Businesses and trades ought to be concerned about anything which may affect their profit. It was the same in 1stC Ephesus as in any market today. However, one trade was particularly worried about the effect of Paul's preaching on their business. He said that if human beings created them, they could not be real gods with real power (

Wisdom is not just a phenomenon enjoyed by believers. God who is all-wise will give wisdom, even to those who do not believe, so that His purposes will be achieved (Daniel 2:21).

God keeps on moving His people: wherever they go, the gospel goes. It is truly international. So is the church. These few verses summarise the first part of Paul's return journey from Corinth back to Jerusalem. After the winter storms, Paul had intended to travel by ship from Corinth (via the southern port of Cenchrea) to Seleucia (the port for Antioch). But just as the boat was about to leave, he received a message that religious plotters intended to attack him on his arrival. So instead he decided to go overland on the Roman military eastern coastal road to Philippi.

Looking at these verses, you might wonder why they are included in Holy Scripture, as it appears to be only an account of island-hopping by ship along, what is now, the west coast of Turkey. Luke who is recording the events, was there; his detailed description adds to the authenticity of the whole narrative. It also has a sense of urgency because Paul was keen to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost – the greatest international gathering of national and displaced Jews, who Paul longed to evangelise.