The True God of Ephesus

The riot in Ephesus starts with a business meeting. First order of business: finances. “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth” (Acts 19:25). Business has been going well. The report of “no little business” (Acts 19:24) implies everyone’s income had been consistently comfortable. But a recent trend has threatened this wealth.

The market is being compromised by a man named Paul. His teaching about the cultural gods sabotaging demand. And without demand, there will be no need for supply.

Last on the itinerary, CEO Demetrius points out the downward trend will ultimately undermine the honor of the goddess they all serve—Artemis.

Meeting adjourned.

Surely at least one of these tradesmen in the meeting must have noticed the priorities. This corporation presented itself as devoted to Artemis. But the truth comes out in the meeting.

They had the pretense of honoring a false god, but the most pitiful aspect of this guild was that their reverence of a false god was even false.

Even though money is not alive, it is real and makes real demands. Silver Artemis Shrines Unlimited didn’t worship Artemis. They didn’t actually worship a false god. They worshipped a true god—money.

It’s such an easy trap for any of us. The god money demands things from all of us. So much is determined by whether or not we let it be in charge.

- Bret