ACTS 19-20: DAY 336 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

December 2, 2023

ACTS 19-20
DAY 336 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses For Today: Acts 19:23-27

Today, our journey through the book of Acts continues with Paul’s ongoing missionary work.

Ask the Lord for His understanding of Acts 19-20. Read Acts 19-20. Let’s journey!

Acts 19-20: Paul continues his travels and arrives in Ephesus, where he met with some disciples who had been baptized by John but had not heard of the Holy Spirit. Through them, we see the power of the Holy Spirit and why it is an important part of a believer’s life. Paul expresses his desire to visit Rome. Economic problems arise in Ephesus with the worshipers of Artemis. Paul leaves Ephesus and travels throughout Macedonia before arriving in Greece, preaching wherever he goes. Paul raises a man from the dead before continuing his travels, bypassing Asia in the hopes of being in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Paul gives his final farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church. Paul did not know exactly what his future held, but he knew that he would not be returning to them. (Acts 19:1-20:38)

Our focus verses for today:

23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 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. 27 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; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”
(Acts 19:23-27, NIV)

Demetrius’ concern was not about religion and worship of Artemis, although that is how he phrased his concern. Demetrius’ concern was about money and his business. Although a nonbeliever, Demetrius serves as an example and warning to all Christians regarding our focus in life. He is an example of a person whose focus is on money, yet knows how to frame a problem to excite people. He is a warning that not all religiously framed arguments are genuine. When a person wants to use religion to frame an argument, the argument must be carefully examined. Is it fully supported by God’s word? Are your religious arguments made in good faith?

Godspeace!