Acts 19

It is always interesting to be to read history. I have come to believe that in many ways, things never seem to change. Paul had taught the Athenians of the purpose of this life in -

"That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him..." (New Testament | Acts 17:27)

But it seems that generally, manking makes no effort to seek Him or demonstrate faith in Him. It all comes down to "how does it temporally help me". We see it today in economical success, welfare benefits, political ambitions, religious control, and worldly desires. As Paul diligently taught the people of Ephesus -

"...the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds." (New Testament | Acts 19:17 - 18)

You would think that this would have no affect on the non-believers, but -

"...the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." (New Testament | Acts 19:23 - 27)

It seems the same things happen today, as the truth jeopardizes the desired wordly lifestype of many and with that comes persecution and intimidation.