The world likes to pressure us into their mould. They consider our difference in behaviour as criticism.
1. Paul in Ephesus Acts 19:10 for 2 years. Some became stubborn (v8-9). Ephesus is cosmopolitan and centre of goddess Artemus. In the midst Paul bore witness (with miracles v10-11). Even burnt their magic scrolls (v19). People were turning away from Artemus, and people began to feel threatened. (v27). Eventually the town clerk talked sense to them (35-41).
2. Observations:
(a) The Gospel changes lives. For many magic was central to their life - here they burnt their scrolls. Change in the local economy.
(b) People react when they are challenged (eg Demetrius v23-28). In our society the backlash would be significant. How do our lives challenge the world. Have we succumbed to materialism?
(c) The choice - Artemus or Jesus. Artemus made people rich. Paul asked people to follow a Jew put to death by His own people. Today science is held as the rational option for life. We must choose Christ.
