SUNDAY October 8, 2023

What Is the Cause of This Great Commotion?

And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade."
Acts 19:23-25

What happened here? In Ephesus, a city fully dedicated to the worship of the goddess Diana, there arose a great commotion about the Way––Christianity. Their peaceful way of life became disrupted because many people had become converted to Christianity, and they forsook idolatry.

Demetrius, a well-known silversmith in the city, made his living making silver idols of Diana. He helped craftsmen to make a profit for themselves when they, in turn, sold them to the city’s population. Those converted to Christianity had stopped buying these shrines. Through the Gospel, their eyes were spiritually opened. They could now see that idolatry was evil.

The craftsmen sold shrines that portrayed gods of fertility. They were gross––very pornographic. New believers in Christ had their lives completely turned around. They stopped their idolatry and sin, and they were eager to serve God. This was a sure sign of revival in the city, because a spiritual revival causes sin to be quenched.

In Ephesus, one wealthy businessman did not appreciate seeing the people’s change of heart. Within society, Demetrius became very upset. His economy suffered. It was hurting his money pockets. What was he going to do? Paul and his preaching were killing him financially! Demetrius decided to hold an emergency meeting with the tradesmen to discuss the issue. He caused them to fear that their businesses would close down.

Fearlessly, Paul had spoken the truth of the Gospel. God was using him to bring about a revival. God also wants to use your life to start a revival, but first He needs to bring about a revival in your own heart.

Revival begins in the individual's heart. Let it begin with you on your face alone before God. Turn from every sin that might hinder. Renew yourself to a new devotion to the Savior.
~Lee Roberson~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!