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by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 19, we have been studying the various consequences of Paul' s powerful ministry in Ephesus. At verse 34, we read of an uproar, as people shouted and chanted slogans for some two hours. When people's pockets are touched they invariably react angrily. Ask a religious person to tithe, before he is a disciple of Jesus Christ, and he will rise up in anger. Once a man is born again, then he is in a position to submit to the truth of the word of God - and only then.
As long as 'religion' remains within a building, or private and quiet and so intimately personal, people will tolerate it and smile at you. But when the power of Jesus Christ flows from peoples' lives and challenges sinful society in the same way as Jesus did - and makes us examine our morals - and touches our wallets - then we can expect similar waves of opposition.
In 1 Corinthians 15:32 - Paul describes this very incident, and says it was like fighting a pack of wild beasts.
Verse 35. The town clerk quietened the crowd and sought to dismiss and disperse this rabble - this violent demonstration. God uses the town clerk to keep His servant safe.
Paul had a holy boldness - the rioters here appear so violent - and God chooses to use someone else - someone who could subdue and quieten these people.
As a consequence of preaching and teaching The Word of God - and allowing it to have an affect upon men and women - riots and disorder can arise and result - as sinners react positively - and negatively.
Disciples of Jesus must always be law-abiding, even though they will be accused of causing unrest and disorder.
Verse 38. If you have a legitimate grievance - it can be settled in the courts - in the proper place.
Chapter 20 verse 1. The uproar ceased, and the Christian Fellowship could now be left in a degree of safety and peace. And Paul, knowing he was in the will of God, now moves on.
Before he takes his leave of them, look at how he shows his real love and compassion for these disciples of Jesus, who were in a hot spot at that time. His concern is deep. He cared for those whom he had taught and shepherded and in one sense had got into a lot of trouble - out of sin, but into trouble, with certain factions of society.
When we are in The Will of God - when our faith and trust is in Jesus Christ - when we are moving in the power of the Holy Spirit - we become very aware that even in the darkest moments, Jesus is in control. It is Jesus Who had the whole situation in His Hands - perhaps not in the way we would have liked Him to do things - but His Way.
Now and again the troublemakers around us cease, and for a season the troublemakers are silenced.
Paul had been with these dear disciples of Jesus for two years - and through his ministry they had come to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and King. They had been filled with the anointing power of the Holy Spirit. Many had been healed of sicknesses and diseases and they had been delivered from evil spirits.
They had been led from darkness into light - the light of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God - the Messiah. And, as they were shining for Jesus, they were experiencing something of the cost of taking up the Cross of Jesus Christ. We must never forget that aspect of our faith.
Just looking back over this Chapter we see - opposition to the message - supernatural blessings and battles - civic disturbances - and Paul's emphasis on teaching those who had been fully birthed into the Kingdom of God.
It is comparatively easy to pray for Revival or Renewal, but when God answers our prayers and moves in these ways, some people will go wild with rage and rise up and fight.
It was in the light of this that I thought of these words in Ephesians 6:10 - Be strong - put on the whole armour of God - so that YOU can take your stand. Armour is not for going to bed - but for battle. Armour is not for a party - but for warfare.
The belt of truth - the breastplate of righteousness - the Gospel of peace - the shield of faith - the helmet of salvation - take the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God - and STAND - stand by it - stand on it - stand for it - STAND.
On he goes. As far as we know Paul was never able to re-visit Ephesus, but he was so concerned for these folks, that he does arrange a meeting with the leadership of the Ephesian Fellowship, where he pours out his heart and speaks to these men of God what men of God today so need to hear.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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