Day 270: Acts 19:32–41

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 (v. 32).

The crowd of twenty-five thousand Ephesians was a madhouse. That’s when the Jews pushed a man named Alexander to the front, hoping to provide a defense, a disclaimer for them. They wanted him to tell the crowds that Paul’s teaching was separate from theirs, that they were not responsible for the financial harm done to the silver craftsmen. “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!’ ” (Acts 19:34 hcsb).

The Jews knew without a doubt that the silver craftsmen were profiting off the ignorance and sinful practices of pagans. They certainly had a stake in confronting idolatry. Exodus 20:3–4 unmistakably forbids it. Because of their opposition to Paul, however, they violated their own consciences and belief system.

Consider, though, the beliefs of the Ephesians. They believed the image of Artemis had fallen from heaven. Some scholars assume they were describing a meteor that had hit Ephesus, one that the people had thought to look like a multi-breasted woman. Therefore, they assumed it was the goddess Artemis and hailed her as the deity of childbirth. I am sometimes amazed at the things people believe.

A number of years ago, I prepared to teach the book of Genesis in Sunday school. In an attempt to be prepared for questions and rebuttals, I thought I’d study the theory of evolution. I was somewhat intimidated by the prospect, but I checked out a few books and started my research. I only had to flip a few pages before my chin dropped to the ground. At times I even laughed out loud. I couldn’t believe that this theory is taught as fact in many public schools. After a fairly in-depth comparison, I decided it took far more faith to believe in evolution than creation!

When Paul came to Ephesus, he brought the message of a Messiah sent from God who offers eternal life to every individual who believes. I’m no rocket scientist, but I find Paul’s message far more believable than a goddess falling out of heaven in the form of a meteor. Yes, God requires faith—but not as much as a number of other belief systems falling out of the skies today. Go ahead and believe Him. He’s very believable.