Paul’s response

Upon hearing Demetrius’s speech, the craftsmen and tradesmen became furious. On top of that, the crowd also joined in the uproar. “When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began shouting, saying, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s Macedonian traveling companions.” (1) Let’s consider the reasons why this turned into such a commotion. (a) Ephesus’s economy was already in decline, making people more susceptible to agitation. The port of Ephesus was deteriorating. (b) The Temple of Artemis was the pride of the citizens of Ephesus, and that pride had been wounded. (c) Those causing the riot did not even know what the issue was. They were simply caught up in the commotion. This is a classic example of crowd psychology. (d) Since Paul was absent, his companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Macedonians, were seized. Aristarchus was from Thessalonica (ref. Acts 20:4). (2) The agitators led the mob from Arcadian Way to the theater. Today, the ruins of Arcadian Way and the theater have been excavated. This theater is the largest in Asia, with a semicircular design and a capacity of 50,000 people. “And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent word to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.” (1) Paul was in a different location, so he was not captured. His desire to go into the mob was driven by his intent to save his fellow workers and to use this opportunity for evangelism. (2) The believers, sensing the danger, did not allow Paul to enter the mob. (3) “Asiarchs,” in Greek is “Asiarches,” are officials of the province. This office was established to oversee the political and religious affairs of the city. Several of these officials were also friends of Paul (the fact that the Asiarchs were his friends could serve as valuable evidence in a legal trial). They too, urged Paul not to enter into the theatre. God ensured Paul’s safety through: (1) his friends, (2) the officials of the province, and (3) the town clerk (to be addressed later). These individuals are evidence of God’s protection even in trials. God promises us not “freedom from trials,” but “peace in the midst of trials.” Blessed are those who see God’s protective hand in the midst of trials.