Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 19
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Commentary:
19:23 The Way refers to Christianity (19:9; 22:4; 24:14, 22; see note on 9:1–2).
19:24 Demetrius was a skilled demagogue. His real problem was that Paul’s polemic against idolatry was hurting his business, but he added more volatile accusations that aroused civic and religious pride. Silver shrines were replicas of the temple of Artemis that were used for home altars or as offerings to be presented to the goddess as often as daily.
19:25–27 Demetrius’s statements were basically accurate. Paul did preach against idolatry (Acts 17:29), and people from all Asia and the world did flock to Ephesus to worship Artemis, particularly in the week-long spring festival dedicated to the goddess. Demetrius was not wrong in linking Artemis with the civic, economic, and religious interests of the city.
19:28 Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Civic and religious pride were the decisive factors provoking the riot.
19:24 Demetrius was a skilled demagogue. His real problem was that Paul’s polemic against idolatry was hurting his business, but he added more volatile accusations that aroused civic and religious pride. Silver shrines were replicas of the temple of Artemis that were used for home altars or as offerings to be presented to the goddess as often as daily.
19:25–27 Demetrius’s statements were basically accurate. Paul did preach against idolatry (Acts 17:29), and people from all Asia and the world did flock to Ephesus to worship Artemis, particularly in the week-long spring festival dedicated to the goddess. Demetrius was not wrong in linking Artemis with the civic, economic, and religious interests of the city.
19:28 Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Civic and religious pride were the decisive factors provoking the riot.
Questions:
- The trouble in Ephesus started when Demetrius, a silversmith, started trying to turn people against Paul and the faith because it was cutting into his profits. Paul and his gospel message were messing with peoples money and they didn't like it. Just like the rich young ruler in the book of Luke, Demetrius and others loved their money more than the truth. We can all fall into the trap of materialism. How would you rate yourself on the subject? How into "stuff" are you? How wrapped up are you in being comfortable, and could it be a hinderance to your walk with the Lord?
- We want to be good Christians and live for God as long as it doesn't cost us anything. Jesus said that where your treasure is, your heart is. God wants to be the God of your WHOLE LIFE, including your bank account. What has been your experience when it comes to surrendering your finances to God? Does it come easy to you? Have you had difficulty letting go?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would love Jesus more than stuff.
- That you would be open-handed with your finances.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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