Acts Series Sermon (42) — The Riot in Ephesus

Acts 19:23-41

In 1865, William and Catherine Booth founded The Salvation Army, a Christian evangelical organization dedicated to street preaching, charity work, and social services. The purpose of its establishment was to encourage young Christians to fully implement Christian values in their lives.

The Salvation Army’s founding declaration reads:

"While women weep as they do now, I’ll fight; while little children go hungry as they do now, I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight—I’ll fight to the very end!" (William Booth)

The Salvation Army’s street evangelism brought many people to faith and had a massive impact on 19th-century British society. For instance, the temperance movement in London, which gained significant momentum, caused many stores and taverns to suffer economically. In response, groups of troublemakers opposed The Salvation Army, with some unscrupulous businesses even providing them with spoiled eggs to throw at the preachers. These opponents called themselves the Skeleton Army, a name clearly meant to challenge The Salvation Army directly.

As Ecclesiastes says, "There is nothing new under the sun." In Acts 19, Paul’s effective preaching in Ephesus resulted in a similar response. Wherever the Gospel flourishes, the devil’s resistance is often at its strongest.

I.     The Gospel’s Impact on Society

“About that time, there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.” (Acts 19:23-24, NKJV)

The temple of Artemis (Diana) in Ephesus was an architectural marvel, composed of 127 marble columns, each 60 feet tall, and covering an area four times larger than the Parthenon in Greece. Artemis, the goddess of hunting and fertility in Greek mythology, known as Diana in Roman mythology, was a central figure of worship. Her festivals were marked by vulgar revelry and feasting, deeply ingrained in the religious and commercial life of Ephesus.

The widespread worship of Diana brought significant profit to local silversmiths who specialized in crafting silver shrines of Artemis. These craftsmen prospered by selling miniature silver replicas of the goddess’s temple and idols. However, when Paul preached the gospel in Ephesus, urging people to turn to Jesus Christ, many abandoned idol worship. This sharp decline in idol sales angered Demetrius, the leader of the silversmiths’ guild.

“He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: ‘Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.’” (Acts 19:25-27)

Demetrius’s words provide indirect evidence of the effectiveness of Paul’s ministry, not only in Ephesus but throughout the province of Asia. Notably, Paul did not attack the Artemis cult directly or denounce the silversmiths’ trade. Instead, he simply proclaimed the truth: God is the Creator of all things, Jesus Christ is the Savior who gave His life for sinners, and idols crafted by human hands are not gods at all.

Feeling his livelihood under threat, Demetrius gathered his fellow craftsmen to resist Paul’s influence. While his true motivation was the financial loss caused by the decline in idol sales, Demetrius masked his greed with three seemingly noble concerns:

The disrepute of their silver shrine business

The neglect of the great temple of Artemis

The erosion of Artemis’s divine majesty, revered throughout Asia and the world

Demetrius’s rhetoric was highly effective. By concealing his financial greed, he stirred nationalist pride and religious fervor among the people. This led the masses to see themselves as defenders of Artemis worship, sparking a large-scale riot in Ephesus.

Wherever the gospel is preached, it inevitably disrupts the local social and economic order. Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus had profound effects, as “all who lived in Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). This widespread conversion to Christianity dealt a severe blow to the local idol-making industry. Moreover, as believers abandoned idol worship, they began dismantling the cultural traditions associated with it. A striking example of this transformation was the public burning of books on sorcery by new believers in Ephesus.

Throughout Acts, most of the persecution Paul faced came from unbelieving Jews. Large-scale opposition from Gentiles occurred only twice, and both instances were tied to economic interests. In Acts 16, Paul cast out a spirit from a slave girl, ending her owners’ ability to profit from her fortune-telling. Enraged, her owners incited a mob against Paul and Silas, leading to their severe beating and imprisonment. In Acts 19, the gospel disrupted the silversmiths’ business, provoking Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen to instigate the riot in Ephesus.

This highlights how the transformative power of the gospel often challenges entrenched economic and cultural systems, leading to both spiritual renewal and societal upheaval.

