Day 15: Acts 19:23-41 - Riot in Ephesus

Imagine the scene! Ephesus was the most important city in the Roman province of Asia. Situated at the mouth of the Cayster River, with a magnificent harbour, it was the greatest commercial city of the province. Its population was around a third of a million, and its amphitheater is estimated to have held 25,000 people. Ephesus held the famous temple of the Greek fertility god Artemis. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

What sparked the riot in Ephesus?

What was the size and scale of the riot? What do you imagine it would have been like to be there?

Syncretism is combining or blending separate beliefs and practices, something common in the Greco-Roman world. This passage shows how the early Christians rejected syncretism. They did not let God be represented by the Ephesian idols, and they did not accept that people could continue to worship Artemis or other man-made gods as we as the true God. This had huge ramifications in their city!

Where do you think we are tempted towards syncretism in Australia?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for the Frasers in Slovenia