The Gospel Impacts Society

With the apostle Paul's extended stay in Ephesus, the impact of the Gospel was being felt among the Gentiles and the community they lived in. The effects rippled out into the financial world as there was much commerce carried relating to the temple of Artemis in the city. As more people became believers there was less demand for the shrines of Artemis resulting in protests and confrontation by the local craftsmen of the shrines and statutes.

Hostility built to the gathering of a mob in the theater in the city who were unified in their support of the goddess. Only the threat of Rome's intervention because of disorderly conduct in the city quieted the crowd. This gives a glimpse into the pressure faced by this young church and its new believers. For individuals coming out of the false worship system there were great troubles and hardships since the religious, social, and work life were all tied together. This gives a glimpse into the power of the Gospel to impact society and effect change. It is as individual lives are changed by the power of the Gospel that their influence leaves impressions on the society they live in.