Simple preaching of the gospel had a profound impact and created powerful counter currents in the city of Ephesus.
1) Hall of Tyrannus: Two years of preaching, Paul in the Hall of Tyrannus had a great impact. Paul chose the resting time between 11 AM to 4 PM for his lectures. It could be 500 to 600 days, five hours daily. Total hours of 2500 to 3000 hours.
2) Spiritual Impact: The whole Asia minor region heard the gospel. The spiritual impact was the people rejected handmade gods and sought-after true God. False spirituality was renounced by burning sorcery and magic elements worth fifty thousand pieces of silver.
3) Economic impact: Demetrius, a silversmith, was doing business by making images of Diana. This was sold to the pilgrims and tourists. Now the sales have come down. And there was a loss of profit. (Acts 19:24)
4) Conspiracy: Demetrius gathered similar businesspersons, workers and others and conspired. His self-interest was projected as religious interest, to safeguard the majesty of the shrine and also as national interest or city interest.
5) Mob instigated: These coined a catchy slogan and shouted most probably in the busy market or shrine area: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19: 28) Mob gathered hearing the slogans. Like pied piper leading mice to the river, the masses were led into a theatre. Most of them did not know why they had come together. (Acts 19: 32)
6) Sloganeering: The mob inside the theatre were shouting slogans for two hours disallowing anyone who tried to speak.
7) Wise Mayor: The city clerk, like the city mayor, spoke wisely: First, certain beliefs in the city were undeniable. Second, do not be rash, be quiet. Third, these men are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. There was no evidence. Four, complaints should be filed legally with specific charges. Five, judges or proconsuls are available who will investigate and give justice. Six, the instigator and mob could be charged with rioting. Seven, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:35-42)
Do I pray for those in authority to be wise like the mayor of Ephesus?