“When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater.” (Acts 19:28-29, NIV)

When the crowd heard these words, they were enraged, their hearts filled with fury. Together, they shouted at the top of their voices, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Chaos erupted as the mob surged into the streets, the entire city thrown into turmoil. They seized Paul’s traveling companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and together stormed into the theater.

The theater in Ephesus at the time was far more imposing than the small cinemas we know today with a couple of hundred seats. This was a massive open-air structure with seating for 25,000 people. The sheer scale of this enraged mob, shouting and rushing toward the theater, must have been a sight of overwhelming chaos and fury.

Paul wanted to go in and face the people, but the disciples did not permit him. Even some officials of Asia, who were friends of Paul, sent a message urging him not to venture into the theater (Acts 19:30–31).

Max Lerner observed, "Every mob, in its ignorance and blindness and bewilderment, is a league of frightened men that seeks reassurance in collective action." Similarly, Benjamin Franklin described a mob as "a monster with heads enough, but no brain."

When confronted with a mob overcome by ignorance and anger, it might echo what Paul referred to as "I fought with beasts at Ephesus" (1 Corinthians 15:32). A mob of emotionally charged individuals loses rational judgment and logical thinking, capable of committing any action. Yet, in such a dangerous moment, Paul appeared unafraid; he desired to enter the theater to defend his companions and preach the gospel to the gathered mob. This was consistent with Paul’s mission throughout his ministry.

In Jerusalem, when Paul was arrested, he also faced a Jewish mob shouting and seeking his death. Paul requested permission from the Roman commander to address his fellow Jews, leading to the long testimony recorded in Acts 22. Similarly, in Acts 26, during his trial before Governor Festus and King Agrippa, Paul turned the court into a pulpit, boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Festus even exclaimed, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane" (Acts 26:24).

However, in Ephesus, the disciples did not allow Paul to go to the theater, and even some Asiarchs, local officials who were Paul’s friends, sent messages urging him to avoid the risk. Clearly, Paul’s preaching had garnered respect and friendships among some authorities. While Paul was always ready to preach to any gathering, this time, the Holy Spirit prevented him.

In Acts 19:32, Luke humorously describes the chaotic assembly: "The assembly was in confusion: some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there." The term "confusion" aptly captures the nature of this instigated and stirred-up riot.

When Alexander, a Jew, was pushed forward by his fellow Jews to explain the situation, his attempt was futile. The crowd, recognizing him as a Jew, interrupted and chanted for two hours, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" This Alexander might be the same individual Paul later warned Timothy about, describing him as one who caused much harm (2 Timothy 4:14–15).

The city clerk, equivalent to a modern mayor, skillfully quelled the riot with a carefully crafted address. His strategy included:

Inspiring local pride: Emphasizing that Ephesus was the guardian of the great Artemis's temple and her heavenly image, an indisputable fact.

Defending Paul and his companions: Affirming that they had neither robbed the temple nor blasphemed the goddess.

Advocating for legal order: Urging Demetrius and others with grievances to settle disputes through legal avenues.

Highlighting potential consequences: Warning that such an unwarranted riot could lead to repercussions for Ephesus, jeopardizing its status as a free city.

This potential disaster, which seemed poised to escalate, was calmed by the city clerk’s prudent words.

During Paul’s three years in Ephesus, two significant events occurred without his direct involvement: the failed exorcism by the Jewish sons of Sceva and this riot in the city. Both were resolved by God’s sovereign control, leading to the further spread of the gospel and the flourishing of the Lord’s word.

II.    The Cultural Renewal of the Gospel

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has a powerful ability to bring about cultural renewal. Since humanity was created in the image of God, every culture contains aspects that are reasonable, and even excellent. However, due to the fallen nature of humanity caused by sin, any culture that has not been renewed by the Gospel of Christ is often in conflict with and opposed to biblical truth. For Christians, all cultures must be examined and judged in the light of Gospel truth. Elements that align with biblical truth can be preserved, while those that contradict it should be rejected.

