Friday 22 May, 2020

In this passage, we see that Demetrius was a very successful business man, a silversmith making shrines for his god Artemis and he is worried that Paul will change all of this. Demetrius was focused on making money and protecting his livelihood – “let’s protect the reputation of our god and our industry” (v27). It seems good and spiritual but it’s misguided. It reminds me of another verse: having a form of godliness but lacking power (2 Tim 3:5).

Paul is also a man who has a lot of success and is influential – he persuades many people throughout the whole region to turn to Christ. Yet, he lives very differently to Demetrius. He doesn’t worry about God being discredited or robbed of His majesty. He is not focused on protecting his own livelihood but making sure people hear the truth.

How can Paul live this way? Paul’s confidence comes from knowing who God is – unchanging in nature and ruler over all. This confidence and reliance on God enables him to live a life of influence and authority. And we see the impact of this.

This passage causes me to reflect on my own life – do I live like Demetrius, have elements of spirituality yet lacking confidence and power? Or do I live like Paul, resting solely on God’s unchanging nature and sovereignty?

Lord, God, help me to know You more, as You truly are, so that I too may be at peace and live with confidence in changing circumstances.

Written by Gab Martin