Today’s Reading: Acts 19

27 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 will be scorned, and she will be deprived of her majesty that brought all Asia and the world to worship her.”
Acts 19:27

Ephesus is ready to erupt. 

Apostles have spread the word of The Way, the nascent movement of the gospel, to this port city, the same city for whom the book of Ephesians is named. In Ephesus, these apostles run into trouble. Local leaders, convinced that The Way means trouble for their city, stir the proverbial pot. 

Here in verse 27, we hear their argument. There will be economic consequences for following The Way! Hear the economic language: “trade, deprived of…the world to worship her.” People come from all over to visit the temple of Artemis, bringing their tourist dollars, just like a tourist destination today. By worshipping Jesus, by converting, they bring dishonor on their local god, threatening this vital source of civic income. 

Then, consider the patriotic language here: “disrepute, scorned, deprived of majesty.” It may not sound patriotic at first, but worship of local Roman gods was a form of patriotism in the word of first century Rome. To go and worship, to make an offering, demonstrated allegiance to Rome and civic duty. 

A passage like this reminds us that The Way was countercultural when it began, threatening the fabric of a stable and peaceful society known as the Pax Romana. Today, we live in a society much more accepting of Christianity, what we call The Way, and yet the gospel still contains countercultural messages about economics and patriotism. At the heart of the matter is this question: where does our true allegiance lie? 

Think
Where does your true allegiance lie? What does the gospel ask you to do that might be countercultural? 

Pray
Pray for wisdom to know how the gospel asks you to be countercultural and the courage to act that way.

Do
Research the impact of a purchase you recently made. Where did it originate? What were the working conditions when the item was made, shipped, etc.? 

Think, Pray, Do. As we respond in faith to scripture, God moves in power through our minds, hearts, and bodies. We are the people of God. Thanks for reading today. Go in peace. Amen.

Think, Pray, Do devotionals by Ted Goshorn follow the suggested bible reading plan from his website and book, Prayer Changes Us. Find this Bible reading plan at tedgoshorn.org/biblereading. If you have found today’s devotion helpful, don’t forget to subscribe for daily emails at tedgoshorn.org and share with others that we may think, pray, and do faithfully.