BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Christianity in Paul’s day looked nothing like a religion. Christians had no idols, no temples, and no ritual sacrifices. In fact, when someone followed Jesus and stopped worshiping the gods, they seemed rebellious and irreligious.

To abandon the gods was to lose protection from the guardians of daily life and public safety. Doing that was like betrayal—seen as inviting punishment from the gods upon their family, their city, and even the empire itself. Worshiping Jesus wasn’t just weird. Outsiders saw it as endangering their entire world.

So when the Gospel reaches Ephesus, it creates a powder keg of public anxiety. Then the city’s silversmiths, worried about the threat to their idol-crafting business, ignite the Ephesians’ fears into an explosive riot. For two hours, the people scream praises to Artemis, their so-called creator goddess. Finally, the crowd calms. But mob violence continues to threaten Paul and his friends with intense suffering. You’ll see in today’s video how Paul views his suffering as a way of participating in Jesus’ suffering.

Luke (the author) cleverly includes other ways Paul’s ministry parallels Jesus. Notice in today’s reading how Paul touches handkerchiefs with healing power, recalling the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:21-34). And a violent demon knows Jesus and Paul, but not the exorcists invoking its name. Paul, like Jesus, even raises the dead. With these details, Luke communicates that lives committed to Jesus end up looking like Jesus’ own life.

After a tender farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul sets course for Jerusalem. Paul’s commitment to Jesus takes him back to the city where Jesus was killed and where people want Paul dead. What will happen when the light of the Gospel takes on the darkness of evil and murderous motives?

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on Jeremiah 23:1-8 and John 10. How might these passages help you understand what it looks like for the leaders of the church to “shepherd” their flock?
• Take a moment to review Joel 2:28-32, which Peter quoted in his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:14-36). Where do you see God pouring out the Spirit and displaying signs and wonders in today’s reading? How might Luke’s use of Joel’s prophecy about restoration and the Day of the Lord help you understand the literary design of Acts?