Acts 19:25-27 (ESV Strong's)
These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”
Jesus May Not Be Good For Business!
When Paul came to the city of Ephesians, the local Chamber of Commerce was not amused. A silver industry making idols to the goddess Diana was in extreme economic stress over Paul’s message of the cross. In order to tell people about Christ you often have to speak to them truth that is contrary to the narrative the currently embrace. The business of Ephesus was built not he back of a false narrative. The same is true in many industries today. Think of education. Those who design educational systems believe the more education a person has the more they are awaken and enlightened. There is no doubt that education is one of the foundations of our country and a necessary part of our society. But, the narrative of education changing you is a limited and flawed narrative. Only the message of the Christ changes someone. The power of redemption makes the necessary change in souls AND mind for a true change. Education is one of many tools to make sure the power of the Gospel is introduced into society. But, many industries and business exploits are like education ... we soon begin to worship them and not the Christ they should. The silversmiths in Ephesus formed a union collation to fight the spread of the Gospel. Jesus is not always good for business as we know business today. But, Jesus is our business, if we are members of the kingdom. We are to spreading the message of the Kingdom not that marketing slogan of this worlds kingdoms.
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