The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 1 August 2020 – Preach The Word!
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TOPIC: Preach The Word!
READ: Acts 19:21-31 (NKJV)
- When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
- So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
- And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.
- For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.
- He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade.
- “Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.
- “So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”
- Now when they heard [this,] they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians!”
- So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions.
- And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.
- Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.
THE MESSAGE:
In our text today, there was pandemonium in Ephesus about the Way. The Way here referred to the teaching of Jesus Christ which affected the worship of Diana. When Paul preached in Ephesus, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen did not quarrel with his doctrines. Their anger was because his preaching threatened their profits. The craftsmen knew that if people started believing in God and discarding the idols, their livelihood would suffer (verse 27), hence, they stirred the people against Paul.
Christians are expected to preach the message of Christ against every evil, without fear of molestation. Christians should speak against corruption, greed, and every form of ungodliness ravaging our society and the Church today. You as a Christian, should endeavour to preach the word by your word and lifestyle in all that you do today.
PRAYER: Lord, give me courage to preach Your word without fear of molestation in Jesus’ name! Amen
