And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”
Acts 19:26-27 NIV
Paul had been teaching in a rented building for two years, and the gospel had reached out to the whole Roman province (Acts 19:8-10). And the results were dramatic. Demetrius was one of the idol makers in Ephesus. And according to him, his idol-making business was being negatively impacted. Not because it was made illegal. But because so many had turned to Christ.
Today, many like to try to change society by legislating morality. But that does little to change people. And history has shown that people will always find a way to do what they want, regardless of the laws they might violate.
How much better to follow the example here and change people’s lives, and our society, with the gospel? Not just getting them to make a profession of faith, but to really be transformed. How wonderful it would be to hear people in the drug or sex trade complain. Complain that they were losing business because of the impact of the gospel of Christ.
And better than that! How wonderful to hear traffickers and drug dealers abandon evil and proclaim the gospel and live it themselves! I believe we will begin to see just that in these days. And I am eager to Hear God’s Word! Hallelujah to the King of Kings! All Glory to King Jesus, Immanuel <3
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
Proverbs 10:1
Yes indeed. Thanks for sharing.