In the old west shows we used to watch on tv as kids; we would learn that when a new preacher came to town speaking against the vices of the deplorable habits of drinking to excess, sexual exploits, and other harmful entertainment; it slowed the economy of the local saloon.  When people listened and took heed to the advice it changed their behaviors and spending habits which was bad for business!  Soon, a riot prompted by local saloon owners would ensue.  The new preacher was doomed to be either run out of town on a rail or “tarred and feathered.” 

JUST SO YOU KNOW—

Riding the rail (also called being “run out of town on a rail”) was a punishment most prevalent in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries in which an offender was made to straddle a fence rail held on the shoulders of two or more bearers.

Tar and Feathering:  Tar and feathering is a form of public torture in which a victim is slathered in hot tar and then covered in feathers to humiliate them. Tarring and feathering was usually used as a form of vigilante justice and became a favorite of early American patriots in their protests against British taxation.  Also used as the west was pioneered to expose and punish outsiders not worthy of being a part of the community for all kinds of reasons.

But, after all, making money from people with bad habits is just good business, right?  Just ask Demetrius.

Acts 19, The Message

The Goddess Artemis

^21-22 After all this had reached its peak, Paul decided it was time to move on to Macedonia and Achaia provinces, and from there to Jerusalem. “Then,” he said, “I’m off to Rome. I’ve got to see Rome!” He sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, on to Macedonia and then stayed for a while and wrapped things up in Asia.

^23-26 But before he got away, a huge ruckus occurred over what was now being referred to as “the Way.” A certain silversmith, Demetrius, conducted a brisk trade in the manufacture of shrines to the goddess Artemis, employing a number of artisans in his business. He rounded up his workers and others similarly employed and said, “Men, you well know that we have a good thing going here—and you’ve seen how Paul has barged in and discredited what we’re doing by telling people that there’s no such thing as a god made with hands. A lot of people are going along with him, not only here in Ephesus but all through Asia province.

²⁷ “Not only is our little business in danger of falling apart, but the temple of our famous goddess Artemis will certainly end up a pile of rubble as her glorious reputation fades to nothing. And this is no mere local matter—the whole world worships our Artemis!”

^28-31 That set them off in a frenzy. They ran into the street yelling, “Great Artemis of the Ephesians! Great Artemis of the Ephesians!” They put the whole city in an uproar, stampeding into the stadium, and grabbing two of Paul’s associates on the way, the Macedonians Gaius and Aristarchus. Paul wanted to go in, too, but the disciples wouldn’t let him. Prominent religious leaders in the city who had become friendly to Paul concurred: “By no means go near that mob!”

^32-34 Some were yelling one thing, some another. Most of them had no idea what was going on or why they were there. As the Jews pushed Alexander to the front to try to gain control, different factions clamored to get him on their side. But he brushed them off and quieted the mob with an impressive sweep of his arms. But the moment he opened his mouth and they knew he was a Jew, they shouted him down: “Great Artemis of the Ephesians! Great Artemis of the Ephesians!”—on and on and on, for over two hours.

^35-37 Finally, the town clerk got the mob quieted down and said, “Fellow citizens, is there anyone anywhere who doesn’t know that our dear city Ephesus is protector of glorious Artemis and her sacred stone image that fell straight out of heaven? Since this is beyond contradiction, you had better get hold of yourselves. This is conduct unworthy of Artemis. These men you’ve dragged in here have done nothing to harm either our temple or our goddess.

^38-41 “So if Demetrius and his guild of artisans have a complaint, they can take it to court and make all the accusations they want. If anything else is bothering you, bring it to the regularly scheduled town meeting and let it be settled there. There is no excuse for what’s happened today. We’re putting our city in serious danger. Rome, remember, does not look kindly on rioters.” With that, he sent them home.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

RIOT IN EPHESUS

In Paul’s days of preaching Jesus, Son of the One and Only Living God, philosophers and city leaders would debate until their opinions and beliefs were heard by the people watching as truth.  When disagreements and debates were inclusive to unbelievers; fiery anger rose quickly to the surface and the people would be enticed to riot against those offensive to their cherished culture of worshipping many gods, especially Artemis. 

Preaching Jesus would many times lead you to a public forum where people would gather in great numbers at the local colosseum where “offenders” would be met with public humiliation and certain death.  Igniting crowds were tools used to incite a riot. 

MOB MENTALITY

A riotous crowd was consulted by Pilate when deciding Jesus’ fate, remember?  Riotous crowds never make good decisions.

As Daniel was “thrown to the lions” in his day, Paul, his associates, along with other devout believers in Jesus, were threatened with much the same course of action.  It was common for believers in Jesus to be led to the center of the floor of this public place while people gathered in the stands to watch as wild animals were let loose to eat believers alive.  They were blood hungry as they cheered “this show of humiliation.”

THE ISSUE

Demetrius and his silversmiths were promoting idolatry and immorality in order to make a living, while Paul was declaring the true God and pointing people to cleansing and purity through the free grace of God. 

The silversmiths were really more concerned about their jobs and their income than they were about Artemis and her temple, but they were wise enough not to make this known. Paul taught the truth daily and sent out his converts to witness to the lost people in the city. More and more converts meant fewer and fewer potential customers for Demetrius.

RESOLUTION—FOR NOW

Throughout the Book of Acts, Luke clearly shows that the persecution of the Christian church was incited by the unbelieving Jews and not by the Romans. If anything, Paul used his Roman citizenship to protect himself, his friends, and the local assemblies.

FACT:  Ephesus is gone, and so is the worldwide worship of Artemis of the Ephesians. The city and the temple are gone, and the silversmiths’ guild is gone. Ephesus is a place visited primarily by archaeologists and people on Holy Land tours. Yet the gospel of God’s grace and the church of Jesus Christ are still here.

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. –Jesus, Matthew 16:16-18, NLT

PAUSE TO PRAYERFULLY REFLECT

Do we really believe what God says about His Son really real?

Who do we say Jesus is today?  Who do we worship?  Who do we think about most?

Are we led by the crowd or by the Living Christ?

Our response will be reflected in our behaviors. 

Lord,

Hallowed is Your Name.  Holy and great are you, Lord.  May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in every detail of our lives.  You are God, the One and Only living God!  Give us this day all you know we will need to please you in all we think, say, and do in Your Name.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptations to follow the voices of the world but help us to hear and follow your voice alone.  Deliver us from evil and evil’s schemes to distract and deceive us.  We need your help and you give it.  You are God and we are not.  To you be the glory, honor, and praise forever and ever!

In Jesus Name, Amen