And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. Acts 19:23-27

During the 1rst Century, Christianity was known as “The Way”, and as we read today, Christianity was starting to cause a stir in the city of Ephesus. Why? Because there were many who made alot of money selling statues of false gods. As the scripture said “Paul turned away many people” meaning he converted alot of people in Ephesus to Christianity , as we have evidence with the Epistle of Ephesians.

But notice nobody really cared until it challenged their “way” of life. Once people’s money and lifestyle were threatened , they turned on Christianity. This is still the same today, many people reject Christ, not because of lack of evidence or desire, but because they love their life more than they love God

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. Acts 19:28-30

The entire city of Ephesus was in chaos, and they were looking to take it out on Gaius and Aristarchus. Paul wanted to go and help them but the disciples wouldn’t allow him in fear of his safety. But once everyone realized the Christians havent done anything to harm their temple or religion, they eventually settled down and let them go

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 when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. Acts 19:40-41

Once the Ephesians understood the situation, they realized they were not justified in their hatred towards the Christians. This is the same in our world today, many people label Christians as hateful or bigots, however most of those people don’t understand God or Christianity at all

Through the chaos, great things were accomplished in the name of Jesus. The Church of Ephesus was born, and led many people to Christ through The Way Amen!