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”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-eight of the book of Acts Luke shared how the town clerk said, “if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open” where we read:
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.
The verse begins, “Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, ...” Luke began with the words, “wherefore if Demetrius” which means “then, therefore, consequently and on this account whether and in case Demetrius whose name means belonging to Ceres who was a heathen silversmith at Ephesus”, “and the craftsmen” or “and the fellow artificers and builders” “which are with him” which means “who exist alongside Demetrius”, “have a matter against any man” or “hold, own and possess an act, speech or dictum in opposition to a certain or particular person whether male or female” let them know the following. Luke shared how the “town clerk” of Ephesus told the people whether “Demetrius” and his fellow artificers possess an act or dictum in opposition to “any” person, they should resort to the following with them.
The verse goes on to say, “... the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.” Luke continued with the words, “the law is open” which means “the assembly suited for forensic speaking and business-like transactions is available”, “and there are deputies” or “and there exist proconsuls and high officers”: “let them implead one another” which means “allow and permit Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen come forward with charges as accusers against their adversaries”. Luke shared how the “mayor” of “Ephesus” reminded the people that the “courts” were available for “Demetrius and his fellow artificers” to bring a case against “Paul, Gaius, Aristarchus” and those who were promoting the gospel.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “town clerk” of Ephesus reminded the people that “courts” were open to bring “civil cases” against others who were their adversaries. He knew there was no criminal act “Paul” and those with him committed against “Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen”, so this “matter” needed to be brought to “civil court”. We should keep in mind that God Almighty knew opposition would come to His gospel of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, and now, once again, it was being manifested before “Paul” and the others with him. God loves people, and His offer of forgiveness of sins and eternal life is available to everyone who believes and trusts in Him. Jesus died on the cross as a manifestation of His love toward humanity, and without regard to opposition which is certain to come, those who are wise submit to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words “Come to Jesus” and believe.
Next time Luke shares how the town clerk says, “if you inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful 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".
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