The beloved physician Luke 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”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-seven of the book of Acts Luke shared how the town clerk says, “you have brought here these men” where we read:
For you have brought here these men, which are neither robbers of churches,
nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
The verse begins, “For you have brought here these men, which are neither robbers of churches, ...” Luke began with the words, “for you have brought here these men” which means “because, since and on account that you, people of Ephesus, have carried and led to this location and place these male human beings”, “which are neither robbers” or “who do not exist as despoilers or thieves who create sacrilege” “of churches” which means “pertaining to temples of gods and goddesses”. Luke shared how the “town clerk” referred to how the people “led” the men, “Gaius and Aristarchus”, to the assembly place who were not despoiling, stealing or creating sacrilege within the “temples”.
The verse continues, “... nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.” Luke added the words, “nor yet blasphemers” which means “and neither and not in any way reproachful, railers, revilers or calumniators” “of your goddess” or “pertaining to your, people of Ephesus', female deity”. Luke shared how the “town clerk” also said the men, “Gaius and Aristarchus”, were not revilers or ones who reproached their “goddess Diana”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we see how the “town clerk” or “mayor” of Ephesus referred to way the people of the city led “Gaius and Aristarchus” to their assembly even though they were not “malefactors” against “Diana's” temple nor speaking reproachfully against her. In other words, there was not a “criminal” charge to be held against them. God loves people, and His desire is to provide them with forgiveness of sins and everlasting life through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus. When people yield themselves to Jesus, they may face opposition like this, but even those who rise against them may have a relationship with God when they submit to Him. Those who carefully examine the words of this “mayor” will find his premise should lead all who read his words to surrender to Jesus who loves them.
Next time Luke shares how the town clerk says, “if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open”, 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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