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Paul and the Riot in Ephesus
Paul's teaching in Ephesus which spread throughout the province of Asia was clearly against idolatry. In the words of Demetrius, who provoked the riot in Ephesus, Paul taught that gods made by human hands are no gods at all (Acts 19:26).
However, when the secretary finally calms the crowd, he can affirm, without being contradicted, that Paul and his associates have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess (Acts 19:37).
They had been able to communicate a clear message without directly offending the sensibilities of those who considered themselves "the guardians of the temple" of Diana. Demetrius was offended for personal reasons, related to trade and loss of income, not religious devotion.
Following Paul's example, we should focus on proclaiming the truth rather than challenging different expressions of error. An individual with an open heart will come to understand, for instance, the incompatibility between the worship of God the Creator and the depictions of His creations or creatures.
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About this Plan
Sharing the Gospel message today is challenging due to several obstacles. We are accused of being intolerant when the message hurts people's feelings, condemns certain attitudes and actions, and talks about sin. When we want to declare the truth, we risk being conditioned to soften the edges of the Gospel. Jesus is considered a defender of tolerance, while evangelicals are labeled as bigots and intolerant! What steps can we take to be faithful and effective witnesses today? Let’s learn from the examples of Jesus and Paul found in the New Testament.
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