The Life and Teaching of Paul
God’s Providence in Ephesus
Acts 19:23-41
Christopher W. Martin © 2019
I. Setting the Stage
· Starting the 3rd Missionary Journey – in Ephesus
o 12 Disciples
o The School of Tyrannus
o Demonic Opposition & Blessing
o 3 Productive Years
o Teaching and Working
· The Offering (v. 21-22) (Romans 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8 & 9)
· Blessing and Opposition (1 Corinthians 16: 8-9)
· Background on Artemis / Diana
o In the Roman Empire
o In Ephesus
o Nature / Fertility gods
o Israel
II. The Providence of God in Ephesus
A. The Cause of the Riot (v.23-27)
· Demetrius
· Christians
B. Characteristics of the Riot (v. 28-34)
· Anger
· Confusion
· Close-minded
C. Calming of the Riot (v. 35-41)
· The Town Clerk
· Paul
D. Reflections on the Riot
· A note on Paul’s Reflections on the Riot (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)
· A note on the Providence of God
III. Application
