Acts 19:24

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

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};

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.

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

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

Context

Acts 19:24 introduces the catalyst for a significant disturbance in Ephesus during the apostle Paul's third missionary journey. Paul had been ministering in this prominent Roman city for over two years, and the Word of God was spreading powerfully, leading many to abandon pagan practices (Acts 19:20). This verse highlights the direct economic impact of the Gospel's success on those whose livelihoods depended on the city's widespread idolatry.

Key Figures and Objects

  • Demetrius: A prominent silversmith, not just an ordinary craftsman. His influence is evident as he gathers other artisans and laborers, indicating a position of leadership or significant wealth within his trade. His motivation, as the narrative unfolds, is primarily financial.
  • Diana (Artemis): The supreme goddess of Ephesus, worshipped throughout the Roman world. Her magnificent temple in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, drawing pilgrims and tourists from afar. Diana was revered as a fertility goddess, and her cult was deeply embedded in the city's identity and economy.
  • Silver shrines for Diana: These were likely miniature replicas of the temple or small statues of the goddess, sold as souvenirs or devotional items to pilgrims and worshippers. They represented a substantial industry in Ephesus, providing income for numerous craftsmen and laborers.
  • Craftsmen: This term refers to a guild or association of artisans who, like Demetrius, profited greatly from the idolatrous practices. Their collective interest underscores the magnitude of the economic threat posed by the growing number of Christian converts.

Key Themes

  • Conflict Between Gospel and Idolatry: The verse vividly illustrates the inevitable clash between the exclusive worship of the one true God and deeply entrenched pagan practices. The spread of Christianity directly challenged the religious and economic foundations of Ephesus.
  • Economic Impact of the Gospel: The phrase "brought no small gain" emphasizes the significant financial prosperity derived from idolatry. The success of Paul's ministry meant fewer people buying idols, directly threatening the livelihoods of Demetrius and his associates. This highlights how the Gospel can disrupt existing economic systems built on practices contrary to God's will.
  • Self-Interest as a Barrier to Truth: Demetrius's alarm was not primarily theological but financial. His concern, articulated later in the chapter (Acts 19:27), was that their craft would be discredited and their financial prosperity would diminish. This illustrates how personal gain can blind individuals to spiritual truth and fuel opposition to it.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "no small gain" translates the Greek ouk oligēn ergasian (οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν), which literally means "not a little work" or "not insignificant business." The double negative emphasizes the considerable profit and extensive enterprise involved in making these shrines. It underlines the scale of the economic threat that Demetrius perceived from the Christian message.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that the proclamation of the Gospel can have far-reaching effects, extending beyond individual conversion to impact societal structures, including economic ones. When truth challenges established norms or profitable but ungodly practices, resistance often arises, sometimes motivated by financial loss rather than genuine religious conviction. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder to:

  • Discern Motives: Understand that opposition to biblical truth may stem from various sources, including economic self-interest, not just theological disagreement.
  • Be Prepared for Disruption: The Gospel is transformative and can disrupt the status quo, even in areas like commerce and culture.
  • Prioritize God's Kingdom: Be willing to stand for truth even when it may lead to personal or economic inconvenience, trusting in God's provision and ultimate victory.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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