Acts chapter 19

vs 21

It's a big trip Paul is planning. Rome's a fair way from Jerusalem. And he wants to visit all these other places along the way.

vs 22

Well, we know Timothy. Erastus just pops up. They go ahead into Europe, while Paul remains in Asia.

vs 23

As opposed to all the little disturbances.

vs 24

So apparently this guy's business brought business for other craftsmen. I think that's what it's saying. It's worded very difficultly. The Message, of course, makes it very clear :P

vs 25

That is, from the business of making shrines to pagan godesses.

vs 26

What Paul is saying may or may not be true. But it is very bad for business! Never get between a businessman and his money.

vs 27

Of course, you have to throw in something about Artemis, or else it would seem wrong. It can't all be about the money, can it? Can it? Well, if you're wanting to cause trouble, it can't. Just saying "This man is causing my business to fail" will bring the comment "work harder". But "This man is discrediting Artemis, our patron goddess!" will of course get people steamed up.

vs 28

Oh my goodness, some people are easily led. A mix of money and pride.

vs 29

Mob justice. It's incredible, when people feel strongly about something, how just the strength of the feeling can be swept through a populace. I think something that our society does with apathy is creates calm and stability. But at what price stability?

vs 30

Probably because they feared he might get torn into little tiny bits and sacrificed to Artemis.