Evening star., 1921-10-08
Sunday School Lesson

other towns and cities. some of which
probably the apostle never saw. until
l they " wheh Sa dwst in Tba asia baa asaed
Asia Minor had been won for Christ.
Churches were established in Phila-
delphia, Laodicea, Smyrna, Pergamos,
Thyatira and Sardis.
One of the elements OF Paufs sue.
cess was his spiritual power. so that
many miracles were wrought by him:
Handkerchiefs and aprons carried
from his person cured diseases and
power melted travelling exorcists to
use the name Of Jesus in their incan-
tations over a demonaic with unex-
pected results. The possessed man
rose against the fakirs. drove them
from the house in the presence OF
many, so that the whole city quick
ly came to know Of 1t. Their defeat
stirred Ephesus so that many or the
heather and fakirs commenced to pro-
fess faith in Christ. The magicians
proved their faith by burning their
occult books in the public market
place and commencing to- earn their
living in honest fields of industry.
Paul's success was shown by the
falling off Of trade in idols so that the
great industry of silversmiths, who
lived by their traffic in the sale OF the
idols Of Diana and miniature copies
of her temple, were without employ
ment. Idolatry was tottering under
the driving power OF the gospel OF
upon idolatry upited to crush and de
stroy Christianity. Demetrius called
a conference to consider the perils OF
the vast number who were unem.
ployed. He appealed to their love OF
the renowned goddess to cover UP the
their propaganda. If every Christian
could be modified to attack all forms
Of iniquity in our cities and country
we would see union of the bootleg
gers, gamblers. white slavers. graft
ers and dealers in obscene literature
battling under a plea for liberty to
be permitted to continue their eVil
and iniquitous business
Luke's description reveals the fact
that he was an eyewitness to the com
munity riot. He probably shared IN
Paurs anxiety for his two compan-
ions. His accuracy of statement has
been confirmed by many modern dis.
coveries. We can almost see Paul
chaff at the request of his two infiu-
ential Roman friends for him not 70
risk his life in the riot. He would
willingly stand any risk with the two
disciples for the glory of his Lord. He
did not desire to appear to be cow
ard, and yet he could not go contrary
to the wish of the leading govern
mental officials. The Christian cause
was much more than his reputation.
He recognized the wisdom of their
advice, SO did not go into the theater
when men were crying out their 10y
atty to Diana until Gained by the city
clerk.
The Just administration of the law
by the Roman officials 1urnisneo ;9s tns
ministers of the early church WIZ
protection that gave the gospel OF
Jesus Christ chance to demonstrate
its power. The moderation. reason -
ableness and skill of the town c!erk
of Ephesus, who brought the riot INTO
orderly assembly, is a sample OF the
TYNE Of officers that enabled Rome to
enlarge her boundaries and govern
successfully her colonies. His master
ly appeal, using argument ana ou-
dicious tact" secured for MIN near
ing and enabled him to dismiss the
assembly in an orderly manner. He
pointed out the dangers Of mob rule
by a speech that was a blending OF
tiattery and reproof. He suggested
that they were shouting themselves
body willingly admitted. He put
Demetrius, their leader. in an awk-
ward position by claiming that If the
Christians had done anything that
was wrong it could be settled in the
courts Of Ephesus. which was still in
session. proving the unwisdom of mob
rule, which is destructive of civiliza.
ton. They by acting in an illegal
manner had imperiled their own civil
liberty, for the imperial government
did not look with favor upon city
that permitted turbulent assemblies.
Ephesus, as a result of their folly.
might face the loss of their charter
of self-government because OF their
actions that night.
When he saw that he had the mob
under control, he dismissed them i'm
mediately. Demetrius was defeated.
Christianity was established. 1t Sc
cured a foothold in that capital OF
idoiatry that meant the crushing of
the powers Of idolatry and the de-
struction of all business interests
that depended upon a false faith for
existence If the followers of Christ
are loyal to Him they will be met with
intimidation from some Satanic
source That is the hour when faith
proves its power by boldly cham
pioning the cause Of Christ and over
coming all opposition. through the
strength that the Lord Jesus will
supply,