Grace for your spirit
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 with hands are no gods at all. "Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence." Acts 19:26-27
What was the real issue with Paul's preaching against idolatry? Were they concerned that the idols they made weren't really gods at all? Were they worried that the temple and goddess of their city would be dethroned? Or was in really about their real god, money? The goddess Artemis brought visitors to town by the truckloads, and everyone wanted a little idol to take home with them. This had made the silversmith's union very wealthy. The domino effect would be a tragedy for their income, the income of other trades, and the Ephesian Chamber of Commerce. They hoped the commotion would turn the tide against the gospel, and run Paul out of town. Often we can become involved in idolatry today without realizing it. When our little gods are threatened by the truth of Jesus, how do we react? Is our treasure in gods, or in The God of Heaven?
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
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