After a riot breaks out in the theater of Ephesus, someone with some sense – and who has enough authority to be heard by the crowd – finally steps in (see Acts 19:35-41). I don’t see any evidence that this city clerk has any belief in Jesus Christ, but Luke still records his speech. Sometimes, even if we don’t agree with someone’s religious beliefs, we can still find common ground in common sense.
The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?
Acts 19:35 NIV
Just as Demetrius’s speech was configured to incite anger against Paul, the clerk’s speech is meant to calm down the crowd. Let’s consider several elements of how he did so.
First, he manages to quiet the crowd. I suspect that he had the advantage on Alexander (see Acts 19:33-34), both being recognizable to many in the crowd and being a “local”. It appears that this town clerk could also call people to the theater for a meeting [NASB] or “assembly” [NIV], and perhaps that’s what some of the people thought was going on when they followed the crowd [per Reese]. In any case, it seems that the town clerk was someone who would be expected to speak here in the theater.
Next, he reassures the people that they have nothing to worry about. Now, he’s wrong in this, but – assuming that he believes what he is saying – his strategy is reasonable. In fact, the temple of Artemis was destroyed a few centuries later, and I don’t know anyone who still worships Artemis today.
The clerk also points out that the guys from Paul’s traveling party who have been dragged into the theater haven’t technically done anything wrong. Again, I don’t know whether or not the laws of Ephesus actually prohibited the preaching that idols weren’t the true God, but I respect the strategy of the clerk here (although I can’t condone lying if he knew otherwise).
As the clerk’s speech continues, he offers a legal and peaceful resolution to the problem. The clerk seems aware that Demetrius and others were responsible for starting this, so perhaps he did some homework, asking around to get to the truth. There are structured, legal ways to resolve this conflict, which brings him to his last point…
The clerk also points out what the mob is risking by continuing to be disruptive. He knows – and the people know – that if they get out of control, a governmental power is going to take care of things, and I suspect that they do not want to mess with the Romans.
Finally, this clerk gives instructions to the crowd. We might paraphrase his final message here as, “Get outta here”, “Break it up!”, or “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here”.
After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Acts 19:41 NIV
God can use sensible people who aren’t Christians to further His Kingdom. Let’s not judge people for their faith (or perceived lack of faith) when listening to them. Instead, may we measure what other people say against the truth of God’s Word, and then share with them more truth from God to build upon what they already know to be true.
In fact, perhaps we will learn from others – even those outside of the church – the wisdom of the following verse.
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 15:1 NIV
https://proverbs.bible/proverbs-15-1
(See also 1 Peter 3:15-18)
And thus, this chapter comes to an end. In the next chapter, Paul says goodbye and heads for Macedonia. It is time for him to move on, but the good news about Jesus has been solidly entrenched in this region.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for November 19, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, November 19, 2023, © 2023 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- New Testament History: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts, by Gareth L. Reese. © 1976, College Press Publishing Company.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Acts, by Dennis Gaertner. © 1993 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 