The renewal of culture through the Gospel stems from the power of God’s Word itself:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1–2)

Throughout history, the Gospel has impacted societies wherever it has been preached, bringing about cultural renewal.

David Livingstone's mission in Africa inspired movements to abolish slavery.

William Carey’s mission in India led to the abolition of the practice of widow-burning (sati).

Elijah Bridgman, founder of The Chinese Repository in 1832, published numerous articles criticizing harmful practices like foot-binding and opium smoking. His efforts significantly influenced movements to end foot-binding and opium use in China.

Mrs. Archibald Little established the "Natural Foot Society" in Shanghai in 1878 to campaign against foot-binding, a cause that many missionaries to China worked on collectively.

Mrs. Annette E. Thompson founded the first school for the deaf in China.

Gladys Aylward, known as "The Small Woman," established an orphanage in Shanxi Province in 1930. Her story was later made into the Gospel movie The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (starring Ingrid Bergman). She continued her work in Taiwan until her death in 1970.

Lottie Moon, the first woman to earn a master’s degree in the Southern United States, arrived in Yantai, Shandong, in 1873. She established girls' schools, provided disaster relief, and, despite severe malnutrition, passed away in 1912 on Christmas Eve en route to the U.S., leaving behind her famous words: "If I had a thousand lives, I would give them all for the women of China."

Mary Elizabeth Wood, a teacher at Boone University in Wuchang, introduced the concept of public libraries to China. In May 1910, China’s first true public library was established.

Yen Yangchu, a Christian educator, launched a literacy campaign in Dingxian, Hebei Province, in the mid-1920s.

Moreover, Western mission societies and missionaries established universities, hospitals, libraries, schools, orphanages, and other institutions in China, introducing Western science and advanced ideas, which profoundly transformed Chinese society.

One exemplary case is Samuel Pollard’s work in Shimenkan, Guizhou Province. Through the Gospel, he transformed this impoverished and remote area into a cultural hub of Southwest China, complete with schools, hospitals, a football field, a swimming pool, and postal services. Professor Chen Haowu of Peking University called Shimenkan the best case study of the relationship between faith and society.

The Second Great Awakening, led by Charles G. Finney, also had remarkable societal impacts:

"Entire communities were stirred. Faith became the topic of discussion in homes, shops, offices, and streets. The city’s only theater was converted into a stable; the only circus became a soap and candle factory. Taverns closed; the Sabbath was respected; churches were filled with joyful believers; every charity received a boost; wells of kindness were opened, and people began living wholesome lives."

The Awakening inspired movements such as abolitionism, equal education for women and African Americans, and the temperance movement. It also led to the establishment of mission societies, the publication of Christian periodicals, and the founding of Christian colleges and seminaries.

The Welsh Revival in Britain brought dramatic societal changes: pubs and theaters shut down, moral standards improved, and even horses were confused as their handlers no longer used foul language for commands. Lawyers faced unemployment, judges had no cases to try, and members of Parliament abandoned trivial political debates to attend prayer meetings. Bibles sold out in stores, and the economy prospered as workers labored honestly.

In truth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings comprehensive renewal to every aspect of human society, including politics, economics, culture, education, science, literature, art, music, healthcare, charity, and public welfare.

Scriptures Illustrating the Renewal of Christian Life through God's Word in the Bible:

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11)

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-39)

"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body." (Romans 6:11-12)

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." (Romans 12:17)

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)

"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:28-29)

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

Martin Luther's Words:

"A gospel that does not deal with the issues of the day is not the gospel at all."

The Christian church should actively engage and promote matters that lead society’s morals toward godliness, holiness, and positive development. However, for those political and social issues that contradict, oppose, or even challenge biblical truth, Christians should not remain silent, as this would play into the hands of the devil. Christians should always remember their mission in society—the mission of the Gospel and cultural renewal.

Brothers and sisters, has your life been renewed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Have your worldview, values, and perspective on life (the three views) been renewed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How do you engage in the renewal of society and culture? Or, how are you contributing to the renewal of society in your own way?

Praise the Lord!

Amos Ren

March2, 2025

Published on March 18, 2025