Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26 Moreover ye see and hear, that"...... "this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands. 27 So that"... "this our craft is in danger to be set at nought.
This passage of scripture shows us the dangers which become incident to the collision of truth and worldly policy. In this instance, Demetrius, a silversmith, who earned his living by making graven images of the goddess Diana, saw in the preaching of Paul, a threat to his livelihood, and in order to stall the progress of Christianity in his region, he set about to form a coalition of the willing, by inciting an uproar among the other silversmiths in his area, a movement which then ballooned into a violent protest, being fed by the religious fanatics and businesses which had profited greatly from the forbidden trade.
What is worthy of observation is the fact that profit and prophets do not usually agree, and wherever the prophetic utterances of the Bible are presented, there we may expect very stiff opposition to the truths of the Bible, if for any reason they interfere with money-making. In other words, Demetrius, and the mob who followed in his train, were saying that as Christians, we can speak and preach whatever we like, once it does not interfere with our profits, for when ever there is a collision between truth and the amassing of wealth, then the scriptures must be relinquished in favor of the god of this world.
This is the core principle driving most of the current popular doctrines of the day, for they are tailor-made to avoid stepping on the toes of corporations and businesses which make a profit from the adoption of false doctrines, just like it was in the days of Paul and Demetrius. Let's read:
1st Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
For instance, when the truth is brought to bear against the use of alcoholic beverages, sushi, pork products, and tobacco, like Demetrius, many people who benefit from these industries rise up in protest, because they see their profits coming under fire from the promulgation of Biblical truth and duty. And like the mobsters of old, they proceed to stir up the worst passions of the multitudes, by designating the preaching of the straight truth, a threat to their wealth and prosperity, and also by stating that many jobs will be lost if the principles of God's word were to be adopted.
Thus worldly policy is given the preeminence over truth, and those who dare to stand in defense of the Bible, are threatened with violence, jail time, and financial persecution, if they do not surrender to the powers that be, including those business interests which stand to profit from the spiritual ignorance of the people. But The God of heaven will one day bring the policies of this world to a screeching halt, if repentance and permanent change for the better are not instituted, for all who profit from the spiritual ignorance of the people, will one day lose all that was acquired through those deceptive arts.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sobering truth, and it is the will of God, that as Christians, we adopt and practice the principles and teachings of the word of God, for all that do such shall be granted an abundant entrance into the city of God, where profit and prophets will never more collide. Let's read:
Revelation 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!