Not since Philippi had there been a needless uproar. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were arrested and beaten because Paul cast the demons out of the fortune telling slave. It cost Her owners big money. Now, In Ephesus, The Church was growing, maturing, and drawing people in daily. Since People were following the Lord, the IDOL business was dropping, and silversmiths were in an uproar–especially those that represented Artemus. While there might have been some allegiance for Artemus, the main allegiance was to the mighty Drachma!!!
We need to remember in our personal ministries and lives that the Love of money often overtakes the love of God and family. So many lives are ruined because of the pressure money brings. It is always a struggle to release the grip we have on money and stuff. But, if we can come to the place where we can lay all we have on the alter before the Lord, it will free us from the pressure and most likely allow God to bless us mightily!
God Bless You
bout that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 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. 27 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.”
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. 30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Walking With God 