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;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} a certain {G5100} man named {G3686} Demetrius {G1216}, a silversmith {G695}, which made {G4160} silver {G693} shrines {G3485} for Diana {G735}, brought {G3930} no {G3756} small {G3641} gain {G2039} unto the craftsmen {G5079};

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a silversmith named Demetrius who manufactured from silver, objects connected with the worship of the goddess Artemis; and he provided no small amount of work for the craftsmen.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:24 introduces Demetrius, a prominent silversmith in Ephesus whose lucrative business involved crafting silver shrines for the goddess Diana. This verse serves as the immediate catalyst for a major confrontation, revealing that the widespread success of the Gospel, proclaimed by the Apostle Paul, directly threatened the economic prosperity of those whose livelihoods were intertwined with the city's deeply entrenched idolatrous practices. The "no small gain" highlights the significant financial stakes involved, setting the stage for the ensuing riot driven by both religious fervor and economic self-preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 19:24 marks a pivotal turning point in Paul's extensive and impactful ministry in Ephesus, which is detailed throughout [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Prior to this verse, Luke meticulously chronicles the powerful spread of the Gospel, the demonstration of God's miraculous power through Paul, and the significant impact on the local populace, leading many to abandon magical practices and publically burn their costly scrolls ([Acts 19:11-20](/acts/19-11-20 "Acts 19:11-20 - Miracles and Repentance in Ephesus")). The narrative shows the Word of the Lord growing "mightily and prevailed" ([Acts 19:20](/acts/19-20 "Acts 19:20 - The Triumph of God's Word")). Verse 24 then introduces the direct consequence of this spiritual success: an economic backlash. The conversion of many to Christ meant a decline in the demand for pagan idols and associated religious paraphernalia, directly impacting those who profited from such trade. This sets the stage for the dramatic riot that unfolds, illustrating the inherent conflict between the advance of God's kingdom and the vested interests of the world.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was one of the largest and most influential cities in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), serving as a major port and a center for commerce, culture, and religion. Its most prominent feature was the magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This temple was not merely a place of worship but also a massive economic engine, drawing pilgrims, tourists, and merchants from across the Roman Empire. The cult of Artemis was deeply interwoven with the city's identity, economy, and social fabric. Artemis was revered as a goddess of fertility, childbirth, and the wild, often depicted with multiple breasts, symbolizing abundance. The production and sale of miniature silver shrines, statues, and other cultic items related to Diana constituted a massive industry, providing substantial income for silversmiths, artisans, and associated tradesmen. This economic dependency on idolatry made Ephesus particularly resistant to a monotheistic message that denounced idol worship, highlighting the direct clash between the Gospel and the deeply entrenched pagan system.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Conflict Between the Gospel and Idolatry**, demonstrating how the exclusive worship of the one true God inevitably clashes with polytheistic practices and the economic systems built upon them. The spread of Christianity directly challenged the religious and financial foundations of Ephesus, proving that the Gospel is not merely a spiritual message but a transformative force that impacts all areas of life, including commerce and culture. Secondly, it highlights the **Economic Impact of the Gospel**, showing that when the truth of Christ takes root, it can disrupt existing societal structures and profitable, yet ungodly, enterprises. The "no small gain" emphasizes the significant financial prosperity derived from idolatry, making the perceived threat of the Gospel a potent motivator for opposition. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Self-Interest as a Barrier to Truth**. Demetrius's alarm, as later articulated in [Acts 19:27](/acts/19-27 "Acts 19:27 - Demetrius's True Motives"), was primarily financial and reputational, not theological. His concern was that their craft would be discredited and their financial prosperity would diminish, illustrating how personal gain can blind individuals to spiritual truth and fuel fierce opposition to its advancement, even leading to a city-wide riot as detailed in [Acts 19:28-41](/acts/19-28-41 "Acts 19:28-41 - The Riot in Ephesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Demetrius (Greek, _Dēmḗtrios_):** This name, meaning "belonging to Demeter" (the Greek goddess of agriculture), ironically links the individual to a pagan deity, highlighting his deep immersion in the very system Paul's ministry was challenging. Demetrius is identified as a silversmith, indicating a specific, profitable trade, and his ability to rally other craftsmen suggests a position of influence or leadership within his guild. His actions are not merely personal but represent a collective economic interest.
* **shrines (Greek, _naós_):** While _naós_ typically refers to a full-sized temple, in this context, it refers to the miniature replicas of the Temple of Artemis or small statues of the goddess that were sold as souvenirs or devotional items. These "shrines" were central to the Ephesian economy, serving as tangible tokens of devotion for pilgrims and a significant source of income for artisans like Demetrius. The use of _naós_ for these small items underscores their religious significance to the worshippers, despite their commercial purpose.
