Luke the beloved physician wrote how Demetrius, a silversmith, caused “no small stir” saying that “Paul has persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:” This caused a great commotion in the city of Ephesus among the people, “And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said, You men of Ephesus, what man is there that knows not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshiper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter. Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For you have brought here these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if you inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly”, and in chapter nineteen and verse forty of the book of Acts Luke shared how the town clerk said, “we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar” where we read:
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar,
there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
The verse begins, “For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, ...” Luke began with the words, “for we are in danger” which means “because, since and on account that we, the people in Ephesus, exist as in jeopardy and peril” “to be called in question” or “to be accused and charged” “for this day's uproar” which means “because of the insurrection and strife they were participating in on that day”. Luke shared how the “town clerk” told the people they were in “jeopardy and peril” of being accused of “insurrection” for gathering the way they did that “day”.
The verse goes on to say, “... there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.” Luke continued with the words, “there being no cause” which means “there existing not one reason, crime or offense” “whereby we may give an account” or “in which we, the people of Ephesus, might produce, render and requite” “of this concourse” which means “because of the coalition, conspiracy and riotous crowd that assembled”. Luke shared how the “town clerk” told the people who gathered in Ephesus they had no “reason” to give anyone who questioned them for their riotous assembly.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “town clerk” or “mayor” of “Ephesus” was concerned that there was no legitimate reason for the people to have gathered together in their riotous ways. Unlawful assemblies were not allowed by the Roman government, and those who permitted them would be subject to whatever charge they brought against them. The “mayor” knew this and warned the people about this rule. All these things were known by God the Father in advance, and because His “gospel” was to be extended to the whole world, there was certain to be opposition from people and spiritual wickedness along the way. Let all who consider these words “come to Jesus” and believe.
Next time Luke shares how the town clerk, “dismissed the assembly”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
No comments:
Post a Comment