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DEMETRIUS STIRS UNREST

Act 19:23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.

During this “same time,” the Word is increasing, but the opposition of Satan is also increasing (Mark
4:17). The Word is always attacked in the life of a believer, a church, or a city.
Act 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana,
brought no small profit to the craftsmen.

Demetrius is the head of the crafts union in Ephesus. This is a huge organization comprised of
miners, craftsmen, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers who handle the statues.

Act 19:25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you
know that we have our prosperity by this trade.

A massive union meeting is called, and Demetrius tells them their jobs, income, homes, and
families are in jeopardy because of Paul’s gospel. When a business of this size is in trouble,
many smaller businesses whose existences depend on it are also jeopardized. When it is
announced that sales are way off and layoffs and firings will occur, a riot breaks out, and Paul
will be blamed.

Act 19:26 Moreover you see and hear that not only At Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia,
this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are
made with hands.

Paul is well-known throughout all of Asia. To many, he has brought the message of salvation.
To others, he is one who has broken the back of a thriving business which employs tens of
thousands of people. To them, Paul is responsible for an economic downturn in the city
because his teaching has turned many people away from idolatry and Diana worship to Jesus
Christ. Instead of seeing this as a blessing to many people who have been in religious bondage,
they take it personally because their income is threatened. Paul has faced this previously with
the owners of the girl possessed by a spirit of divination (16:19).

Act 19:27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the
temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all
Asia and the world worship."

“We are just the ‘little guy’ to this Paul. He is out to destroy our entire religion! He is not only
after Ephesus but the whole world!”