The Impact of the Gospel and Opposition at Ephesus The Impact of the Gospel and Opposition at Ephesus Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [37] Acts 19:21-41 December 2, 2012 Pastor Paul K. Kim

21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. (vs )

* Source: ESV Study Bible Online ( PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY * Source: ESV Study Bible Online (

PAUL’S PLANS: MACEDONIA, ACHAIA, JERUSALEM... AND ROME IN HIS MIND The reason for Macedonia and Achaia: to collect their financial contribution for the Jerusalem church suffering in famine.

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

PAUL’S PLANS: MACEDONIA, ACHAIA, JERUSALEM... AND ROME IN HIS MIND The reason for Macedonia and Achaia: to collect their financial contribution for the Jerusalem church suffering in famine. The reason for Jerusalem: to deliver the collected offerings to the Jerusalem church. The reason for Rome: to strengthen the church and to preach the gospel.

24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. Romans 15:24-29

PAUL’S PLANS: MACEDONIA, ACHAIA, JERUSALEM... AND ROME IN HIS MIND The reason for Macedonia and Achaia: to collect their financial contribution for the Jerusalem church suffering in famine. The reason for Jerusalem: to deliver the collected offerings to the Jerusalem church. The reason for Rome: to strengthen the church and to preach the gospel. Two underlying motives for Paul’s plans: (1) the unity of the church and (2) the ambition to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named yet (the end of the earth = Spain via Rome).

WHAT DOES THE RIOT AT EPHESUS TEACH US ABOUT TRUE GOSPEL? 1) True gospel affects the community at the root level (vs ). 23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods.

WHAT DOES THE RIOT AT EPHESUS TEACH US ABOUT TRUE GOSPEL? 1) True gospel affects the community at the root level (vs ). 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” (vs )  True gospel [True Christianity] has the power to change not only individuals but the whole surrounding community.  The primary cause for this riot was (1) economical, but also (2) political, (3) stirring of civil/religious pride & patriotism.  In our community, our primary role is to live out this true gospel from the inside out and in turn, our own transformation will transform the community.

WHAT DOES THE RIOT AT EPHESUS TEACH US ABOUT TRUE GOSPEL? 2) True gospel often faces opposition from the world (vs ). 28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater.

WHAT DOES THE RIOT AT EPHESUS TEACH US ABOUT TRUE GOSPEL? 2) True gospel often faces opposition from the world (vs ). 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (vs.28-34)  True gospel is like salt—it stings the conscience of a society and reveals where the moral decay happens.  Paul’s gospel transformed the whole province of Asia, thus the silversmith guild felt threatened and the city-wide opposition was intensified as a result.  In sharing and living out the true gospel, we are also to be ready for opposition with the discernment and wisdom.

WHAT DOES THE RIOT AT EPHESUS TEACH US ABOUT TRUE GOSPEL? 3) True gospel is counter-cultural, not anti-cultural (vs ). 35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess.

WHAT DOES THE RIOT AT EPHESUS TEACH US ABOUT TRUE GOSPEL? 3) True gospel is counter-cultural, not anti-cultural (vs ). 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. (vs )  It was counter-cultural at Ephesus—i.e., decrease of sales of the miniature idol/temple—but it was NOT anti-cultural.  The city clerk (a non-Christian) revealed this truth logically— i.e., that Paul’s gospel didn’t violate the Romans law.  The key balance we must carry is this: In saltiness of radical difference as Christ-followers, we are also to be respectful and submissive to the civil authorities and local culture.

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.How can I become passionate about what God desires for the church and the world (like Apostle Paul)? 1.What must be changed in me to live out the true counter- cultural gospel that impacts the world around me? 1.How do I become more ready for potential oppositions from the world?