(v.23)"And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.(v.24) For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen:(v.25)Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.(v.26) Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:(v.27) So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought: but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.(v.28) And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."
The world can always accommodate religion.This is because it poses no threat to the 'status quo' of things.When a challenge to that satanic 'order' is made, however, by One representing The Kingdom of God, (such as... 'this Paul'), there HAS to be a conflict ! There are a number of points to note in this passage...
[1] Paul, in particular, had been very religious, prior to his conversion...(Phil.3:4ff).
[2] Demetrius was 'cashing in' on the pagan deity and the superstitions along with it !. This religion was one of the 'seven wonders' of the ancient world !
[3] Paul was no 'syncretist' and he did not attempt to blend such erroenous pagan beliefs with the Gospel, as some sections of 'Christendom' have since practiced!!
[4] Demetrius knew that this message of the Gospel could not be ignored, or lightly dismissed, because the results were, that HE would either have to change (repent and believe), or BE changed, (seek alternative business), as the effect of the Gospel; in conversions to Christ, took place with increasing intensity !
[5] There is no doubt that behind 'Diana', or 'Artemis', was a demonic power that held (and still holds) many in bondage, blinding them to the Truth;(2Cor.4:4).
[6] Jesus Has the Power to deliver from darkness, however, because all Power and Authority is His...(Matt.28:18). Paul knew this and Demetrius suspected it! so he wasted no time in creating the uproar! Those who would follow Christ as His Disciples will inevitably come into conflict with evil powers, but they can take courage in knowing that The Lord is with them, as He was with Paul, who said..."I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth..."(Rom.1:16). May The Lord bless you.