Every great revival eventually hits a wall. Sometimes it's persecution. Sometimes it's internal division. Sometimes it's the bottom line. Demetrius didn't oppose Paul over theology. He hated him because Paul was bad for business. The temple of Artemis was the city's economic engine. Pilgrims came to worship and left with silver souvenirs, and Demetrius likely ran the silversmiths' guild. When the gospel swept through Ephesus and people stopped buying idols, his revenue tanked. His speech opens with the wallet, then dresses it up in religious devotion. The temple is at stake. Artemis's reputation is at stake. The gospel had become an economic threat in a city where sin had been monetized. Idolatry always looks more noble when you're swimming in it. The opposition becomes the endorsement.
What is Acts Daily Devotional Podcast?
What if the story of the early church isn’t just history, but a blueprint for following Jesus today? The Acts Daily Devotional Podcast is a 141-day journey through the book of Acts in the Bible, hosted by Pastor Derek. Each short episode combines Scripture and practical teaching to help inspire your daily chair time with God, whether at home or on your drive to work. Starting April 26, discover how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to advance the mission of Jesus from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.