EPHESUS: CITY OF IDOLATRY AND MAGIC
6. Paul stayed in Ephesus over two years (19:8,10). Not only was the gospel turning people to Christ (19:20), God was working mighty signs to confirm the message Paul proclaimed about Christ (19:12). The power of Christ, acknowledged even by evil spirits focused attention on the gospel (19:13-17). More and more people turned to God and away from astrology, magic arts and the like (19:18-20). It was about this time that the gospel came into conflict with the shrine-makers and Paul was in trouble again. These men began to lose money (19:23-25).
7. The temple of Artemis (Diana) had been one of the world's wonders. About 300 years earlier, Alexander the Great wanted his name written on one of the pillars. He offered to underwrite all the expenses connected with the temple's repair and upkeep but the city fathers turned him down. The "mightiest man in the world" could not get his name on a marble pillar of a heathen goddess. Paul will write to slaves, clerks, merchants and the like at Ephesus and tell them they are the temple of the living God (Eph 2:22). The ugly idol of Artemis might sit on a stone building but the living Lord dwelled in these his People. The honour God gave these Ephesian Christians outshone all that heathenism could offer it's devotees or deny to its conquerors.
8. A riot broke out but Paul and his companions were saved by a level-headed townclerk (19:29-41). Paul left Ephesus, passed through Macedonia on his way to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost (20:1-16), and spoke to the Ephesian elders in Miletus (20:17). He then sailed for Syria, arrived at Tyre and went on to Caesarea where he spent several days with Philip (21:8). Here was one of the men Saul (Paul) had persecuted. This was a man with an open heart. He was the first to open the door to the "half-breeds and heretics" known as Samaritans. He was the one who preached to a eunuch! Now we have him showing warmth and hospitality to an old enemy. It's wonderful what God can do to and in men!
FROM JERUSALEM ON TO ROME
9. He arrived in Jerusalem and gladly forfeited his rights in order to remove a needless offence to the gospel. He takes on the financial responsibilities of some men who have undertaken vows and now need to offer sacrifice to end them (21:22-26). Unbelieving Jews, refusing to accept his manifest respect for the law and the temple, turn it into an accusation (21:27-31). He is rescued by a Roman tribune and allowed to make his speech (21:33, 40). Paul tells his story (and will do so again in chapter 26—see Lesson 5). Further unrest follows and the tribune holds Paul (whom he now knows to be a Roman citizen—22:25-29) until the Sanhedrin can convene. Paul addresses the council (23:1-8) but an uproar ensues and the soldier takes Paul into protective custody.