Acts 19:21-21 Questions

Compare the two incidents. In each case:
- What or who sparked off the riot?
- What were the Christians accused of?
- How did the crowd react?
- How did the authorities react?
- How was the situation brought under control?
In Ephesus, Paul’s followers would not let him intervene. Why do you think this was? Might the outcome have been different if he had intervened?
The behaviour of the Jerusalem mob was much more violent than that of the Ephesus mob. Why do you think this was?
What was the objection to Greeks entering the Temple? Can you think of similar attitudes today?
Accusations about the Temple were made at the trials of both Jesus (Mt. 26.61) and Stephen (Acts 6.13–14). Why was this thought to be such a serious matter?
In Jerusalem, why was Paul arrested rather than those trying to kill him?
Why do you think the tribune allowed Paul to address the crowd?
Why did both Jews and Gentiles feel threatened by Christianity? Do any groups feel threatened by Christianity today?
Can you think of any present-day instances of public disturbances over religious issues?