DId God Really Say…

April 26, 2024

Read Deuteronomy 10, Psalm 140-141, Acts 19

I have learned in life that many people often vote in politics or make decisions based on what the bottom line is with their money. “Candidate A” wants to raise or lower my taxes or “Candidate B” wants to give my profession a raise for examples. Having good finances is important but it’s not the most important thing we should make our decisions on when it comes to politics or laws being passed.

We find a case of this in Acts 19 when Paul came to Ephesus. In Ephesus many of the people had a living from the temple of Artemis and the things connected to it. They worshiped this god of Artemis which was some how likely connected to a meteor that had fallen in the past and the people viewed it as some type of godly act. They made shrines and other objects people could take and use. “A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. ²⁵ He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: “Men, you know we receive a good income from this business” vv. 24-25. The people were threatened by the work of Paul and his companions. If more and more people became believers in Christ, they would lose their business and livelihood. What comes first in our lives? Is it obedience to the Lord or is it something personally important to us?

One more final thought. It is so easy for us to read through the book of Acts quickly and get the fast summary of what Paul and the other disciples went though and where they went. But don’t let this seem like a 1-2 week mission trip for them. Verse 10 really puts it in perspective for us. “This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years ministering to the Jews and the Greeks there. This speaks about his faithfulness and his level of commitment to share the gospel. Can we say we have the same level? What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
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