“Journeys with Paul” Session 6 - Ephesus

Welcome to this continuing series recorded in Greece called “Journeys with Paul.” This is Session #6 and it was recorded at the impressive site of Ephesus. This archaeological site is located on the western coastline of Turkey. This is a longer teaching, with a number of video clips edited together at different locations of the site. We hope that it will give you a sense that you are there with us!

It is now the beginning of Paul’s Third Mission Journey. He already spent some time (although probably a short time) at Ephesus at the end of his Second Mission Journey (see Acts 18). Now, Paul is here at Ephesus for over two years. He is challenged by the pagan religious culture of the day. Artemis (or Diana, the Roman name) was the primary goddess revered here. A massive temple stood in her honor. The passage of Acts 19 eludes to this goddess:

"About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.” (Acts 19:23-27).

Paul was not only engaging the Jews in their synagogue, but also the Romans in the Forum. Paul was not only introducing to the Ephesians a new teaching about Jesus, but in doing so, he was upsetting their economic livelihood which was largely based on making idols to Artemis/Diana.

Then this happens in the theater:

"When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater." (Acts 19:28-31).

It must have been a remarkable scene, especially for those who had no idea why they rushed into the theater in the first place (the comical part of the story, see v. 32).

Paul’s experience here at Ephesus is yet another example of how bold and strong Paul was in his commitment to preach Christ!

Watch for more videos in this new series recorded in Greece about Paul’s missionary journeys. Each session is between 5-15 minutes long and includes a life lesson and a word of encouragement to your own walk of faith with God! This series specifically retraces the footsteps and ministry of the Apostle Paul. Each session is recorded on location. The teacher in this series is Rev. Dr. John DeLancey, the Founder & Director of Biblical Israel Ministries & Tours (BIMT).

Please subscribe to this channel and share this video with your family and friends. If you are interested in going on a biblical, non-touristy trip to Israel, Greece, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, or Italy, visit our web site at www.biblicalisraeltours.com and check out the “Upcoming Tours” page. We welcome you to join us!

Blessings in Christ!