“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 city clerk quieted the crowd and said, ‘Men of Ephesus, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to be quiet and do not do anything rash. You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges.’”
Acts 19:32, 35-38

–

MAY 2, 2025

The church at Ephesus was first established in a culture with very little knowledge of the God of Abraham, except for the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles living in the city. Paul was well aware of this, which is why he typically began his ministry at the local synagogue.

The city clerk’s comments are worth noting. When this government official indicated that Christians had neither robbed temples nor blasphemed Artemis, he testified that these believers, disruptive though they were, had done nothing in deed or word that could be construed as an attack upon the goddess. Paul preached Jesus at Ephesus; he had no reason to criticize the worship of Artemis. Instead, Paul was explaining something radically different from this Roman religion, and the Holy Spirit opened the hearts of many to receive the Savior. As they were exposed to the word of God, they were attracted to Jesus.

One principle we could derive from this episode is that the essential message we have to proclaim is the gospel of Jesus itself. There is no mandate to criticize the beliefs and practices of those who do not follow our Savior.

Yet today, Christians are known primarily as people who are against anything and anyone that disagrees with them. What a sad state of affairs! Are there things within our culture that we reject? Of course! But that is not the primary message we are to proclaim, or be known by.

The gospel does convict, but the only sin the gospel of my salvation addresses is my own sin! It was the sober realization of my personal wrongdoing that showed me my need to repent and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Paul’s response to a city filled with the demonic worship of Artemis was to share the gospel and let the Holy Spirit convict his listeners regarding their worship.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Review your story. If it contains criticism of unbelievers or secular culture, consider editing your story toward the positive.
  • If you have not written out your story, I encourage you to do so. Being positive does not mean that our stories are tales of success and triumph. We must be honest about the struggles and failures we experience, which make our stories real.

 

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, May 2: Numbers 9; Psalm 45
  • Saturday, May 3: Numbers 10; Psalm 45
  • Sunday, May 4: Numbers 11; Psalm 48