Acts 19
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[.]
While Paul was in Ephesus, a riot broke out among those craftsmen who benefited from trade in idols (v23-28). The essence of the beef with Paul and the Way (v1) is that we lose when we follow Jesus. All of us, in some form or fashion resist submission to Jesus because of this concern. Yet we must recognize that all of what we have comes from God - He is the source of everything - all of our life and sustenance. We must also recognize that, although we lose our life as we know it when we follow Jesus, we gain far more than what we lose.
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[.]
While Paul was in Ephesus, a riot broke out among those craftsmen who benefited from trade in idols (v23-28). The essence of the beef with Paul and the Way (v1) is that we lose when we follow Jesus. All of us, in some form or fashion resist submission to Jesus because of this concern. Yet we must recognize that all of what we have comes from God - He is the source of everything - all of our life and sustenance. We must also recognize that, although we lose our life as we know it when we follow Jesus, we gain far more than what we lose.
For
in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible
and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all
things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
“But
who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as
generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you
only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord
our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a
temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to
you. 1 Chronicles 29:14-16
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What
is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth
of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I
consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and
be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from
the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness
that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has provided me with life and everything that I experience - thank You God! I am blessed beyond what I deserve. Thank You - yet I must acknowledge that I am undeserving. I sin daily and often - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my faith towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
