Causing Riots

Sermon: Causing Riots       Scripture: Acts 19:21-40

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever noticed how the Gospel demands a choice? It challenges what we and calls us to realign our values.”

In Acts, followers of Jesus were called ‘The Way,’ this showed their distinctiveness in living according to Christ’s teachings. 

was the greatest city of Asia Minor. It had its largest harbor. It connected the sea with the Caster River. It was the center of trade, center of banking, and became known as the gateway to Asia. 

However, it was also the center of idolatry. There was no greater of Idol symbol of idolity than that of Artemas/Diana.

In Acts 19,The preaching of Jesus Christ by Paul affected the idol sales in the city. Our text today shows us what to expect when the Gospel collides with the .

EXPLANATION

Verse 23: “The Way” was a common term for followers of Jesus. They stood out in their culture.

• John 14:16 “ I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes unto the father but by me.”
• Acts 9:2 Paul asked for letters so if he found any following “The Way” he could bound them.
• While on trial, Paul said “I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way” Acts 24

Verse 26: Paul’s reputation preceded him. People were choosing Christ over idolatry and witchcraft ceased Acts 19:17-2 It wasn’t Paul, but the causing the trouble.

TRANSITION 

Our passages begins with an issue we all have to face. When confronted with the word, What will we do? Acts 19:20 “So the Word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”

Pilate said “What shall I do with this Jesus who is called Christ?”

When we preach the true Word, hearts will always respond. 

I. The Gospel Causes Great Choices (Acts 19:23-27)

1. It threatened their (vs 25, 27)
   • The gospel is palatable as long as it does not affect my life, especially my money. Verse 19 says the cost of the burned books lost 50 thousand pieces of silvers ($10,000 US dollars)
   • Verse 25: “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.”
   • Verse 27: “There is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute…”
     • Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”
     • Luke 16:13: “ You cannot serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other. You cannot serve God and money.
2. It challenged their (vs27)
   • The worship of Artemis/Diana was defamed. “Are we going to stand for that?”
   •  10: 34-35 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I come not to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against his her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
3. It stirred their PATRIOTISM (vs 27)
   • Their identity as a people was tied to the worship of Artemis.
   • If you’re not careful or even can become your God.
   • It will consume your mind, and have your full attention. You’ll serve it more than God.

II. The Gospel Caused Great Anger (Acts 19:28-29)

1. Don’t be surprised when the reactions you receive are . (vs 28)
   • Greek: “Filled” (pleres) means abounding or overflowing with rage.
   • Examples:
     • The Chaldeans were enraged by Jeremiah’s prophecies (Jeremiah 50:38).
     • The Jews were enraged by Stephen’s testimony. (Acts 7:54).
2. At times their hostility can even spill over into violence.
   • Example: William Booth and the (1865) in England faced organized violence from pimps and bar owners whose businesses were threatened. Some Salvation Army workers were even murdered.
   • “The multitude rose up together against them” (Acts 16:22).
   • Acts 7:52: “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?”

III. The Gospel Can’t Be Contained (Acts 19:35-40)

1. The wisdom of the Town Clerk (vs 35-40)
   • Though not a follower of Jehovah, he recognized the futility of fighting against God.
   • Example: Gamaliel’s advice in “If this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.”

Conclusion

• The Gospel causes trouble, anger, and opposition, but it will never be stopped.

Challenge: Are you willing to stand boldly for the Gospel, even when it pits you against the culture, your family, or even your personal beliefs? This is the challenge for all .