Bible Study Snacks, Acts 19:21-41

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! I hope everyone had a nice week! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Nineteen, Verses 21-41.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Examine the uprising caused by Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 19:21-41...  

Paul purposes in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and then to Rome. He sends Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, while he remains in Asia. [1 Corinthians may have been written at this time.] A great commotion occurred about the Way. Demetrius, a silversmith, calls together those of similar occupations. Recognizing they prosper greatly from the trade of making idols, he warns that Paul is preaching that the idols are "not gods which are made with hands." He proclaims that their trade is in danger, and even the temple of the goddess Diana is in danger. He claims this preaching is happening throughout Ephesus, and across most of Asia.

The people are stirred up, become angry, and cry out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" They seize Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions. Paul wants to go into the crowd, but the disciples do not allow it. The crowd is in great confusion. The Jews put Alexander forward to speak, but when the crowd realizes he is a Jew, they cry out for about two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" The city clerk calms the crowd.  He tells Demetrius and his fellow craftsman to take their cases to the open courts, and that any other inquiries should be made in a lawful assembly. The assembly is a disorderly gathering, and they are in danger of being called in question. He then dismisses the assembly. (21-41)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:  

1) Where did Paul purpose in the Spirit to go? (Acts 19:21)
2) Where did Paul send Timothy and Erastus? (Acts 19:22)
3) What did Demetrius tell his fellow silversmiths that Paul had persuaded almost all Asia? (Acts 19:26)
4) What did Demetrius say could happen as a result? (Acts 19:27)
5) When the crowd rose up, what did they cry? (Acts 19:28)
6) When the crowd rushed into the theater, what did Paul want to do? Was he allowed?  By whom? (Acts 19:30)
7) Who finally quieted the crowd? (Acts 19:35)
8) How did the city clerk say the image came to be in Ephesus? (Acts 19:35)
9) Where did the city clerk tell Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths to take their cases? What if there were other inquiries?  (Acts 19:38-39)
10) What was this assembly in danger of? (Acts 19:40)
11) What did the city clerk then do? (Acts 19:41)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri