“21 When these events were over, Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well!” 22 So after sending two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

23 During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods! 27 So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin — the very one all of Asia and the world adore.”

28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 30 Though Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to take a chance by going into the amphitheater. 32 Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Then some of the crowd gave Alexander advice when the Jews pushed him to the front. So motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a united cry went up from all of them for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35 However, when the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “Men of Ephesus! What man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple guardian of the great Artemis, and of the image that fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our goddess. 38 So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you want something else, it must be decided in a legal assembly. 40 In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disorderly gathering.” 41 After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.”

Acts 19:21-41

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Solomon was right when he said there was nothing new under the sun. Looking back at this account, and looking at the world today, we see the same responses to the Gospel from those whose eyes and hearts are darkened by the world. This infantile methodology of getting loud, stirring people up to anger and creating a mob mentality is an age old tactic that still finds a lot of use today. Just look at the news. Find a special interest group that stands opposed to Christian morality & ethics and see how they respond when threatened. They cannot stand the light of the truth to touch them or the lies they live within, and so they lash out. They get angry, they pull crowds together, most of whom don’t really understand what’s actually going on, just like we find here in verse 32. 

As Christians, we need to be accustomed to this tactic and remain calm & rational. We wouldn’t yell at an infant who is crying and doesn’t understand why things are the way they are & so we must treat these people who yell & scream & throw tenatrums like children & infants. Don’t be surprised at what they do. Don’t be shocked at their response. It is 100% typical for those who live in darkness. Look at how Islamic terroists like ISIS respond. Look at how the Planned Parenthood crowd is acting with the release of these damning videos. Look at your co-worker who likes to get in arguments over religion. The enemy has a playbook that he likes to resort to, and we must be ready to confront and respond to him & his agents in a way that still models and reflects God. We can be firm. We can stand our ground, but we don’t play by their rules.  

Notice that Paul’s companions simply stand there. Alexander raises his hand to speak, but they won’t listen to him. There was nothing that could have been said in that moment that would have been helpful, and so they just rode it out. The wisdom required to properly handle these situations comes from God. We have to learn to trust in Him, and trust Him to lead us. We must also trust in His timing, which can be difficult. 

But God provides the proper way, place and time for His Word to be communicated properly. Screaming responses in the midst of the world’s temper tantrum is not always the best time. Sometimes the wisest decision in the moment is to remain silent until a later time. Pray before these situations are likely to happen. Pray during them and pray afterward. Let God be honored before your ego & keep your pride in check by seeking to honor Him above your need to be heard or feel justified. Again, that is a struggle, but we must point toward Christ and not toward self. That is what it means to GoLove others in His Name, that we would remain true to the Gospel message, and not some personal agenda. Be a faithful witness of the truth with a rational voice and a heart that honors God no matter what the world may try to do to throw you off course. Be faithful.