Beware of Scammers

A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.” (Acts 19:24-27 NIV)

There’s a story in the Book of Acts about a silversmith named Demetrius, who clearly loved money more than God (or goddess, in this case). When Paul came along “convinced and led astray large numbers of people…in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia,” by teaching “that gods made by human hands are no gods at all,“ Demetrius was obviously concerned. After all, his business depended on it. So he called together the craftsmen, “along with the workers in related trades,” to gang up against Paul in the guise of religion. However, anyone reading the story can see that Demetrius wanted to stay in business. The Temple of Artemis which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was eventually destroyed and this is all that remains of it.

Fast forward thousands of years later, we continue to read similar stories. There are people, like Demetrius, who use religion as an excuse for their own selfish ambitions. The gullible believe them, but the wise, know better. Beware of scammers who will try to sell you an idea so they can stay in business. Be bold enough to stand up for what you believe in even if others try to bring you down. Because if you keep standing strong, you will bring them down.