19:25-28 Sirs, ye know. Observe the argument of Demetrius: (1) By this craft we have our wealth (Ac 19:25); (2) Paul teaches that these are not gods that are made with hands (Ac 19:26); (3) therefore our craft is in danger (Ac 19:27); (4) the great goddess Diana is despised (Ac 19:27); (5) great is Diana of the Ephesians! (Ac 19:28). The prime incentive of his religious zeal is that his craft is in danger. Many are like him still.
19:26 Saying, that they are not gods which are made with hands - This manifestly shows, that the contrary opinion did then generally prevail, namely, that there was a real Divinity in their sacred images. Though some of the later heathens spoke of them just as the Romanists do now.
19:21-31 Persons who came from afar to pay their devotions at the temple of Ephesus, bought little silver shrines, or models of the temple, to carry home with them. See how craftsmen make advantage to themselves of people's superstition, and serve their worldly ends by it. Men are jealous for that by which they get their wealth; and many set themselves against the gospel of Christ, because it calls men from all unlawful crafts, however much wealth is to be gotten by them. There are persons who will stickle for what is most grossly absurd, unreasonable, and false; as this, that those are gods which are made with hands, if it has but worldly interest on its side. The whole city was full of confusion, the common and natural effect of zeal for false religion. Zeal for the honour of Christ, and love to the brethren, encourage zealous believers to venture into danger. Friends will often be raised up among those who are strangers to true religion, but have observed the honest and consistent behaviour of Christians.