* **gain (Greek, _ergasía_):** This word denotes "occupation," "work," or "profit." The phrase "no small gain" (οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν) uses a double negative (litotes) to emphatically state that the profit was considerable and substantial. This emphasizes the immense financial prosperity derived from the production and sale of these idolatrous objects. Demetrius's primary motivation for instigating the riot was the threat to this significant economic "gain," revealing that material self-interest often underlies opposition to the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith":** This clause introduces the central human antagonist of the narrative, Demetrius. His identity as a "silversmith" immediately establishes his trade and, by extension, his vested interest in the idolatrous economy of Ephesus. The indefinite "a certain man" (G5100, _tìs_) might suggest a seemingly ordinary individual, yet his subsequent actions reveal him to be a person of significant influence within his craft.
* **"which made silver shrines for Diana":** This specifies Demetrius's particular craft: the production of cultic objects for the goddess Diana (Artemis). These "silver shrines" were likely miniature replicas of the grand Temple of Artemis or small effigies of the goddess, serving as popular souvenirs for pilgrims and objects of personal devotion. This detail directly links Demetrius's livelihood to the pagan worship that Paul's ministry was undermining.
* **"brought no small gain unto the craftsmen":** This crucial phrase reveals the economic motivation behind Demetrius's actions. The "gain" (G2039, _ergasía_) refers to the profit or business derived from their craft. The double negative "no small" (G3756, _ou_ + G3641, _olígos_) emphatically highlights the immense and significant financial prosperity that Demetrius and his fellow "craftsmen" (G5079, _technítēs_) enjoyed from this industry. The threat to this substantial income, rather than genuine theological conviction, ignited the fierce opposition to Paul and the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 19:24 employs several literary devices. The use of **Litotes** is prominent in the phrase "brought no small gain," which, by using a double negative, emphatically underscores the immense profitability of the idol-making business. This indirect affirmation highlights the significant economic stakes involved. The verse also serves as a point of **Foreshadowing**, immediately signaling the impending conflict and riot detailed in the subsequent verses of [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - The Riot in Ephesus"). Demetrius's introduction and his motivation set the stage for the dramatic confrontation between the burgeoning Christian movement and the entrenched pagan system. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the fact that the "worship" of a goddess of fertility and abundance (Diana/Artemis) is shown to be inextricably linked to, and primarily motivated by, material "gain" rather than genuine spiritual devotion. This exposes the commercial underbelly of the pagan cult and contrasts it sharply with the selfless nature of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:24 powerfully illustrates the inherent tension between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, particularly when earthly prosperity is built upon practices contrary to God's will. The "gain" derived from idolatry represents a system of values fundamentally opposed to the truth of Christ. The Gospel, by its very nature, challenges all false gods and the economic or social structures that sustain them. This confrontation reveals that true spiritual transformation often necessitates a reordering of priorities, where allegiance to Christ supersedes material self-interest. The resistance encountered by Paul is a timeless reminder that the proclamation of truth can be disruptive, not only to spiritual darkness but also to the vested interests of those who profit from it. It underscores the spiritual battle for human hearts, where the allure of worldly gain often competes with the call to worship God alone.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14-18 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:24 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the Gospel's transformative power extends beyond individual conversion to impact societal structures, including economic ones. When the truth of Christ challenges established norms or profitable but ungodly practices, resistance often arises, frequently motivated by perceived loss—whether financial, social, or reputational—rather than genuine theological disagreement. This narrative calls us to a deeper discernment of the true motives behind opposition to the Gospel in our own contexts. It prepares us to understand that authentic Christian witness can be disruptive, upsetting the status quo and challenging systems built on unrighteousness. As followers of Christ, we are called to prioritize God's kingdom and His righteousness above all earthly "gain," trusting in His ultimate provision and victory. This requires courage to speak truth to power, even when it leads to inconvenience, discomfort, or direct opposition, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to the One who has overcome the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gains" or comforts in my life might be subtly hindering my full surrender to the transformative power of the Gospel?**
* **How might the Gospel's message disrupt existing economic or social norms in my community or culture, and am I prepared for such disruption?**
* **When I encounter opposition to Christian truth, how can I discern whether it stems from genuine theological disagreement or from underlying self-interest?**
* **In what ways am I called to prioritize God's kingdom and His values, even when it conflicts with personal or societal "gain"?**

