Where did Paul decide (“purpose in the Spirit”) that he wanted to go?
Who did he send to Macedonia? Where did Paul stay?
What was there a commotion about?
What was Demetrius’ trade? What specifically did he make?
What was Demetrius’ complaint against Paul?
What was the people’s response to Demetrius’ speech?
Where did everyone then rush into? Who had they seized?
Who didn’t allow Paul to go into the theater?
Who did the Jews put forward to make a defense?
What did the people cry out when they found out Alexander was a Jew? For how long?
Who finally quieted the crowd and spoke next?
What claims did the city clerk make about Ephesus and Diana (Artemis)?
What did the clerk tell the people they ought to do?
What did he say the apostles had not done?
What did he encourage Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen to do instead?
What was the clerk’s concern? What did he do at the end?

Thought Questions

Is there a “great commotion” in your country or your community about Christianity? If not, why not? Are people around you complaining that you have hurt their industry because you have convinced so many people that God is to be worshipped, and He is not made with human hands?
What trade or activity would you wish to see “set at nought,” or “fallen into disrepute,” because of your community’s faith in God? Even at peril to yourself?
What do you think causes the mob mentality described in verse 32?
Do you think Paul was right to want to rush into the theater, or do you think his friends were right in trying to keep him away? What would you have done in that situation?
Compare verses 35-40 with Acts 5:34-39. What kind of person do you think the city clerk was? Where did he get his wisdom? Can Christ work through people other than His followers to help His cause? How does this give you hope?

My prayer is:
That I would be part of so great a disruption to Satan’s kingdom that a measurable change may be made in my community;
That I would have wisdom to know when to face danger for Your sake and when to protect myself and others as You lead;
And thanksgiving that You can turn about any situation with any type of people to glorify Your kingdom.