MONDAY October 9, 2023
Powerful Persuasion
“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. 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.”
Acts 19:26-27
In Ephesus, Paul’s preaching was very persuasive. The Gospel was powerful; it was transforming people’s lives as they came to Christ. Demetrius saw danger. If this continued, his business of selling shrines depicting the goddess Diana would be negatively impacted.
Demetrius decided to stir up trouble. He persuaded the craftsmen in the city to come against Paul’s impactful preaching. He caused them to fear that their trade would collapse. Instilling fear in their hearts caused them to become very worried about their own welfare. What would they do if they lost their income?
Demetrius added to their concerns an even greater fear. He proposed that as their businesses faltered, so would the people’s dedication and loyalty in their worship of the great goddess Diana! There was a real danger of her becoming despised! People came from all over the world to visit the magnificent Temple of Diana. What else could happen?
To make matters worse, would this mean there would be no more prostitution in the city? No more lucrative income from men seeking pleasure with temple prostitutes? Demetrius persuaded the craftsmen that the future was unstable. He had great success in stirring up the crowds against Paul. He caused them to take matters into their own hands.
Like Paul, we can persuade people toward Christ with the power of God’s Word. Expect opposition. Other people may try to persuade them otherwise, so they will not follow Christ.
Christianity tells people to repent and promises them forgiveness. But you need not repent until you are aware of the Moral Law and your need for forgiveness. Only once you realize that you fall short of God's goodness will Christianity speak to you.
~C.S. Lewis~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
