally the city clerk is able to silence the crowd. He tells them that the whole world knows Ephesus is the guardian of Artemis’ temple and image. He tells the crowd there is no reason for bringing Gaius and Aristarchus to the theater because they have not stolen from the temples or blasphemed their goddess. He tells them if they have a grievance it should be brought before the courts. They have no business causing a riot since there is no reason for it. Then he dismisses the assembly.

I am amazed that one person can cause so much trouble. Presumably, things are going fine and everything is peaceful until one person gets scared of something new. He is afraid that this “new thing” in town will affect him in a negative way. Demetrius doesn’t want to lose customers which would lead to a loss of income. It’s money he is concerned about, not faith. Although he uses the Ephesians faith in Artemis to spread the fear.

How easily we follow others, go along with the crowd. How quick we are to believe and trust what someone is telling us. We let the fear seize us and act in ways that we wouldn’t otherwise. We shout hateful words and treat others with disrespect. We don’t even realize what is happening.

Then comes the voice of reason, one person to point out the ridiculousness of the situation. I doubt the city clerk thought of himself as a prophet, but that day he was. He calmed the crowd down and pointed out the absurdity of their shouts. He let them know what actions would be appropriate. How deflated the crowd must have felt after realizing how absurd their actions were. Did they leave saying to one another, “what just happened?” Or “I can’t believe I got sucked into that.”

Which person are you in times of change and uncertainty, do you get caught up with the crowd or are you the voice of reason?