Economics

That’s a statue of Diana of Ephesus. Luke wrote about her:

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. (Acts 19:23 KJV)

There was a silversmith living in Ephesus and his greatest income was derived from selling idols:

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; (Acts 19:24 KJV)

While the first missionaries were turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6), they impacted Demetrius’ income. So, called his 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: (Acts 19:25-26 KJV)

Note that he starts with economics – local, regional and throughout all Asia! Paul was having an effect with his message of God’s mercy and His grace. It was depressing this particular industry and they decided to fight back.  Oh, and there was mention of their religion:

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. (Acts 19:27 KJV)

Hyperbole. Demetrius knew the whole world did not worship Diana, just as we Christians know that the whole world does not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Demetrius just couldn’t stand the economic impact of people not buying his idols. He turned a personal economic situation into a volatile public mob intent on harming Paul and his companions. The mob wasn’t even certain what was going on:

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. (Acts 19:32 KJV)

I wish we knew more about the one man who had enough sense and physical presence to calm an angry mob:

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. (Acts 19:35-37 KJV)

Can we do as well as this clerk? Can we look at issues that have both secular and religious impact and study them calmly, without trying to shout slogans to cover another’s speech? If we cannot, perhaps the clerk would speak to us, too:

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. (Acts 19:40 KJV)

Whether it is secular or religious, know your cause and be able to give an account with a firm foundation, not an emotional knee-jerk in response to someone’s perceived damages.