College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Acts 18:24-28
AT EPHESUS. Acts 18:24 Acts 19:41
a.
Apollos teaching the baptism of John is corrected by Priscilla and Aquila. Acts 19:24-28.
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures.
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John:
and he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more accurately.
And when he was minded to pass over into Achaia, the brethren encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him: and when he was come, he helped them much that had believed through grace;
for he powerfully confuted the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 19:24-25 As the work of the Lord was begun in Corinth by Paul and continued by Apollos, so in Ephesus the work was begun by Apollos and continued by Paul. What Paul did for Apollos in Corinth, Apollos did for Paul in Ephesus. What a wonderful lesson can be gained from a study of the life and work of this Apollos.
1. A Jew. 2. An Alexandrian. 3. An eloquent man. 4. Mighty in the scriptures. 5. Instructed in the way of the Lord. 6. Fervent in the spirit. 7. Spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John.
We can say with G. Campbell Morgan that like Paul, Apollos combined the powers of the Hebrew religion with the learning of his Greek background. Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, but he was also reared in the Greek city of Tarsus. How the Lord does place His hand upon the very one He can use best in every given circumstance. How well fitted was Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles. He had all the background of his Hebrew training to enable him to speak to the Jews, all the personal experience of living under Grecian culture to assist in his approach and message to the Gentiles. This also was the combination with this man Apollos.
Alexandria was the center of learning in Paul's day, a large university being located there. This might account for the eloquence of this one. He was not only an orator, but one who touched the emotions of his listeners and used the word of God as the basis of his discussion. What an example for New Testament preachers of today.
The statement that He was mighty in the scriptures does not simply mean that he quoted one passage after another, but rather like Nehemiah of old gave the sense thereof. He had a grasp of the interrelationship of the scriptures, something to which Paul was alluding when he said rightly dividing the word of truth.
It might be interesting to read Matthew 3:3 in connection with the statement that Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord. Here in Matthew we have a prophecy carried over from Isaiah 40:3 concerning John the Baptist. A way, a highway was to be prepared by John the Baptist for Jesus. This way was prepared by John's preaching and his promise. John told of the soon coming of the Messiah and His kingdom. In this doctrine Apollos had been carefully taught, either by John himself or by some one of his disciples. We might ask: Didn-'t Apollos even so much as know that the Messiah had already come? Oh, yes, I-'m sure he did for we find later that he taught and spoke with a fiery spirit the things concerning Jesus. But his teaching and preaching on this subject were limited to that which was known and taught by John the Baptist. John knew that the Messiah had come. He knew also that He was to have a kingdom and that very soon He would set it up. He knew of his miracles and power. Something probably of His life and teaching reached John's ears. Apollos must also have heard of the death of this Jesus and possibly something of His being raised. But Apollos knew nothing of the message of the cross, or resurrection. He was probably looking for this Nazarene to appear again and set up His Messianic kingdom.
700.
How was the work in Ephesus like the work in Corinth?
701.
Give from memory four of the seven characteristics of Apollos.
702.
Show how Paul was especially fitted for his work.
703.
How was Apollos prepared by God for his work?
704.
What might have accounted for the education of Apollos?
705.
Show how Apollos was more than just an orator.
706.
What is meant by being mighty in the scriptures?
707.
How does Matthew 3:3 relate to the preaching of Apollos?
Acts 19:26 This man was found in the synagogue of the Jews speaking out boldly on these matters. There were two attendants of that synagogue who also knew of the Way of God and the things concerning Jesus, but their knowledge was complete and their message unto the salvation of the soul. Be it said to the everlasting honor of this good man Apollos that although he had much in which he could take pride he was not bigoted. We can observe this in the response that was given to Priscilla and Aquila when they took him aside and instructed him more accurately in the Way of the Lord. Apollos was glad to admit his past mistake and from henceforth include in his message this new found truth.
Acts 19:27 It would seem that the acceptance of this new position prompted his decision to leave the town of Ephesus. It would be, to say the least, a disadvantage to boldly proclaim one thought for a space of time and then rather suddenly make almost an about-face on the same subject. When he decided that he could work in a more effective way for Christ in Achaia than in Asia, he left. Priscilla and Aquila probably told him of the work in Corinth. The brethren encouraged him in the thought and wrote letters of recommendation to the brethren in Achaia. The fact that there were Christians in Ephesus before Paul arrived is fine testimony of the good work of Priscilla and Aquila.
