God’s Strengthening Word: Putting Faith Into Actionಮಾದರಿ

Introduction

Acts 19:21–41: Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus who made silver models of the temple of the goddess Artemis, sees his business, along with the economy of the city, threatened and undermined by Paul’s teachings. He stirs up opposition to Paul’s evangelizing work, and a city clerk is finally able to subdue the noisy crowd.

Today’s Key Verse: Acts 19:30 GNT

Paul himself wanted to go before the crowd, but the believers would not let him.

Reflect

Ephesus was an official imperial center for the worship of Artemis, and its huge temple of Artemis was one of the wonders of the ancient world. What did Demetrius say to the other silversmiths? How would you describe the behavior exhibited by the mob? What did the city clerk say to calm the crowd? What can be learned from the way the city clerk handled the situation?

Pray

Gracious God, when tensions and conflicts arise, may your spirit of wisdom and understanding prevail so that peaceful resolutions can be sought. Thank you for your Holy Word that guides us in the way of your truth. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Acts 20:1–16: Paul leaves Ephesus and goes to Macedonia and Greece.