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. 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”, and in chapter nineteen and verse forty-one of the book of Acts Luke shared how the town clerk, “dismissed the assembly” where we read:
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
The verse begins, “And when he had thus spoken, ...” Luke began with the words, “and when” which means “and at the time and moment” “he had thus spoken” or “the town clerk or mayor uttered, declared and proclaimed his words” the following occurred. Luke shared how the “town clerk” did the following after he shared his words with the crowd.
The verse continues, “... he dismissed the assembly.” Luke added the words, “he dismissed” which means “the town clerk set free and sent away” “the assembly” or “the gathering of the citizens of Ephesus”. Luke shared how the “town clerk” or “mayor” of “Ephesus” sent the crowd of people away.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “mayor” of “Ephesus” set free the crowd of people after he finished speaking to them. He knew they were in “danger” of being called out for their unlawful assembly, and he wanted them gone as quickly as possible. God's hand was at work, and the uprising of the people was disbursed. God loves people, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. When they submit to Him, they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Those who are wise surrender to Him and allow all who oppose them to be dispersed by God's hand and the agents He chooses.
Next time we begin a new chapter and see Luke share, “after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples”, 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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