Acts: What A Riot!

I. Paul's Plans (v. 21-22)
After Asia, he planned to go to Greece, Rome.
II. The Problem (v. 23-27)
A. Financial - Paul's teaching causes people
to not buy idols made by local silversmiths,
results in loss of income.
B. Also causes people to no longer worship
at the temple of Diana.
III. The People (v. 28-31)
A. Ephesians are angry, start a riot.
B. Crowd finds 2 of Paul's companions,
takes them to local theater.
C. Friends stop Paul from going to the
theater for his own safety.
IV. The Panic (v. 32-34)
A. Lots of confusion.
B. People in a frenzy.
C. Mob mentality.
V. The Peacemaker (v. 35-41)
A. Clerk (city's representative to Rome)
quiets the crowd.
B. Explains that the 2 captured men have
done nothing wrong.
C. Reminds crowd of rule of law. If craftsmen
have a grievance, go through court system,
not mob rule.
D. Else, city is in danger with Roman government
for rioting.
E. The crowd is dismissed.
VI. Application
A. We are to be salt/light to the unsaved.
B. How's your Christian witness to:
- government officials (they came to Paul's
and his men's defence, therefore Paul
had a good relationship with local officials)
- your neighbors
- your family
- others
C. Don't lose your passion to bring people
to Christ.