Disreputable Trade (Acts 19:27)

 

Thursday, 21 August, 2025

Psalms 121; 122; 123

2 Samuel 22:17-31

Acts 19:21-41

Disreputable Trade (Acts 19:27)

[Demetrius the silversmith said] “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.”

There is a certain concept being discussed in some parts of the internet, as a response to discussions in other parts of the internet. It concerns the fact that, while information has become greatly democratised, at the same time it has been weaponised. How can we know that what we read or hear is true, free from nefarious editorial biases?

I find it wonderfully reassuring that this is not some new phenomenon. The riot at Ephesus swept up the whole city, and we read that many of the rioters did not even know why they were there. Making this incident even more similar to our own time, when a Jew stood up to speak, the crowd shouted him down simply because he was a Jew. Whether it is social media or a theatre in an ancient Roman colony, humans are the same.

Ultimately, all this drama came about because someone was worried about money. This too is an example of history continuing to rhyme. If these sorts of things still happen today, is there anything we can do as Christians to try and protect ourselves against deceit and manipulation?

While there are plenty of secular answers to this (many of which are worth considering), perhaps the practise of discernment is our best tool. What is God calling us to do? Where is he calling us to? Which human needs are we called to minister, and to which people? We don’t need to know everything, or be everywhere. We just need to concern ourselves with what God wants for us. And, as King David recognised, God’s way is perfect; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (2 Samuel 22:31)

What are your current life circumstances? How can you build God’s kingdom according to your current state in life?

Providential God, you have prepared a life of good works for us in Jesus Christ: lead us on your path, that we may not be distracted in ministering your blessings to those around us.