The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Shrewd Plan to Prevent Spread of the Gospel of Jesus
Welcome to you, to our Book of Acts Bible Study, “Businessman Attempts to Stop the Preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Today, let’s conclude our study of Acts chapter nineteen, Acts 19: 21 – 44, part 4 of 4.
Apostle Paul resolved to visit Rome after the massive public burning of “books” in Ephesus. Paul planned to see Rome after traversing the region and preaching the Gospel of Jesus, Acts 19:21. Therefore, Paul deployed his resources sensibly: He sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia to preach the Gospel of Jesus but he remained, for a while, in Asia, Acts 19:22.
Simultaneously there was much conversation about the Christian way in Asia, especially in Ephesus, Acts 19:23. Much of this discussion, about the Gospel of Jesus was initiated by a wealthy silversmith, Demetrius. He made silver shrines for the Ephesian goddess Diana, Acts 19:24.
Demetrius convened a meeting with all the men of his occupation and others of similar occupations, and then he motivated them, Acts 19:25.
First, Demetrius starts with an appeal to reason and to reality: He reminded them of how they make their livelihood, Acts 19:25. Second, this self-appointed trade union representative speaks of Apostle Paul’s missionary work; and of his success as a disciple of Jesus Christ in Ephesus and “almost throughout all Asia,” Acts 19:26. (He was afraid if Paul continues like this he would convert everyone. Therefore, his mission was to stop Paul now.)
Third, Demetrius claimed Paul was successful in persuading the people of the region because he told them there are “no gods which are made with hands,” Acts19:26.
Then the chief speaker for the silversmiths changed his tactics. Now, he appeals to their emotions. (An appeal to the pathos of this audience, in this instance, is an effective tool because the topic is dear to their hearts.)
Stop the Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus
Demetrius told the assembly because of “this Paul” our livelihood; our wealth and our future are endangered. Additionally, he continued his discourse; our religion is in danger of extinction by “this Paul”, Acts 9:27. This speech by Demetrius caused a great “uproar” in the city of Ephesus for hours, Acts 19:29, 34.
This social rebellion started by a speech; similarly, it took a discourse by one of Paul’s friends in Government to stop the uproar, Acts19:31, 35 – 41.
As it were in Ephesus and Asia then, so is it today, all over the world. It only takes one passionate person to get results. It was Paul’s passion to spread the Gospel of Jesus, which result in the evangelizing of all Asia. It was Demetrius’ passion of losing the source of his wealth that sparked the uproar. In addition, it was the Clerk of the Town’s passionate speech, which brought order. What aspect of the Kingdom of Heaven are you passionate about? What have you done or is doing about it?
Demetrius’ primary concern (as a silversmith) was making more “silver shrines,” for Diana and by continuing his craft accumulate more wealth. He was not concerned with the religion, only to the extent it’s was a means to an end for his continued accumulation of wealth.
From Persecutor of Christ to Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus in a Few Days
The “love of money is the root of all evil” is a true and appropriate saying, 1 Timothy 6:10. It’s true not only for Demetrius and Asia but for us today too. Demetrius pursued an opportunity to stop the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which Paul preached because his preaching jeopardized his wealth and livelihood.
Today’s experience is no different from Paul’s experience for many religious organizations and many people continue to behave in comparable manner because of self-interests. By the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we highlight and reveal that there is no gods made by man and Jesus is the only living God.
Consequently, these religious people oppose the preaching of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, i.e., the Gospel of Jesus. They oppose the teaching and practice of the plan of salvation: repentance, water baptism in the name of the living God, Jesus, and Spirit baptism marked by the infilling of the Holy Ghost. There opposition is manly verbal but often has become physical.
These religious organizations, denominations and people pervert the Gospel of Christ because by doing so they make their wealth. They deny the very essentials which make a person a Believer in Jesus Christ.
In closing opposing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in any way, then and now is to attempt to oppose Jesus Himself. They should know there is no victory fighting against the God who made all things whose name is Jesus. Saul was chosen for he went from persecutor of Christ to preacher of the Gospel of Jesus in a few days. My prayer for you is that you too will become a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Get Exclusive Updates. Enter Your Email Address.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
This is a great renmider. Found this post last night and appreciate the shift in thinking from event to process, and that process is not even linear.Thanks for the challenge to share my story.Pastor Chris