Controversy of The Gospel Among Idolatry
Scripture Passage: Acts 19:23-31 (NASB)
23 About that time a major disturbance occurred in regard to the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing considerable business to the craftsmen; 25 he gathered these men together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business. 26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. 27 Not only is there danger that this trade of ours will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as worthless, and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence.”
28 When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began shouting, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s Macedonian traveling companions. 30 And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31 Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent word to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.
SUMMARY
As the gospel is being preached in Ephesus, a silversmith named Demetrius stirs up the craftsmen and workmen in support of their goddess Artemis, in opposition to Paul and the true gospel. Paul’s gospel said that gods made by hands are not gods at all, which put their business of making idols and their prosperity in danger. An angry mob forms to kill Paul and his companions, and although Paul wanted to face the danger head-on, other disciples would not let him.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
This passage reminds me of much of today’s businesses that pursue profit and prosperity over anything else, even under the guise of goodwill or altruism. In this case, I think the craftsmen and workmen of Ephesus are trying to protect their livelihood under the guise of protecting the reputation of their goddess Artemis. They may have even deceived themselves into thinking they actually care about their goddess, when they really just need worshippers of Artemis that will want to purchase their idols and shrines. It makes me sad to know this continues to this day, but I’m not surprised either. As humans, we will always have a god or idol we seek. It will either be the one true God, or it will be one of a multitude of things in this world.
I’m also challenged by Paul’s willingness to go into the assembly although he’s in danger of being killed. It’s apparent that the power of the gospel allows Paul to fear the Lord more than death. I struggle to proclaim the gospel, even though I know that I probably won’t face the threat of death because of it. Just like the people of Ephesus, my heart treasures the things of this world more than Jesus. But I want to continue growing in faith so that I treasure Jesus above all and so I can proclaim the gospel without fear.
APPLICATION
To understand the power of the gospel, I should keep reading and meditating on the Word. I also want to pray that the Spirit would help me experience the power of the gospel in greater measures so that I can proclaim it freely.
PRAYER
Lord,
Thank you for the gospel, the truth of the good news that goes against the way of this world. Although it’s a cause for controversy, we know that it’s because sin came into the world and twisted our understanding of truth. I pray that as the power of the gospel stirs up the world just like it did in Ephesus, empower your people through your Spirit to stay firm and continue proclaiming your gospel.
Spirit, help me experience the power of the gospel more and more so that as I experience and understand it, I can share it with those around me. Help me to treasure and fear Jesus above all. Help us to cast down our idols and bow down before you, entrusting our lives to you completely.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. (We reserve the right to moderate comments.)