The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-28
Acts XIX, 21-34.

fected concern for the popular re-
ligion, expecting probably in this way to
carry the multitude with him. Accord
ingly, he first set forth Paul's doctrine
(verse 26), who had declared that they
were no gods which were made with hands
psalm CIV: D, doctrine plainly taught
under the Jewish system DER. X, -, in op-
position to all the practices of the heath
en- This abhorrent teaching Demetrius
affirmed (verse % endangered the temple
of Diana, because the people would learn
to despise and neglect it. Thus he claimed
that a great indignty had been shown.
not to an ancient system of worship
merely, but to the millions throughout
Asia who held to it. The lines of con-
fiict were sharply drawn. On one side
were the followers of Christ with Paul
at their head-on the other side the bust
ness men under Demetrius, clinging to
their idols for the profit to be derived.
The new faith, promising deliverance from
sin, arrayed against the old faith, in
trenched in superstition, sustained by
passion and greed.
CONFUSION-The words of Demetrius
caused a great uproar. All who heard
were full of wrath (verse 2S), because
their religion had been assailed. With
one voice they shouted: Great is Diana
of the Dphesians." Local pride, personal
profit, religious devotion combined to
render the company demonstrative. The
noise soon excited those who were near,
and the words were taken and carried
from street to street, until the whole
city was in confusion (verse 29). And no
wonder! The temple of Diana was the
chief glory of Ephesus. 1t had been
built with ungrudging magnifcence out
of contributions made by the people in
all Asia, the women Offering their Jewels
a ha
tabernacle of the wilderness (Ex. xxxv:
22). 1t stood in full view OF the haven
and cleaned with star-like radiance. The
image OF Diana, standing within the
temple, it was said, had fallen from
heaven. a symbol of fertility and the
productive power of nature, and was
held with profoundest reverence, and
superstitious credulity. 1t is not sur
prising, therefore, that fanaticism should
seek to avenge any insult to the goddess
or to the temple.
SAFETY.-At length the mob under
proper guidance, determined to punish
the Offenders. A rush was made for the
Jewish quarter and the shop of Auuila.
But Paul was not found. The rioters.
therefore, seized two of his companions
Gaius of Macedonia (Rom. xvi: 23). and
the faithful Aristarchus (Col. iy: lO). and
rushed with them into the theater. The
ruins, still visible, show that this build
ing had a capacity of 10000 spectators,
and was one OF the largest structures
In the world. Anxious for the fate of his
companions Paul desired to make his
way into the theater and address the
rioters (verse S0, daring to face the
furious insults and raging passions of
the exaggerated crowd. II this he dis
played that supreme heroism which
characterized him throughout his career
Aets XXI; l9. But his friends, appre-
ciating the magnitude of the danger, dis
couraged him, and a letter from some of
the rulers of the city confirmed the
advice of the disciples (verse 3D. And so
the great apostle remained In a place
or safety. and his life was spared TO
bless the world.
DEFENsE-The vast assmbiy. crowd
ed hastily In the theater. was for