God's Word
If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed;And ye shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free.
John 8:31-32
The Ephesian Syndrome
by Clint Harper
The Text: Acts 19:21-41
While in Ephesus on his second missionary
journey Paul apparently stepped on some toes. Because of the preaching
of Paul and the other brethren Demetrius and other silversmiths were in
danger of loosing their jobs of making idols. Because of this Demetrius
caused a disturbance in the town which resulted in two of Paul’s companions
being brought to the theater and no doubt they intended to do them harm.
This theater is estimated to have been able to seat between twenty five
and fifty thousand people. But why did the people come together.
Certainly some knew the intent of the gathering but the text says that
the “whole city was filled with confusion” (v.29). Many, if
not a majority, of the people didn’t even know what was taking place.
“And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward.
And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto
the people” (v. 33). Why would the Jews put Alexander forth?
There is a very good possibility they put him forward for the purpose of
distancing themselves from the Christians who were there and to make sure
they were not blamed for the trouble being caused the silversmiths.
However, we may never know because of what happened next. “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” (v. 34).
Remember, many of the people didn’t even know why they were there.
They couldn’t possibly have known what Alexander was about to say.
However, because of their unwillingness to even listen they didn’t even
find out whose side he was on.
The “Ephesian Syndrome” exists today.
I was in the house one day when I heard my
wife speaking to someone in the garage. It didn’t take curiosity
too long to get the best of me so I looked and immediately knew who was
in my garage speaking to my wife. Being myself I retrieve a tract
about the Church of Christ and joined the gathering. After a short
discussion they asked if they could leave a tract with us to look over.
Therefore I made the following proposal. I told them I would take
their tract, read it, make some notes on it, record any questions I have
about it and then we could discuss these when they came back......IF they
would do the same with the tract I had about the Church of Christ.
They said they didn’t do things like that and after a few other words,
that may not have been the wisest words for me to speak, the conversation
was over and they left never to return.
On another occasion my wife and I were out
knocking on doors inviting people to a gospel meeting and generally to
all the services and also handing out material. As we were walking
across a wooded lot to get to the next street we encountered a teen-aged
young man and began to talk with him. After a short conversation
we offered him some of the material we were passing out. I was astonished
at his response. He held both hand up as if he had a gun drawn on
him and said that he was taught not to take material from other churches.
And it doesn’t stop there. Not too many
years ago people from the community would “turn out” for a gospel meeting
without even being invited. All the invitation they needed was to
hear it was happening. But things have changed. Now, it seems
one of the hardest things to do is to get people to visit the services
of the church, even during Gospel meetings. Why? Could it be
that they are afraid they will learn something that contradicts what they
believe? Could it be they know they are wrong and are afraid someone
will point it out to them? Or, could it be they simply don’t care
about hearing anything different?
Guard yourself from the “Ephesian Syndrome.”
Many people blind themselves to the reality
of the world. However, I would not recommend anyone doing this.
When we go to our neighbors and friends and ask them to take a look at
the church of our Lord, let’s be realistic and expect them to ask us to
do the same with the church of which they are a member. We should
take a look at it. How else are we going to know the difference between
the denominations and the New Testament church? I remember attending
the services of a Baptist church for the first time of my adult life.
They were having special services on a week night therefore I did not forsake
the assembling of the saints. While there I was enlightened as to
why so many people are
attracted to their services. It was entertaining. I was
truly amazed at the fun these people have during their services.
There certainly is nothing wrong with enjoying worship services and much
could be said upon this subject as to why that should not be the main focus
of our services but that is another study. The point here is that
we should investigate the denominations. There is nothing there that
we should fear finding out. Therefore, let’s not set our minds that
we are right and we can’t possible be wrong. “Wherefore let him that
thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Also, I would encourage people in denominations
to be open minded enough to take an honest look at the church of Christ.
There is nothing to fear from truthful information unless you have something
to hide. The Ephesians deprived themselves of hearing what Alexander
had to say simply because they didn’t know what he was going to say and
didn’t want to hear. If you will ask, we will explain every aspect
of our practice and beliefs and just as importantly why we practice and
believe what we do and we will do so by picking up the Bible and showing
you from the Holy Writ. If you are seeking the truth you have nothing
to fear by investigation. Peter tells us to “....be ready always
to give an answer to
every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). We are ready to do this.
We invite you to do the same.