Episode 933
When Faith Conflicts with Commerce: A Study of Acts 19
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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A profound examination of Acts 19:21-27 serves as the focal point for this episode, wherein the juxtaposition of faith and economic systems is meticulously scrutinized. The narrative introduces us to Demetrius, a silversmith whose livelihood hinges upon the worship of Artemis. As Paul's teachings begin to resonate within the community, the economic stability of artisans like Demetrius is threatened, thus inciting a vigorous defense of their trade. This conflict is emblematic of the broader theme of how faith can disrupt entrenched economic practices, prompting a reevaluation of what we consider sacred.
The episode delves into the implications of this disruption, highlighting the critical question of how faith interacts with economic justice. We are invited to reflect on our own consumption habits and the ethical ramifications of our economic decisions. The concept of a 'sacred audit' is introduced, encouraging listeners to investigate the labor practices and environmental impacts associated with their purchases. This inquiry not only fosters personal growth but also serves as a catalyst for communal transformation, urging us to consider the social and political dimensions of our faith.
Ultimately, the discussion culminates in a compelling challenge: to adopt a faith that is not merely a private affair but one that actively seeks to dismantle unjust economic systems. We are called to engage with our communities, advocating for economic practices that align with our spiritual beliefs and promote justice, equity, and sustainability. This episode serves as both a reflective journey and a clarion call for action, urging us to live out our faith in a manner that is visibly disruptive and profoundly transformative.
Takeaways:
- The intersection of faith and economics can lead to significant social transformation, as evidenced in Acts.
- The silversmith Demetrius exemplifies how economic interests can intertwine with religious beliefs.
- Our faith should continually challenge the status quo of wealth and privilege in society.
- Genuine spiritual transformation has broader implications for community dynamics and economic structures.
- We must evaluate our consumption habits and their alignment with our spiritual values.
- To embody our faith fully, we should confront and challenge unjust economic practices.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
Hello my good friends, Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh, your daily visit to the New Testament from a progressive perspective.
Speaker A:We read the daily reading from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A:We're in year C as part of a three year cycle to read through the whole Bible.
Speaker A:We're in the Pentecost season.
Speaker A:We make the reading of the Bible understandable.
Speaker A:We use the message relatable, we give you some points to ponder.
Speaker A:Applicable will give you an action step to take.
Speaker A:And we have a prayer.
Speaker A:We do all of that in under 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com that's the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: ion years a million people by: Speaker A: reading for the day from Acts: Speaker A:Reading from the message the goddess Artemis, after all, had reached its peak.
Speaker A:Paul decided it was time to move on to Macedonia and Acacia provinces and from there to Jerusalem.
Speaker A:Then he said, quote, I'm off to Rome.
Speaker A:I've got to see Rome.
Speaker A:He sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, on to Macedonia and then they stayed for a while and wrapped things up in Asia.
Speaker A:But before he got away, a huge ruckus occurred over what was now being referred to as, quote, the way a certain silversmith Demetrius conducted a brisk trade in the manufacture of shrines to the goddess Artemis, employing a number of artisans in his business.
Speaker A:And he rounded up his workers and others similarly employed and said, men, you well know that we have a good thing going here.
Speaker A:And you've seen how Paul has barged in and discredited what we're doing.
Speaker A:But by telling people that there's no such thing as a God made with hands, a lot of people are going along with him, not only here in Ephesus, but in the Asia province.
Speaker A:Not only is our little business in danger of falling apart, but the temple of our famous goddess Artemis will certainly end up in a pile of rubble as her glorious reputation fades to nothing.
Speaker A:And this is no mere local matter.
Speaker A:The whole world world worships our Artemis.
Speaker A:That's close quote there.
Speaker A:Well, this isn't a really kind of amazing passage of scripture and from the Book of Acts, which has a lot of fascinating stories in it and it really feels remarkably relevant to modern conversations about faith and economics and commerce and social change.
Speaker A:We have this situation with the people on code called the Way who created a significant upheaval among the local business community, the artisans.
Speaker A:And this conflict between the spiritual transformation and the economic interest of the day really mirrors a lot of our contemporary challenges.
Speaker A:Let's talk about some points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first has to do with the systems of power and privilege.
Speaker A:Demetrius Reaction to Paul's teaching reveals how religious and economic systems often intertwine to maintain power structures.
Speaker A:The silversmith's primary concern wasn't theological.
Speaker A:It was financial.
Speaker A:This reminds us to examine how economic interests might be shaping our own religious practices and beliefs today.
Speaker A:When does our faith challenge the status quo of wealth and power?
Speaker A:Then there's the point about sacred capitalism.
Speaker A:The shrine maker's resistance to change highlights how we often sanctify our economic systems.
Speaker A:Today.
Speaker A:We might ask how have we created our own shrines to capitalism?
Speaker A:How do we react when our faith calls us to challenge profitable but harmful practices, whether they're damaging to the environment or exploiting other people or perpetuating inequality?
Speaker A:One more point.
Speaker A:It's about community impact and transformation.
Speaker A:The text here shows how genuine spiritual transformation inevitably affects the broader community.
Speaker A:Paul's message wasn't just personal.
Speaker A:It had social, economic and political implications.
Speaker A:And this challenges you and I to consider.
Speaker A:Are we practicing a faith that's too private to be disruptive?
Speaker A:What would it mean for our faith to be truly.
Speaker A:To truly challenge unjust economic systems?
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Conduct a sacred audit of your consumption habits.
Speaker A:Choose an area of your life.
Speaker A:Maybe it's clothing or food or technology purchases.
Speaker A:And research the labor practices which are connected to the production of that product and the environmental impact of the companies you regularly support.
Speaker A:Then identify one concrete challenge you can make to better align your economic choices with your spiritual values.
Speaker A:We'll come back and have a closing prayer in just a minute.
Speaker A:Just a reminder.
Speaker A:And we have a resource free to you.
Speaker A:It's our gift to you.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:It helps you with your daily Bible study, which you use here in coordination with what you hear here on the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:You can pick it up for free@voiceofgoddaily.com I hope that you will.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are a divine disruptor.
Speaker A:And give us courage to question the systems we've made sacred.
Speaker A:Wisdom to see where money has become our master and strength to choose justice over convenience.
Speaker A:Help us remember that true worship isn't found in shrines of silver but in lives of radical love and economic justice.
Speaker A:When change feels costly, remind us that your kingdom values are worth more than silver and gold.
Speaker A:Guide us as we seek to live our faith, not just in our prayers, but in our purchases and our practices.
Speaker A:Well friends, it's a pleasure to be with you and to offer the Daily Bible Refresh to you.
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Speaker A:We hope that you do.
Speaker A:We'll see you next time here the in Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:I'll be with you every day here.
Speaker A:Usually we drop our episodes before 6am until then, remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