Acts 19:28 The disciples (or believers) in Corinth did receive Apollos. Indeed, he became such a favorite of some that they formed a sect around him. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:12). Luke say that the greatest contribution of this evangelist was his ability to help them much that had believed through grace. The Jews that opposed Paul's preaching of Christ in Corinth were due for a real setback and that publicly when this man Apollos put in his appearance.
708.
What was missing from the message of Apollos?
709.
What very honorable thing can we say about Apollos?
710.
How did Priscilla and Aquila go about correcting Apollos? Any example for us today?
711.
Why did Apollos leave Ephesus?
712.
Do we find an example in these verses of a so-called church letter?
713.
How is it that there were Christians in Ephesus before Paul arrived?
714.
How did Apollos get along in Corinth? What did he do?
b.
Paul corrects some on the baptism of John, baptizes them, lays hands on them; they receive the spiritual gifts. Acts 19:1-7.
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:
and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they said unto him, Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was given.
And he said, Into what then were ye baptized? And they said, Into John's baptism.
And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus.
And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And they were in all about twelve men.
Acts 19:1-2 God did will, and Paul did come back to the city of Ephesus.
It would seem that he was in a hurry to arrive for Luke says that he came through the upper country instead of coming along the longer, but more convenient highway route.
What an interesting passage is before us. Why is it that Paul met these twelve men rather than any others in this place? Well, it is not to be concluded from this text that these twelve were all the disciples in Ephesus, but rather that he encountered in these men something of interest for our learning and example.
Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed?. Note: Not since ye believed as the King James version has it. To say since ye believed would suggest a second blessing. But the American Revised Version is accurate when it suggests that the reception of the Holy Spirit was co-existent with saving faith.
Why did Paul ask this question of these persons? This question cannot be answered with certainty but it would seem that Paul saw something in the lives of these persons that made him wonder. Possibly some lack of evidence of the fruit of the Spirit (Cf. Galatians 5:22). Be that as it may, the inquiry was made and now notice their response. We did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was. (the word given has been supplied by the translators). Of course this does not mean that these men were ignorant of whether there was or was not such a being as the Holy Spirit, but rather they were unacquainted with the fact that the Holy Spirit had made His advent.
715.
What is meant by the statement that God did will and Paul did come back to Ephesus?
716.
What shows that Paul was in a hurry to get to Ephesus?
717.
Why mention Paul's meeting with the twelve disciples?
718.
Why not use the word since in the question of Paul?
Acts 19:3-5 When Paul realized this he immediately inquired into the one action that brings the Holy Spirit into the life and body of manwater baptism. If this is not true, why bring the subject of baptism into the answer of their question? Some are inclined to the opinion that Paul was asking these persons whether they had received the spiritual gifts since they believed, but this is not so for it does not read since but when ye believed.
When they said that they were baptized into John's baptism, then Paul knew that they were like Apollos, i.e. in need of instruction. The fourth verse must be but the briefest outline of Paul's instruction to them. They needed to know all that Apollos did (possibly they were his converts). John's baptism was a baptism of testimony, testimony to the repentance of sins and a testimony of belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Paul must have spoken to them of the meaning of the cross and the necessity of the baptism of the Lord Jesus (Cf. Mark 16:15-16). But forget not that the first purpose of their baptism was the reception of the Holy Spirit. When they were thus taught they were baptized by immersion for the remission of sins (cf. Acts 2:38) and they received from God the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:6-7 Immediately following their baptism (or so it would seem) Paul granted to these men the spiritual gifts of prophecy and tongues (and doubtless others, but these are all that are evident on this occasion). This was done by the laying on of Paul's hands and for the purpose of granting inspired leadership for the infant church until the New Covenant could be placed in permanent written form.
719.
What does this text tell us as to the time when we receive the Holy Spirit?
720.
Why do YOU think Paul asked this question of the twelve?
721.
What did the twelve mean by their answer to Paul's question?
722.
Why inquire into their baptism?
723.
What about the thought of spiritual gifts in connection with this incident?
724.
What did these twelve men need to know? What verse describes their instruction?
725.
What baptism is the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus?
726.
What special spiritual gifts were given to these men? How?
c.
Paul preaches in the synagogues and the school of Tyrannus. Acts 19:8-12.
And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.
But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
And this continued for the space of two years; so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
insomuch that unto the sick were carried away from his body handkerchiefs or aprons, and the disease departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.
