For the first time, but not the last time, Paul and his companions get into trouble with the business and political establishment of the Roman empire.
Paul, in a fit of exasperation, commands the spirit of divination possessing a very valuable slave-girl to come out of her.
When her owners realize her economic value has been destroyed, they are enraged.
They drag Paul and Silas into the marketplace and to the authorities and convince them Paul and Silas are bad for business.
For the owners of the slave girl, the only thing that matters is making money and anything that interferes with their pursuit of wealth must be destroyed.
The real conflict here is between those who worship God and those who worship Mammon and is a conflict that continues to this day.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus was very clear:
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”—Matthew 6:24
In what ways does your discipleship to Christ shape and guide your economic choices?