The Cost of Faith
Good morning. Today we read Acts 17–19, and one question keeps echoing in my heart: What is faith worth?
The quick “Christian” answer is: everything. After all, Jesus gave His all so we could have faith. Without grace—granted through the forgiveness of our sins—our faith would only condemn us. But because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we can rejoice in knowing that God is just and merciful. Otherwise, all we would know is that we have failed (Romans 3:23–26).
Faith, Law, and Control
In the Jewish tradition, righteousness came through keeping the Law. But they knew they had not kept it. Their early concept of the afterlife was Sheol—a shadowy underworld where all the dead went, righteous and wicked alike. Later Rabbinic teaching introduced Gehinnom, a place of temporary purification, leading to Gan Eden, or paradise.(1)
They learned the Law and the Prophets, including Isaiah and Jeremiah. So when Paul reasoned with them in the synagogues, many could see that Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies (Acts 17:2–3). But not all rejoiced.
The religious leaders had much to lose. Controlling the people’s access to God gave them their influence. If the people believed in Jesus and the resurrection, that control would vanish. So they stirred up opposition, even recruiting “bad characters from the marketplace” to incite riots (Acts 17:5).
Power Resists Change
This pattern hasn’t changed. When people in power feel threatened, they strike back—sometimes with violence, sometimes with slander. In Paul’s day, it was mobs and beatings. Today, it might be media campaigns or public shaming. The tactics evolve, but the spirit behind them remains the same.
In Greece, the resistance was philosophical. For an Epicurean to accept the resurrection, they would have to abandon their belief that death is the end and pleasure is the highest good. (2) That’s a costly shift. People resist change—especially when it threatens their comfort or financial security.
We see this in Acts 19:23–27, where Demetrius the silversmith fears that Paul’s message will destroy his idol-making business. He stirs up a riot to protect his income. Artemis worship was not just a religion—it was an economy. And Paul’s gospel threatened both.
Modern Echoes of Ancient Resistance
We see similar dynamics today. Environmental, political, or spiritual ideologies build entire industries. When someone challenges the narrative, the resistance is swift and well-funded.
Two thousand years ago, a group of missionaries teaching generosity and self-sacrifice would have seemed absurd to those who believed this life was all there is. The modern equivalent might be the slogan: “He who dies with the most toys, wins.” But the Christian response is: “You can’t take it with you.”
Jewish teaching today often emphasizes being a good person, with less focus on the afterlife. But when you have faith in Jesus, you realize that considering eternity, any suffering now is just a momentary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Faith That Stands Firm
That’s why wherever Paul went, opposition followed. But so did courage. Reading about men like Paul, Silas, and Apollos—who faced mobs, prison, and slander—reminds us what genuine faith looks like.
In Acts 18:9–10, the Lord tells Paul in a vision:
“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
That promise still stands. In a world growing hostile to Christians, we need the same resolve. Before we’re surprised, we must ask: What is our faith worth?
Footnotes
- “Heaven and Hell in Jewish Tradition,” My Jewish Learning, https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/heaven-and-hell-in-jewish-tradition
- “Epicureanism and Stoicism,” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, https://iep.utm.edu/epicur/