What practical impact can the gospel have upon an idolatrous culture? Our study of Acts 19:21-41 shows us, much in every way. Ephesus was known as the epicentre of the worship of Artemis (known as Diana by the Romans) across Asia. Before the Apostle Paul arrived there, the local artisans had a lucrative market making and selling little silver shrines of Artemis for the many pilgrims that came to worship her. However, in the face of the One true God, their business dried up as many came to recognise “gods made with hands are not gods” (v. 26). Despite a mass riot breaking out against the church, the Lord protected her. In this message we learn that when Christ redeems a culture for Himself, opposition and divine protection are never far away.
- The gospel brings renewed minds and affections (vv. 23-26)
- The gospel brings escalating opposition and isolation (vv. 27-34)
- The gospel brings divine protection or political peril (vv. 35-41)