Living in the Image of God M05S16
A city clerk in Ephesus diffused a riot instigated by craftsmen that feared that the Gospel message threatened their business. The account provides an understanding of the principles of Christian mediation: for resolving single-party or multi-party disputes. First, mediation needs to be motivated by a desire to make peace among the disputants. Second, the mediator should be acceptable to all disputants. Third, the mediator needs to understand the facts and circumstances of the dispute and be able to explain them respectfully, sincerely, without emotion, and clearly—in sufficient detail to convey understanding. Overall, the mediator should convey a clear purpose: to guide the disputants to understand the dispute and choose a path to resolution based on the understanding.
This study is the first in a two-part bible study series on the principles of Christian mediation, seeking to understand the role of a mediator in resolving single-party or multi-party disputes. The first study in the series discusses the example of a city clerk in Ephesus that diffused a riot instigated by fear of potential impact of the Gospel on business interests.
The events occurred during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. People engaged in the business of manufacturing, distributing, and maintaining shrines of their goddess Artemis feared that the Gospel message was a threat to their business. They instigated a city-wide uproar against the Gospel and caused a large crowd to gather at the city theatre in a protest that threatened to develop into a riot. A city clerk rose and addressed the crowd. He explained the facts and circumstances to convince them that there was no justification for a riot. Further, he explained they could run afoul of the city anti-riot laws if they continued with the commotion. The people dispersed peacefully.
The study discusses several principles regarding Christian mediation. First, mediation should be motivated by a desire to make peace among the disputants. Second, the mediator needs to be acceptable to all disputants. Third, the mediator needs to understand the facts and circumstances of the dispute and be able to explain the facts and circumstances respectfully, sincerely, without emotion, and clearly—in sufficient detail to convey understanding. Overall, the mediator needs to lead the disputants to understand the dispute and find a path to resolution based on the understanding.
Continue reading “Mediation Example from Ephesus”
