Acts 19:23-28

Acts 19:23-28 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 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: 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. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Yesterday we learned that many people in Ephesus who believed in Jesus Christ repented and burned their evil spellbooks. But today we read that Demetrius did not believe. He knew that his job of making silver idols of Diana was in jeopardy. If everyone believed in Jesus Christ, no one would want buy his little silver idols anymore. So he stirred up the city of Ephesus against Paul and these new Christians. Paul wanted to go into the mob and speak to them. But the Christians feared for his life and whisked him away. They were concerned about Paul. Some people believed and burned their evil stuff, but some people did not believe and were angry at the Christians. And that is the way things are today. Some will believe and some will not. Those who believe will become sweet Christians and those who do not believe will become bitter and cranky. Which do you want to be? Sweet or cranky?