Acts 19:8-10 The appearance of the apostle in the synagogue was welcomed upon his first visit to Ephesus (cf. Acts 18:19-20) and now they manifest their open mindedness by giving heed to his bold preaching for the space of three months. Now here is a question: If Paul established a church in Ephesus by -reasoning and persuading-' concerning -the kingdom of God-' what must then be the relationship of the kingdom of God and the church? There is only one conclusion and that is that the kingdom of God and the church are one and the same institution. (Cf. Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:7).
I like the two words of description as to Paul's preaching: reasoning and persuading. Let's have more of it.
But a determined minority so quenched the voice of their conscience that they became hardened toward the truth. This caused them to enter into disobedience and to express this disobedience in words of ridicule and contradiction. When such evil speaking was done before the general assembly of the church there was only one thing to do and that was to leave the synagogue. It would seem that when Paul withdrew the disciples, he took with him the largest proportion of the synagogue congregation.
The town of Ephesus was about 600,000 in population. In this large city Paul and the Ephesian Christians must find a place to meet. The school room of one Tyrannus was secured. This evidently was a large lecture room in which lessons on rhetoric were given. Ramsey suggests that the hours for work were from early in the morning until 10 o-'clock and then a period of five hours intervened in which the noon meal was eaten and time was taken for rest and relaxation. He suggests that in this way Paul could work at his trade and at the same time speak during these hours to those who could and would hear. Whatever the circumstance, from this schoolroom there was heralded forth the word of life for the space of two years. Paul was not content simply to arouse those of the city, but also the many living in the great province of Asia. And so we read: so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
727.
Did the Jews mean what they said upon Paul's first visit to Ephesus? (Cp. Acts 18:19-20)
728.
What is the relationship of the kingdom of God and the church? What two descriptive words are given concerning Paul's preaching?
729.
How long did Paul continue preaching before opposition arose?
730.
What real sin did the disobedient ones commit?
731.
What determined the separation?
732.
What was the population of Ephesus when Paul was there?
The seven churches of Asia referred to in Revelation 1:4 as well as the church at Colossae (Colossians 1:2) were doubtless established at this time.
Acts 19:11-12 In this great town full of superstition and sin God granted special acts of power through the hands of the apostle. Such acts would even stop the Ephesian in his onward rush to destruction. Just what these miracles were that were performed personally by Paul Luke does not say, but another unusual circumstance that came as a result of the apostle's effort is described. The power of God was so in evidence among them that nothing appeared impossible. If the hands of the apostle could heal, why not some of his personal effects? Paul, as we have said, was working at his occupation of tent making. In this work he would naturally wear an apron to protect his person and garments. Such aprons or coverings were eagerly sought by some to be carried to the sick that Paul had not time to visit. Strange to say, diseases were cured, and not only so, but by the use of such even evil spirits were cast out. We cannot imagine that this was done with the approval of the apostle.
733.
What was the school of Tyrannus?
734.
What suggestion of Ramsey seems to help in our understanding?
735.
How could all Asia hear the word with only one preacher?
736.
What does Revelation 1:4 and Colossians 1:2 have to do with Paul's work?
737.
What were the special miracles wrought by Paul? Why?
738.
How is it that the Ephesians used the aprons or handkerchiefs?
739.
Did these items really effect the cures? How?
740.
Show how the use of the aprons and handkerchiefs was not wise.
d.
Exorcists overcome by evil spirits. The name of the Lord magnified. Acts 19:13-20,
But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this.
And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and mastered both of them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, that dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.
And not a few of them that practised magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed.
Acts 19:13-16 That such efforts of healing were not, to say the least, wise can be seen from the effect that they had upon unbelievers. When word got around that the sick were being healed by proxy, it seemed to some that there must not be any limitations on the power of the name of this one whom Paul preached. Certain ideas came into the hearts of strolling Jews whose time and interest were taken up with nothing better than dabbling in the black arts. The participants in the particular incident described here were seven degenerate sons of one Sceva, who was, at one time at least, a high priest. Others had been using the name in a supernatural way saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. So two of the boys of Sceva (perhaps more but two are mentioned) hit upon a plan of casting out a demon which was quite unique. Their plan was to get the poor possessed man into a room and once there they could then rebuke the spirit and cast it out by their new power. But they were entirely unprepared for the results of their efforts. They had no sooner pronounced the magical formula than the evil spirit had a word to say in answer to them: Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye? Imagine the surprised look on the faces of the two young lads when they heard these words. And then their surprise turned to fright as the possessed man leaped upon them. Fight as they did he mastered them both. In the scuffle their clothes were torn and their bodies injured. There was only one thing to do and that was to get out of this room and escape from this madman. What a sight it must have presented to those who saw them fleeing from the house naked and wounded.
