(vs23-27) “ And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: ‘Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship."
We go against insurmountable obstacles as we preach the word, but we have a greater power than the reasonings and deceitfulness of men . There is a Christ who saves, who has greater power than the world (vs23-27). We read, “all Asia and the world worship”, at that time, the phony Goddess Diana, but Paul helped plant a church there at Ephesus!
On our own, the world is too strong for us, and it must perish in sin. In the gospel, however, God works. He gives life to dead sinners, and He gives HOPE to hopeless situations. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).
Look at yourself. Do you think that you deserve to be saved? Is there any goodness in you that would have received Christ? No? Then why do we let the obstacles stop us? Someone said that preaching the gospel to the world is “heavy lifting”, and it is. Paul says that he labored according to the power of God in him (Col 1:23). Therefore, since the task won’t change or become easy, let us GO to Calvary for the strength to continue. Preach the gospel with an eye to God, rather than man.
Secondly, thank God for law and order, justice in the kingdom, and Him ruling all things ultimately (vs28-35). The city officer in Ephesus said, “Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.’ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
It was a madhouse, but amidst this DISORDER, God gave sufficient order and protection to His people, and He will do so in the End. There will be a Day of reckoning, when everyone’s deeds will be exposed. In this Day, the righteous will be fully exonerated, no matter how much evil was done to us here. We can rest assured that RIGHTEOUSNESS is the only path that we need to tread, and it shall be well with us. “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him” (Eccl 8:12). We never need to question the end result of doing right.
When confused and downcast, just know that you are in the Way, and suddenly, even your enemies will be at peace with you (Prov 16:7). Suddenly, and very soon, all the clamor against you will stop. Satan will afflict no more, sinners will oppress no longer, and you will enter Paradise.
Finally, thank God for the comfort (Acts 20:1-12)! “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus (‘Fortunate’), who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, ’Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.’ Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.”
Amidst the warfare of sin - the evil within and the evil without - we have victories in Christ, souls that are restored and sinners that are saved. Our way is HARD, and anyone promising you Easy Street as a Christian is not wise. The doctrine is HARD on the flesh, people will hate you, and your results will be disappointing in so many ways. But, God knows our frame, and He gives us help along the way, as we see others come to truth, others strengthened, and He uses our hand. “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building” (1 Cor 3:9). Everyone is a minister, and as God blesses our prayers for the family and the Church, as He gives grace to a hell-worthy sinner, He shows us the goodness and refreshment that we need.
Soon, we’ll be in heaven, face to face with Christ, and comfort will be total and eternal. For now, amidst the warfare with sin, we get genuine comfort. God does us and OTHERS undeserved goodness, as He forgives and strengthens, as He gives grace and repentance.
You have heard this gospel. Cast yourself upon Christ for peace.
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