Acts 19 24

Acts 19:24 kjv

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Acts 19:24 nkjv

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.

Acts 19:24 niv

A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there.

Acts 19:24 esv

For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen.

Acts 19:24 nlt

It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy.

Acts 19 verses

Acts 19 24 Meaning

Acts 19:24 introduces Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus, who spearheaded opposition to the apostle Paul's ministry. This verse explains that Demetrius, along with other craftsmen, made highly profitable silver miniature shrines of the goddess Artemis. Paul's powerful preaching, leading people away from idol worship, directly threatened this lucrative trade, prompting Demetrius to stir up significant trouble among his fellow artisans.

Acts 19 24 Context

Acts 19:24 is crucial as it details the immediate cause of the great uproar in Ephesus against Paul's ministry, described in the verses that follow (Acts 19:25-41). Paul had been ministering in Ephesus for over two years, teaching powerfully and performing many miracles, leading to widespread conversions. The "Way of the Lord" (Acts 19:23) was significantly impacting the pagan city, evident in former magic practitioners burning their expensive scrolls. This verse shifts the focus from spiritual transformation to the direct economic challenge the Gospel posed to entrenched idolatrous practices. Historically, Ephesus was home to the massive Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the worship of Artemis was central to the city's identity, pilgrimage tourism, and economy. Guilds, like that of the silversmiths, wielded considerable influence, and their livelihood was directly threatened by the decline in idol sales, revealing that opposition to the Gospel often stems not just from theological disagreement but from threatened financial and social structures.

Acts 19 24 Word analysis

• For: This conjunction signals a causal explanation, indicating that the subsequent information clarifies why "no small disturbance" (Acts 19:23) occurred concerning "the Way."
• a certain man named Demetrius: Introduces a specific individual, giving the opposition a leader and a face. Demetrius's name means "belonging to Demeter," ironically associating him with another Greek goddess, highlighting the widespread paganism.
• silversmith (ἀργυροκόπος - argyrokópos): This Greek term literally means "silver-worker." It signifies his trade, directly linking him to the manufacturing of idols, and by extension, his vested financial interest in their sale. This trade was esteemed and lucrative in Ephesus.
• who made silver shrines (ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς - naous argyrous): "Shrines" (ναοὺς - naous) here refers to miniature temples or effigies of Artemis, likely bought as souvenirs by pilgrims. The mention of "silver" underscores the valuable material, indicating the significant commerce involved. These were not just trinkets but essential religious artifacts in pagan worship and substantial sources of income.
• of Artemis (Ἀρτέμιδος - Artémidos): Refers to the specific Greek goddess, known to the Romans as Diana. In Ephesus, Artemis was worshipped as a multifaceted fertility deity, distinct from the Greek huntress Artemis. Her temple was a grand, iconic structure and a major pilgrimage site. Paul's message directly challenged this powerful pagan cult.
• brought no little business (παρείχετο οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν - pareícheto ouk olígēn ergasían): This is an example of litotes, an understatement used for emphasis. It literally means "provided not a little work/gain," signifying that he generated an immense amount of profit and commerce. "Business" (ergasían) here also conveys gain, profit, or livelihood, highlighting the economic nature of the conflict.
• to the craftsmen (τοῖς τεχνίταις - tois technítais): This term means "artisans" or "workers." It broadens the scope beyond Demetrius to encompass all those involved in the idol-making trade and associated industries in Ephesus, showing that Paul's message posed a collective threat to a significant part of the city's economy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis": This phrase precisely defines Demetrius's identity and primary source of income. It establishes the central conflict: his profession directly conflicted with Paul's evangelism, which condemned idol worship and advocated for the one true God. This economic reality underscored his deep personal stake in opposing "the Way."
• "brought no little business to the craftsmen": This emphasizes the substantial profitability of the idolatrous trade, demonstrating that the silversmiths and their confederates stood to lose significant wealth due to the spread of Christianity. Their actions were primarily driven by material self-interest disguised as religious fervor, rather than genuine piety for Artemis.

Acts 19 24 Bonus section

• The silversmiths' riot demonstrates how strongly a community's economic well-being can be intertwined with its religious practices. When Paul’s teaching caused conversions away from idolatry, it not only challenged beliefs but also directly impacted the artisans' income, highlighting the gospel’s comprehensive transformative power beyond the individual soul.
• The opposition highlights the subtle yet powerful influence of Mammon (wealth/greed) as a rival "god" against the true God, showcasing that allegiance to earthly gain can become a deeper root of hostility than overt theological disagreement.
• The widespread impact of Demetrius’s "business" implies an extensive network of individuals dependent on the idol trade, making the collective outrage in Ephesus highly significant. It reveals that the resistance to Christian truth can stem from deeply entrenched societal structures and a powerful majority.

Acts 19 24 Commentary

Acts 19:24 masterfully reveals the true nature of much of the opposition faced by the early Church. While outward grievances against Christianity often appeared as religious indignation, as seen later when Demetrius claims the goddess Artemis will be dishonored (Acts 19:26-27), this verse exposes the underlying motive: economic self-interest. The effectiveness of Paul's ministry, turning people from idols to God, directly threatened the thriving pagan idol industry, prompting Demetrius and his guild to act to protect their lucrative livelihood. This illustrates a recurring theme in the biblical narrative where the truth of the Gospel challenges established systems—religious, cultural, and economic—that are founded on idolatry, greed, or ungodliness. The incident underscores that following Christ often means confronting not just false beliefs, but also the societal structures, and indeed livelihoods, built upon them, echoing the timeless conflict between devotion to God and the pursuit of material wealth.