741.
Who were these strolling Jews? Who was Sceva?
742.
Why did these sons want to cast out a demon?
743.
What was the plan of these two sons in casting out a demon?
744.
When did surprise turn to fright?
745.
How was it that this incident with the two sons turned out to good?
746.
How was the death of Ananias and Sapphira a parallel for this case?
Acts 19:17 But the result was good. The news of the incident spread far and wide to both Jews and Greeks. When they heard of it fear fell upon them. The respect here given was evidently due to the fact that although Paul was very successful in casting out demons, yea, even the aprons and handkerchiefs of the apostle could do the same, yet when this power was at all mishandled, the power of its misuse was as great as its use. Hence the name of Jesus was magnified rather than degraded.
Acts 19:18-20 When Ananias and Sapphira were carried out to their graves for lying, fear came upon every soul. Of the rest of the church Luke says that they durst not join themselves to them, i.e. if there were some who were at all hypocritical like the two described, they made no effort at all to join themselves to them, fearing lest a similar fate befall them. The good accomplished here in Ephesus went far beyond that in Jerusalem. The positive good accomplished was that it brought the hypocrites out of hiding to come in a confession of their sins (See James 5:16). The fear of the consequences of pretending truly took hold of the hearts of these people. Oh, that it might be so today. To be specific, Luke tells us of $75,000 worth of books that were burned. What were these magical books? Perhaps that would best be held for a question of discussion, It would suffice to say that they were in direct opposition to The Way and were thus aligned in some fashion with the evil one,
e.
Paul's far reaching plans. Acts 19:21-22.
Now after these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
And having sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
Acts 19:21-22 Before we discuss Paul's future plans, it might be well to place before our minds the important thoughts that relate to this time in the chronology of events. First let us say that Paul was laying plans for a collection for the poor saints in Judea. With this in mind he had written a letter to the Corinthians instructing them concerning it. He mentions in his letter to the Corinthians that the Galatians and those of Macedonia were also to have a part in this collection. Some writers assume that the letter to the Galatians was written from Antioch before he left on the third journey.
747.
How did the good accomplished in Ephesus supersede that of Jerusalem?
748.
How is it that $75,000 went up in smoke?
749.
How does the collection for the poor saints of Judea fit into this narrative?
THEATER AT EPHESUS.
Ephesus, the capital of the province, was in a fertile district and stood partly on lowland and partly on the hills near the mouth of the Cayster. It had a fine harbor so that at the beginning of the Christian era it was the emporium of that part of the peninsula north of the Taurus. During the ages, however, its harbor became filled up with earth brought down by the river, and its great trade passed over to Smyrna. Besides the two great roads that led easterly there were coast roads, one leading northerly to Smyrna, the other southerly to Miletus. Ephesus was the center of the worship of Diana, a goddess similar to the Greek Artemis, who was worshiped under different names throughout Asia Minor. The manufacture of shrines of silver, marble, and terra cotta, used in the worship of this deity, was a lucrative business in Ephesus. (Acts 19:24-27.) Its temple of Diana was a grand specimen of Ionic architecture and was one of the seven wonders of the world. The length of the building was 425 feet, the breadth 220 feet, and its columns, of which there were 137, were sixty feet high, and six feet in diameter. The temple and its precincts were held most sacred and furnished safe asylum even to criminals. It was also used as a bank for the safekeeping of treasures. This great structure, like other portions of Ephesus, is now a mass of ruins. Paul made Ephesus one of his chief centers of missionary enterprise, Paul himself did not probably visit all the cities of the surrounding country where churches were established, but directed the work carried on by his various associates. The apostle John is said to have spent the closing years of his life in Ephesus.
Historical Geography of Bible Lands, pages 105-106.
Now as to Paul's plans. He had purposed in the spirit that he was to pass from Ephesus into Macedonia and Achaia taking up the collection, as we before stated. He planned also to winter in Corinth. And from thence to Jerusalem to take the offering to those in need. Then Paul says, I must also see Rome.
In writing to the Corinthians Paul stated that a great door is opened unto me and there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9). Because of the very promising work in Ephesus Paul decided to stay until Pentecost. Therefore he sent on ahead Timothy and Erastus. Erastus was the treasurer of the city of Corinth and Timothy was given the highest recommendation in the letter the apostle had already written to Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:7-11) also (Romans 16:23).
750.
When and from where was the book of Galatians written?
751.
What were the three places Paul purposed to visit upon leaving Ephesus?
