11/06/2026
📖 Bible Study | Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Scripture Reading: Acts 19:33–41
Recap from the Previous Study:Paul had been preaching in Ephesus for two years, and through the power of the Gospel, a great revival broke out. As many people turned to Christ, businesses that depended on idol worship began to suffer. Paul boldly proclaimed that Diana was not a true god, exposing that the city of Ephesus had been built on a false foundation.
Key Lessons from yesterday’s Study
🔹 Alexander was pushed forward by the crowd.He was singled out because he was a Jew, as the city leaders knew who had been associated with Paul and his ministry. Similar scenes unfolded during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
🔹 People can easily forget the truth when they are consumed by what they worship. The Ephesians had been taught to guard the temple of Diana and believed they were defending their goddess. Scripture, however, reminds us in the Ten Commandments that we must have no other gods before the Lord and must not make or worship idols.
🔹 The seriousness of God’s law.
The study highlighted that breaking God’s commands has consequences. An example is found in Malachi 3:8–10, where God rebukes His people for withholding tithes and offerings, calling it robbing Him and warning of the resulting curse, while also promising blessing to those who obey. This illustrates that God’s laws are not to be treated lightly and that obedience matters.
🔹 The city clerk brought reason into the chaos. He explained that there was no legal case against Paul and his companions. The accusations did not stand because they had neither robbed the temple nor blasphemed Diana in a way that violated Roman law.
🔹 The real issue was money, not religion. Those stirring up the riot were motivated by financial loss rather than genuine devotion. Their livelihoods were threatened as people abandoned idol worship and turned to Christ.
🔹 Many people act without understanding. Just as Jesus was condemned despite there being no valid case against Him, the crowd wanted to destroy Paul without lawful reason. Jesus’ words on the cross remain powerful: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
🔹 Reason and truth can calm confusion. When the city clerk spoke with wisdom, the crowd dispersed peacefully. In the same way, the Samaritan woman encountered Jesus, believed, and shared the Good News with others. There are still many people waiting for the light of Christ today.
Thank you, Pastor B. Tshwili, for faithfully leading us through God’s Word and for the revival we continue to experience through Bible study.
May we remain steadfast in the truth and continue to shine the light of Christ wherever we go.