What does Acts 19:23 mean?
For about three years (Acts 20:31), Paul has been in Ephesus, a city known for demonic activity and witchcraft. When the people who practiced witchcraft realized Paul's power was greater than the demons they served, they spoiled their spells and burned their written incantations (Acts 19:11–20). All over the province of Asia, in southwest modern-day Turkey, people were not only rejecting the demons, but also the Greek gods.In Ephesus, this means Artemis. If people aren't worshiping Artemis, they're not buying her idols and shrines. The craftsmen don't care that Paul is rescuing people enslaved to demons; he's a threat to their livelihoods. Under the guise of concern for Artemis worship and regional patriotism, they protest as they march to the theater. Many others from the city join in their chant—"Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" —although they have no idea what's going on (Acts 19:24–34).
Eventually, the town clerk manages to quiet them down and disperse the crowd (Acts 19:35–41). Paul realizes it's time to leave Ephesus (Acts 20:1).
"The Way" is what the early Church calls its teaching as well as its religion (Acts 9:2; 19:9; 22:4; 24:14, 22). It seems to be based on Jesus' statement that He is "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). "Christian" was first used in Syrian Antioch, likely as a derogatory term (Acts 11:26), and didn't significantly catch on until later.
Acts 19:23–27 is the story of how people often value money and civil identity more than the freedom and salvation found in Christ. Paul's work in Ephesus is so effective that people are turning to Jesus in noticeable numbers. Fearful for their income, the craftsmen who make idols start a pro-Artemis rally that nearly turns into a riot. They know people are being healed and rescued from demons, but they'd rather have money, so they use the religious and civil identities of the Ephesians to secure it.
Acts 19 recounts Paul's three-year visit in Ephesus. He starts by revealing how Jesus of Nazareth has brought to life the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit validates Paul's message by healing those struck with physical ailments and demon possession. Amazed by Paul's authority over evil spirits, so many magicians turn to Christ that the craftsmen who make idols fear for their livelihoods. They nearly incite a riot before the town clerk settles them down. Paul realizes his time in Ephesus has ended, and he travels to Macedonia (Acts 20:1).
