May 21, 2026 | Be Connected
Cooler Minds Prevail
Scripture: Acts 19:35-41(NIV)
35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Devotional
The Pax Romana. The peace of Rome. During this period of law and order, the Roman Empire demanded peace throughout its vast provinces. Ephesus was in one of those provinces. The city clerk understood what was at stake. If this riotous frenzy continued, the emperor himself might punish the leaders and residents of Ephesus. So he calmly dismissed the crowd. They went home to lick their wounds and seethe in silence.
The peace of Christ. This is a different kind of peace. The peace of Rome was demanded from the outside. The peace of Christ emerges from within. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Paul was writing this to people who were being persecuted for their faith.
To another group of persecuted believers, Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). This transcendent peace only comes from one place.
Jesus told us that He is the source of that peace, when He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). There it is. The peace of Christ.
The peace of Rome is one that must be maintained to keep from being troubled.
The peace of Christ is one that comes from within because one is troubled.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
