Acts 19:23-41
The account of the silversmiths getting the city riled up contains real drama in a grand scale. We find that Paul once again wanted to face the mob with no thought to his personal safety. He wanted to continue to make the case for Christianity with the mob.
The silversmiths had their incomes threatened by the Christians. They claimed that they were defending the honor of their goddess, Artimas. Their livelihood depended on making shrines for the goddess for the tourists as souvenirs and religious icons.
The town clerk is concerned that the Roman government would construe the gathering without a clearly defined purpose was a riot threatening his job. The Romans were pretty easy to get along with until it came to civil disobedience. If they heard about any civil disobedience, they would demand to know why the disturbance happened and they would dismiss anyone they felt did not do their job to avert the disturbance.
The town clerk calmed the crowd, reminded them of the consequences with the Romans for their actions, and then dismissed them. His goal was peace to save his own skin.
Questions to think of this week: How much do we rely on or follow the Bible studies of others? What is your vision for Christianity on our society?
Have a Great Week!
Brad