752.
Give one fact of interest about Timothy and Erastus.
753.
What was meant by the effectual door?
f.
The riot of the silversmiths. Acts 19:23-41.
And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way.
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen;
whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this business we have our wealth.
And ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands:
and not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute; but also that the temple, of the great goddess Diana be made of no account, and that she should even be deposed from her magnificence whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
And when they heard this they were filled with wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And the city was filled with the confusion: and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel.
And when Paul was minded to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defence unto the people.
But when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And when the townclerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.
For ye have brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls: let them accuse one another.
But if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
For indeed we are in danger to be accused concerning this day's riot, there being no cause for it: and as touching it we shall not be able to give account of this concourse.
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
Acts 19:23-27 When Paul said there was an open door for the Word, he probably had reference to the good results from the Sceva incident. Further words concerning the many adversaries can be gained from reading 1 Corinthians 4:9-13.
An unexpected adversary arose to close the door of opportunity. It was not the Jews this time, but the vested interests of the town leaders. A certain rich man in the city found out what was causing his business to fall off so sharply. This man's name was Demetrius and his work was that of a silversmith. The main outlet for his work was in the little silver shrine and image that he made by the hundreds to be sold to the devotees of Diana, goddess of the Ephesians. Her great temple was located in the city. The reason these shrines were not selling like they once did was all centered in a certain wandering preacher named Paul. He was a preacher of faith in a God not made with hands. So successful were his efforts that all Asia was being influenced. This man Demetrius was a very candid speaker. Upon calling the silversmiths together, and those of like occupation, he made no apology for the statement that he was interested in their wealth first and the promotion of worship of Diana second. When you strike a man in his pocket-book you have struck a vital and sensitive spot.
1.
We are losing money.
2.
Paul's preaching is the cause of it.
3.
Therefore Paul's preaching must be stopped.
This was the reasoning of this craftsman. And besides that, he told the ever increasing crowd, it could be that even this temple of Diana (perhaps gesturing in the direction of it) could be made of no account. And then appealing to the popular mind, he laid the trap into which so many fall. He said in thought, Ten thousand Ephesians can-'t be wrong. The general popularity of the goddess is here given as a measure of correctness and truth.
754.
What was different about the adversary here in Ephesus?
755.
What angered Demetrius?
756.
How wide was the influence of Paul's preaching?
757.
What were the first and second interests of Demetrius?
758.
What was the trap laid by Demetrius?
Acts 19:28-34 The gathering called together by Demetrius occurred either in the street or in some place of public meeting. It wasn-'t long until they had the interest of most of the people of the city. In no time at all a great uncontrollable mob gathered. The word was thrown about that Paul and his preaching was the center of the objection. Two of Paul's companions were seized upon by some of the mob. Now the whole vast howling throng rushed into the immense amphitheatre. (It still stands to this day.) By this time Paul heard of the trouble and had ascertained the cause. He was about to enter in among the crowd and reveal himself to them and to speak to this gathering. He had spoken to mobs before. But the Christians in Ephesus who were with Paul saw the utter futility of such effort and hence strongly entreated the apostle that he not attempt it. Then a rather unusual word is given concerning this critical decision:
And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
Who were these men? What influence would they have over Paul? In answer to this we quote again from Cuningham Geikie, Hours with the Bible, Vol. III, pages 98-99:
The provinces of Asia Minor had officials of high rank, named after their province. Bythyniarchs, Galatarchs, Lyciarchs, or in -Asia-', Asiarchs, who were presidents of the sacred rites, and of the public games and theatrical amusements, exhibited yearly in honour of the gods and of the emperors, providing for the vast outlay solely at their private expense. One was chosen each year, but those of past years were still associated, through courtesy, with him, or at least retained the great liberality implied in their office. So wide had the influence of Paul become by this time that some of these high dignitaries were friendly to him, and sent, beseeching him not to venture into the theatre; knowing, perhaps, his fearlessness and valuing his safety.
This theatre held no less than 5,000 and by the time it was reasonably full of people, all shouting their devotion to Diana, the place indeed was in confusion. As new persons came into this place and inquired as to why such a meeting was being held, some cried one thing and some another,. and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Some in this multitude felt that a defense must be made for the Jews, the thought being that just because this man Paul was a Jew there was no reason to blame the Jews as a race. The one the Jews selected to make this defense was one of their number called Alexander. He was evidently recognized as a speaker of some ability. He was hurried through the crowd to a place where all could see him. When lifted up before the multitude, Alexander waved his hands for quietness and they seemed to give heed to him, at least for the momentbut then someone cried out, He's a Jew. Down with him! Great is Diana of the Ephesians. The multitude caught up the word and so by the space of two hours there was an incessant cry from this vast crowd, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Thus was this effort on the part of the Jews frustrated.
