Acts 19:21-41

• The uttermost parts of the earth
  • In Ephesus
    • Making future plans (Acts 19:21-22)
      • Paul had been in Ephesus for about 2.5 years
      • The work was well established so he was making plans for his next area of ministry
      • Visit churches in Macedonia and Achaia, especially the prominent cities of Philippa and Corinth
    • The advance team
      • Timothy who had been there with Paul previously
      • Erastus who was a treasurer. He was going as they planned to accept offerings for the needy in Jerusalem
      • Paul remained in Ephesus
  • Riots in the city (Acts 19:23-41)
    • The stated problem (Acts 19:23-27)
      • The loss of lucrative business
        • Tourism was a significant source of income.
        • People came to visit the magnificent temple of the goddess Diana
        • The silversmiths made small shrines of the temple and goddess which brought significant business
      • This is a testimony of the success of Paul’s missionary work
      • The appeal by Demetrius (Acts 19:27)
        • Their trades as silversmiths were in danger
        • The goddess would lose stature
        • The temple would become nothing
      • Mass confusion (Acts 19:28-32)
        • Paul’s companions were grabbed (Acts 19:29)
        • Paul’s attempt to appear (Acts 19:30-31)
        • Alexander becomes a spokesperson for the Jews
          • Jews wanted to distance themselves from Paul
          • They wished to avoid the blame for the riot
          • The crowd would not hear him
      • The town clerk quiets the crowd (Acts 19:35-41)
        • It was important to Rome to keep the Mediterranean area peaceful
        • The Empire carried strict discipline on people
        • Anyone caught rioting was in danger of losing their freedom
        • The missionary team had done nothing against the temple or Diana
        • No charges were brought
        • Let the courts settle any disputes
      • Paul leaves the city (Acts 20:1)
        • Paul had intended to leave Ephesus
        • The riot made clear his effective work was accomplished
        • Paul encourages the saints who remain
        • Paul continues on his journey

It is proper and good for us to have both short-term and long-term goals. Paul had the long range of this total trip; the intermediate step of the churches and cities he intended on visiting and the short-term stay in Ephesus.

God often uses events to provide directions for His people to take. The riot became a sign it was time to move on.

The Holy Spirit ultimately guides us in both what to do and where to go.