Paul sent his two helpers into Macedonia while he stayed in Ephesus.  About the same time a big disturbance occurred there.  (Acts 19:22-23)

Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus and his livelihood depended upon making and selling shrines of the goddess, Artemis.  He understood what was happening as Paul preached and taught of the Lord Jesus Christ.  People were turning from worship of Artemis to worshiping the living God.  The God of the Bible does not have an image or icon for people to worship.

This man gathered together other craftsmen and spoke to them. (Acts 19:24-25)
(NASB) Acts 19:25- “…‘Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business.
26 ‘You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all.
27 ‘Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence.”

Demetrius was facing financial ruin because of Paul’s pointing many to the Lord Jesus Christ.  What did Demetrius miss?  He missed the fact that Jesus died for him.  He missed the fact that there was a greater God than the man-made goddess, Artemis.

Paul’s preaching was changing lives, changing lifestyles and changing who people worshiped.  Demetrius understood that the economy was being seriously affected by the truth of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

How many people today are threatened by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?  Whether financially and even worship of the living God instead of their ‘god(s).’

Paul was preaching and teaching Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.  No other ‘gods’ are living…only Jesus.  And Demetrius was greatly fearful of financial ruin.  He did not ask questions about Jesus, he only feared the results of others faith in Jesus.  It was affecting his financial resources.

Where is your primary focus?
On Jesus or on your finances?