Results of Religious Greed
November 1, 2021
Commentary
Paul made plans to return to Greece and Palestine, and then go to Rome (v. 21). Two and a half years had passed since Paul arrived in Ephesus, and he felt his work there was over. To prepare the believers in Macedonia for his coming, Paul sent two of his disciples (Timothy and Erastus) ahead, intending to follow them shortly (v. 22). Paul had wanted for many years to go to Rome, but little did he realize that he would go as a prisoner.
Nothing will whip up passions more quickly than religion. Some of the worst wars in history have been religious wars. A riot developed in Ephesus. It was brought on by Demetrius and others who made their living making small silver charms and images (v. 24). These were purchased by the people and taken to the temple of Diana to be blessed. This was a very lucrative business. The trouble began, when through the preaching of the gospel by Paul, people started making changes in their live. Once they were saved, they began to get rid of their charms, and trinkets. This impact of Christianity was so great that sales on these items had fallen off drastically, much to the alarm of these Silversmiths (v.27).
Demetrius deliberately ignited this explosive religious issue and then stood back to see it burst in all its fury against Christians in general, and Paul in particular. So, Paul decided to act, and he called a meeting of these craftsman. They decided not to say that their business had declined, but that the Christians were doing damage by refusing to worship Diana. A rally was held in the amphitheater. It was alarming to think that their religion was threatened, and almost the whole city turned out. It became a mob scene. Eventually, Alexander, was able to quiet the crowd by reminding them that they would be held accountable by the Romans for such an unlawful assembly (vv. 33-41).
Application
Religious feelings are used today to sway public opinion. Even atheism is a form of religion and tries to do away with other religious groups. I need to be aware of the dangers of this type of thing. My relationship with Jesus Christ should affect every area of my life and relationships.
Acts 19:21– 41 (NET)
21 Now after all these things had taken place, Paul resolved to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. He said, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So after sending two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed on for a while in the province of Asia.
23 At that time a great disturbance took place concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought a great deal of business to the craftsmen. 25 He gathered these together, along with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business. 26 And you see and hear that this Paul has persuaded and turned away a large crowd, not only in Ephesus but in practically all of the province of Asia, by saying that gods made by hands are not gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that this business of ours will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as nothing, and she whom all the province of Asia and the world worship will suffer the loss of her greatness.”
28 When they heard this they became enraged and began to shout, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 The city was filled with the uproar, and the crowd rushed to the theater together, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 30 But when Paul wanted to enter the public assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial authorities who were his friends sent a message to him, urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 So then some were shouting one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had met together. 33 Some of the crowd concluded it was about Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. Alexander, gesturing with his hand, was wanting to make a defense before the public assembly. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for about two hours. 35 After the city secretary quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, what person is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the keeper of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image that fell from heaven? 36 So because these facts are indisputable, you must keep quiet and not do anything reckless. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against someone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there. 39 But if you want anything in addition, it will have to be settled in a legal assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause we can give to explain this disorderly gathering.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Illustration: The Greedy Dog
Aa dog was carrying a bone as he crossed a bridge. He looked into the water and saw his own reflection. He took this to be another dog and another bone. He desperately wanted the other bone, so he dropped the one he had to scare the “other dog.” Of course, there was no other bone, and he lost the one he had into the water. Such is the nature of human greed. In the effort to get what we want, we frequently lose what we have. (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).