### FAQ

**Who was Demetrius, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Demetrius was a prominent silversmith in Ephesus who specialized in making miniature silver shrines for the goddess Diana (Artemis). His significance lies in his role as the instigator of the riot against Paul and the Christians in Ephesus, as detailed in [Acts 19:25-27](/acts/19-25-27 "Acts 19:25-27 - Demetrius Incites the Riot"). He was not merely a craftsman but likely a leader within his guild, possessing enough influence to gather other artisans and laborers. His primary motivation for inciting the opposition was economic; the success of Paul's ministry was causing a decline in the demand for idols, threatening his and his fellow craftsmen's lucrative business.

**What was the significance of Diana (Artemis) and her temple in Ephesus?**

Answer: Diana, known as Artemis in Greek, was the supreme goddess of Ephesus and was worshipped throughout the Roman world. Her magnificent temple in Ephesus was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, drawing vast numbers of pilgrims and tourists. The cult of Diana was deeply embedded in the city's identity, economy, and social life. She was revered as a fertility goddess, and her worship was a central aspect of Ephesian culture. The temple itself was not only a religious center but also a major bank and commercial hub, making the production and sale of her shrines a vital industry. The challenge to Diana's worship by the monotheistic Gospel was therefore a direct assault on the city's religious, cultural, and economic foundations.

**What does "brought no small gain" mean, and why is it important?**

Answer: The phrase "brought no small gain" (Greek: _ouk oligēn ergasian_) is a figure of speech known as litotes, using a double negative to emphasize a strong positive. It literally means "not a little work" or "not insignificant business," but it emphatically conveys that the production and sale of silver shrines for Diana generated a very large and substantial profit for Demetrius and the other craftsmen. This detail is crucial because it reveals the primary motivation behind the opposition to Paul's ministry: it was not primarily theological conviction but economic self-interest. The success of the Gospel, leading people away from idolatry, directly threatened the immense financial prosperity of those involved in the idol-making industry, thus sparking their fierce resistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:24, though seemingly a narrative about economic conflict, profoundly points to Christ and the nature of His kingdom. The "gain" derived from idolatry represents the world's false systems of value and worship, which are inherently opposed to the singular glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Demetrius's fear for his livelihood, rooted in the worship of a false god, foreshadows the world's persistent rejection of Christ, often driven by a clinging to earthly comforts, power, or profit rather than a desire for spiritual truth. Jesus Himself taught that "no one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Both God and Money")), highlighting the incompatibility of serving God and "mammon" (wealth or material gain). The opposition faced by Paul, a direct consequence of the Gospel's power to turn people from idols to the living God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve God")), mirrors the ultimate spiritual battle between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Christ's mission was to dismantle all false gods and establish His reign, where true worship is offered in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit")). The "gain" of the world is ultimately fleeting, but the "gain" of knowing Christ is eternal and incomparable ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts Everything as Loss for Christ")). Thus, Demetrius's resistance, while a historical event, serves as a timeless illustration of how the world's systems, built on idolatry and self-interest, will always clash with the all-encompassing sovereignty and transformative power of Jesus Christ, the true King whose kingdom will ultimately prevail over all earthly opposition ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Acts 16:16

¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

Acts 19:34

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

Acts 19:35

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, [Ye] men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the [image] which fell down from Jupiter?

Acts 19:27

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

Acts 19:28

And when they heard [these sayings], they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.