A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 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. 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. 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 worshipped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”
— Acts 19:24–27 (NIV)
Not all persecution comes from hatred for Christ or religious zeal. Some of it stems from something more worldly — greed. In our anchor scripture, Demetrius the silversmith stirred up serious opposition against the Apostle Paul in Ephesus. But the real reason wasn’t theological; it was financial. Paul’s preaching threatened Demetrius’s income, so he rallied others to attack the truth for fear of losing profit.
This teaches us two important lessons. First, we must guard our own hearts. The love of money can corrupt judgment and lead people to resist the very truth that could save them. Second, as believers — especially those in ministry — we must not be surprised when resistance arises from those whose financial interests are threatened by the Gospel.
Another example is found in Acts 16:19:
When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.
— Acts 16:19 (NIV)
In this case, Paul had just delivered a young slave girl from a demonic spirit that enabled her to tell fortunes — a practice that brought much profit to her owners. Rather than rejoice in her freedom, they were enraged at their financial loss. Again, greed triggered persecution.
This kind of resistance is not born from deep conviction or belief in false gods — it’s driven by selfish gain. Such people are often hardened not by ideology but by the idol of mammon. In many cases, they are difficult to reach through reason or even miracles, because their loyalty is to profit, not truth.
As ministers of the Gospel, we must walk wisely. When faced with such opposition, don’t always try to argue or reason your way through it. Their motives are rooted in gain, not godliness. Instead, pray for their hearts to be softened, and ask God to deliver you from unreasonable and wicked men.
Prayer:
Lord, deliver me from greedy and unreasonable people. Help me to recognize the spirit behind every persecution and to respond with wisdom, love, and prayer. Keep my own heart free from the love of money, and strengthen me to stand firm in truth. Amen.
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