Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 19
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 31 Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 31 Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
Commentary:
19:28 Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Civic and religious pride were the decisive factors provoking the riot.
19:29 The Ephesian theater had a capacity of about 12,000 in Paul’s time and was the place of assembly for the regular town business meetings. Apparently Gaius and Aristarchus were eventually released, since Aristarchus reappears later as Paul’s frequent companion (see 20:4; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Philem. 24).
19:30 As the main focus of the riot, Paul was in mortal danger, and his fellow Christians were right to hold him back.
19:31 The Asiarchs were the keepers of the imperial Roman cult in Asia; they were of high rank and were concerned about the safety of their fellow citizen Paul. Many inscriptions testify to the use of the title Asiarch during this time (see also Strabo, Geography 14.1.42).
19:29 The Ephesian theater had a capacity of about 12,000 in Paul’s time and was the place of assembly for the regular town business meetings. Apparently Gaius and Aristarchus were eventually released, since Aristarchus reappears later as Paul’s frequent companion (see 20:4; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Philem. 24).
19:30 As the main focus of the riot, Paul was in mortal danger, and his fellow Christians were right to hold him back.
19:31 The Asiarchs were the keepers of the imperial Roman cult in Asia; they were of high rank and were concerned about the safety of their fellow citizen Paul. Many inscriptions testify to the use of the title Asiarch during this time (see also Strabo, Geography 14.1.42).
Questions:
- Demetrius got the people all riled up and angry at Paul and his message. An angry mob dragged Paul's companions into the amphitheater. Paul wanted to go in as well, but his friends begged him not to go in because his life would be in danger. He is so compelled by the Spirit to preach the gospel, whatever the cost, that he is willing to risk his life to do it! To Paul, the gospel is worthy of his very life! Have you ever risked something for the gospel?
- When we're talking about whether or not we are willing to risk something for the gospel, here's a good place to start... Are you willing to risk convenience? Embarrassment? Your reputation? A relationship? If not, there's a pretty good chance that you wouldn't risk your safety, much less your life! What all are you willing to risk for the sake of the gospel?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would follow Paul's example and stand ready to risk it all for the sake of the gospel.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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