Acts 19:34
“But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
Context:This verse is part of the account of an incident that occurred in the city of Ephesus during the Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey. Paul had been preaching and performing miracles, which resulted in a significant impact on the people of Ephesus. However, his teachings challenged the worship of the pagan goddess Artemis (also known as Diana), who was highly revered in Ephesus.
In Acts 19:34, we see a scene where a large crowd, primarily comprised of craftsmen and silversmiths, reacted to Paul’s message. These individuals were involved in the production and sale of shrines and idols dedicated to Artemis. As they learned that Paul was a Jew and his teachings threatened their livelihood and the prominence of their goddess, they became outraged.
The phrase “all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” reveals the unity and intensity of their response. The people chanted in unison, proclaiming the greatness of Diana. The duration of the outcry, lasting approximately two hours, further emphasizes the fervor and dedication with which they defended their beliefs and the worship of their deity.
This verse highlights the power of deeply ingrained religious and cultural practices. The Ephesians’ outcry demonstrates the resistance that arises when a new belief system challenges long-established customs and traditions. However, as we continue reading the following verses, we see that the situation eventually calms down, and the city clerk intervenes to restore order and peace.
Conclusion:Acts 19:34 serves as a reminder of the opposition encountered by early Christian missionaries and the clash between the message of the Gospel and existing religious systems. It also emphasizes the need for perseverance, wisdom, and reliance on God’s guidance when faced with adversity or hostility while sharing the truth of God’s Word.
