Keraia
Acts 19

Acts 19:24

The Riot in Ephesus · Acts 19:21–41
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Translations

Modern
It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen.
Traditional
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Literal
For a certain silversmith named Demetrius, making silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen.
Latin
Demetrius enim quidam nomine, argentarius, faciens ædes argenteas Dianæ, præstabat artificibus non modicum quæstum:

Original

Greek
English
It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen.

Notes

Acts 19:24

People in Ephesus made silver coins and small shrines with the image of Artemis. Small statues of the goddess were carried in city processions and are still sold there today.

Acts 19:24–34

Demetrius, a silversmith whose business was harmed by Paul’s message about one God, stirred up a large riot against him.

Acts 19:23–41

The main god worshiped in Ephesus was the Greek goddess Artemis. People believed she was born there, so the city of Ephesus was known as the guardian of her temple.

Each year, the people held large festivals in her honor. These included sports, music, and theater. During these events, people would shout, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

As more people became Christians, the worship of Artemis began to decline. This also affected the local economy, since many people earned money from her temple. However, it became clear that Paul and his coworkers had not committed any crime.

Acts 18:23–19:41

This section describes Paul's third mission journey, which happened around AD 53 to 57. Paul visited Galatia and Phrygia again to build stronger relationships with the disciples (18:23). He then traveled to Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years (19:1, 8–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Paul (Saul) Rome Dealing with Conflict

Events

People

Artemis: Greek goddess worshipped in Ephesus, associated with fertility Demetrius: Silversmith who opposed Paul in Ephesus

Glossary

Alexander Artemis Asiarch Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Demetrius Diana Ephesus First Letter to the Corinthians Gods and Goddesses Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Persecution Philippians, Letter to the Second Letter to the Corinthians Silversmith Smith Timothy, First Letter to Travel

Topics

Arts of The: Silversmith Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Demetrius: A Silversmith, Noted for Raising a Riot Diana: Goddess of the Ephesians Idol: Manufacture of Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Diana Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes with the Makers of Idols Shrine: An Idolatrous Symbol of the Temple of Diana (Artemis) Silver: Shrines Silver: The Working In, a Trade Silver: Workers In Silversmith: General Scriptures Concerning