In brief
Demetrius is a silversmith of Ephesus who makes silver shrines of Artemis, the goddess of the city, and brings his craftsmen no little business. Seeing that Paul's preaching turns many people away from idols, he gathers the craftsmen and stirs them up against the apostle. The whole city is thrown into confusion and shouts for about two hours. The town clerk finally calms the crowd. The gospel disturbs interests tied to idols.
What does the name Demetrius the Silversmith mean?
Demetrius is a Greek name formed on that of Demeter, a Greek goddess. The Bible does not explain it. This silversmith of Ephesus is to be distinguished from the Demetrius to whom the apostle John gives a good testimony (3 John 12).
The story of Demetrius the Silversmith
A great disturbance at Ephesus
Acts 19:23-24Paul has been teaching at Ephesus for more than two years, and the word of the Lord grows mightily. At that time there arises no small disturbance concerning the Way. It is caused by a silversmith named Demetrius, who makes silver shrines of Artemis and brings his craftsmen no little business.
Demetrius' speech
Acts 19:25-27Demetrius gathers his workmen and others of the same trade. He reminds them that their wealth comes from this business, and that Paul has persuaded a great crowd, at Ephesus and almost all Asia, saying that gods made with hands are no gods. He fears for his trade and for the prestige of the temple of Artemis.
“Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19:28-31His words fill the craftsmen with anger, and they begin to cry out the name of their goddess. The whole city is in confusion. They rush into the theater, seizing Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's companions. Paul wants to go in to the people, but the disciples and even some Asiarchs who are his friends do not allow him.
Two hours of shouting
Acts 19:32-34In the assembly, confusion reigns: some shout one thing, some another, and most do not even know why they have come together. The Jews put forward a man named Alexander, who wants to speak. But when the crowd realizes he is a Jew, they all cry out with one voice for about two hours.
The town clerk calms the crowd
Acts 19:35-41The town clerk quiets the crowd. He points out that Paul's companions are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers. If Demetrius and his craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. The city risks being accused of rioting. He then dismisses the assembly.
What Demetrius the Silversmith teaches us
- The gospel challenges idols, including those that bring in money.
- Self-interest can hide behind religious language.
- A crowd can shout for a long time without knowing why: truth is not measured by noise.
- God protects his servants and can use unexpected people to restore calm.
Key verses
Demetrius himself sums up Paul's message: gods made with hands are no gods. His worry shows how deeply the preaching touched the daily life of the city.
Just before the riot, Luke notes that the word of the Lord was growing and prevailing at Ephesus. It is this progress of the gospel that threatens Demetrius' trade.
Frequently asked questions
Who was the Artemis of the Ephesians?
She was the great goddess of Ephesus, whose temple stood in the city. The town clerk describes Ephesus as the guardian of the temple of the great goddess Artemis and of her image that fell from the sky (Acts 19:35). Demetrius made silver shrines of this goddess.
Why did Demetrius oppose Paul?
He says so himself: the craftsmen's wealth depends on their trade, and Paul's preaching turns many people away from gods made with hands (Acts 19:25-26). He also fears that the temple of Artemis will be counted as nothing. Money and the city's religion are mixed together in his anger.
Where is the story of Demetrius in the Bible?
The story of Demetrius the silversmith is found in the book of Acts, chapter 19, verses 23 to 41. It closes Paul's long stay at Ephesus; right afterward, the apostle leaves for Macedonia (Acts 20:1).