759.
Where was the place of meeting for the gathering of Demetrius?
760.
Why seize Gaius and Aristarchus?
761.
Why did Paul want to enter into the crowd? Why prevented?
762.
Who were the Asiarchs and what influence would they have over the apostle? Why not ask the Holy Spirit?
763.
Why was the assembly in confusion?
764.
Why the attempted speech of Alexander?
765.
How did the town clerk select an expedient time to speak?
Acts 19:35-41 When the mob had about exhausted itself emotionally and physically, (cf. p. 164) a dignitary who commanded respect appeared on the scene; the town clerkan official who had charge of the municipal archives, official documents, and had the duty of reading them out to the town assemblies. This man was accustomed to addressing crowds, and besides this he had authority behind what he said. To give this man trouble would be to bring the rough Imperial law down on their heads. So it was that when he stood in a place to be seen and heard the great crowd was hushed and they gave heed to what he was about to say.
What a wonderfully clever speech is this of the town clerk. He surely understood the crowd and the need. Notice his procedure.
1.
There was a need to satisfy their religious pride.
So the town clerk says: Why are you acting as you are? Who is there that doesn-'t know of the position of Ephesus and Diana? The fame of Diana is spread throughout the whole world. Why, everyone has heard of the image which has fallen down from Jupiter-Seeing then that these things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet and do nothing rash-'.
2.
There was a need for many to understand the charges being made against Gaius and Aristarchuswere they guilty or not guilty?
So the town clerk mentions two things concerning Diana of which these men are not guilty.
a.
They never robbed our temples.
b.
They never blasphemed our goddess.
The town clerk was careful not to speak of what they had done, or to meet the issue as to what Paul had done.
3.
There was a need for a solution to the grievance of Demetrius and the craftsmen.
So the town clerk reminded all, and Demetrius in particular, that the regular courts were open and there were proconsuls to act as judges in the case. This procedure was for a local offenseto be handled by the courts of Ephesus. The clerk goes further to explain that if they had a matter that entered into the realm of Imperial jurisdiction, it would be settled in the regular gathering of that court which met three times a month.
4.
Above everything else there was a need that the mob be quieted down and dispersed.
To this end all the previous remarks were directed. And they had their effect. Now the town clerk could press upon them the conclusion that he had hinted at previously.
Since (notice the pronoun) we have no good reason for this wild gathering, if we were called into account for it before the Roman authorities, we would have no defense to make. Should the authorities accuse us of riot, we would be in a serious position. His words were so well received by all that when he dismissed the assembly they all dispersed and went home.
766.
Why give heed to the town clerk?
767.
How was the need for the satisfaction of religious pride met?
768.
How did the town clerk side-step the guilt of Paul and his companions?
769.
How was the grievance of Demetrius going to be settled? What were the two courts?
770.
How was the mob to be dismissed? Why the change of pronouns?
4.
AT TROAS. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13.
2 Corinthians 2:12-13 Although not mentioned in the book of Acts, the visit to Troas mentioned here in II Corinthians must have occurred right after he left Ephesus. Here are the reasons I say this: Because of the writing of the epistle of I Corinthians. He evidently wrote the first epistle to the Corinthians from Ephesus while he was yet laboring there. He had received the sad news in Ephesus of the problems that existed in the church at Corinth. To solve these problems he wrote this first epistle to the Corinthians. He sent it by the hand of Titus. Paul fully expected the return of Titus to Ephesus before he left but he did not come. When at last it became imperative that Paul leave Ephesus, he went out from the city looking for Titus on the way. Oh, how the apostle longed to meet Titus that he might know how his strong corrective epistle was received. With these thoughts in mind you can understand clearly the words of 2 Corinthians 2:12-13. Paul thought that surely he would meet Titus in Troas. But when Paul arrived he found not Titus. What a disappointment. No relief of spirit. Although there was an open door in Troas to preach the word he could not enter it because of this weight upon his heart. This need seemed to demand immediate action and solution. So bidding the brethren in Troas a fond farewell he pressed on into Macedonia looking anxiously for Titus my brother.
771.
Why say that the meeting of Titus in Troas must have occurred at this time?
772.
Was it wrong for Paul not to enter the open door for the Word here at Troas?