Acts 19:25

KJV

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whom {G3739} he called together {G4867} with the workmen {G2040} of {G4012} like occupation {G5108}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Sirs {G435}, ye know {G1987} that {G3754} by {G1537} this {G5026} craft {G2039} we have {G2076} our {G2257} wealth {G2142}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He called a meeting of them and of those engaged in similar trades, and said, “Men, you understand that this line of business provides us our living.

Berean Standard Bible

Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity.

American Standard Version

whom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this business we have our wealth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:25 captures Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus, convening his fellow craftsmen to address the economic threat posed by Paul's successful Gospel ministry. He articulates clearly that their lucrative business of making silver shrines for the goddess Artemis is in jeopardy because Paul's message is turning people away from idolatry, thereby directly impacting their financial prosperity and the very foundation of their trade. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the dramatic riot that ensues, revealing the deep-seated conflict between the advancing kingdom of God and entrenched worldly interests.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial period of Paul's third missionary journey, specifically his extended and impactful ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-41). Paul's preaching of the Gospel, accompanied by powerful miracles, led to widespread conversions and a significant turning away from pagan practices, including magic and idolatry (Acts 19:18-20). The success of the Gospel directly challenged the deeply ingrained religious and economic systems of the city. Demetrius's speech in Acts 19:25-27 serves as the catalyst for the climactic riot, demonstrating the direct opposition the Gospel faced when it threatened established livelihoods and cultural norms, ultimately leading to Paul's departure from Ephesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The worship of Artemis was central to Ephesian identity and economy. The city was a major pilgrimage site, and the production of idols, shrines, and other religious paraphernalia for pilgrims and devotees was a highly lucrative industry. Silversmiths like Demetrius held significant economic and social power. Paul's declaration that "gods made with hands are no gods" ([Acts 19:26](/acts/19-26 "Acts 19:26 - Paul's Challenge to Idolatry")) was not merely a theological statement but a direct assault on the economic backbone of the city, threatening the livelihoods of countless craftsmen and merchants who profited from the cult of Artemis.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **conflict between economic self-interest and spiritual truth**. Demetrius's primary motivation is clearly financial, not theological, revealing how material gain can blind individuals to spiritual realities and incite fierce opposition to the Gospel. Secondly, it underscores the **inherent clash between the Gospel and idolatry**. The spread of Christianity directly challenged the deeply entrenched pagan worship and the profitable industries built around it, demonstrating that the worship of the one true God demands the abandonment of all false gods and their associated practices, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")). Lastly, it exemplifies **resistance to change**, as the craftsmen's outcry reveals a common human tendency to oppose anything that threatens an established way of life, comfort, or source of income, even if it is for a greater spiritual good.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **craft (Greek, _ergasía'_):** This term, derived from _ergátēs_ (worker), signifies an "occupation," "profit," or "work." In this context, it emphasizes that the idol-making was a well-organized, established, and highly profitable industry, not merely a casual activity. Demetrius's concern is explicitly about the business and its financial returns.
* **know (Greek, _epístamai'_):** Meaning "to put the mind upon," "comprehend," or "be acquainted with," this word indicates that Demetrius is appealing to a shared, undeniable understanding among his fellow craftsmen. They are fully aware of the economic reality he is describing – that their wealth is directly tied to this specific trade.
* **wealth (Greek, _euporía'_):** This word denotes "pecuniary resources," "prosperity," or "good income." Its use here underscores the significant financial motivation behind Demetrius's actions and the craftsmen's subsequent outrage. Their opposition stemmed from a direct threat to their material well-being, not a genuine defense of their goddess.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation":** Demetrius, a leading silversmith, takes the initiative to assemble those who share his trade. The phrase "of like occupation" emphasizes the collective nature of their economic interest and the direct threat they all faced from the Gospel's impact on idol worship. This gathering is strategic, designed to rally support against a common perceived enemy.
* **"and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth":** Demetrius's address is direct and appeals to their shared experience and understanding. He bypasses any theological argument, immediately focusing on the tangible, economic reality: their "craft" (the making of Artemis shrines) is the direct source of "their wealth." This statement reveals the core motivation behind the impending conflict—not religious zeal, but financial preservation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs **Appeal to Self-Interest** as Demetrius directly targets the economic well-being of the craftsmen, knowing this will be their strongest motivator. There is a clear **Conflict** established between the spiritual truth of the Gospel and the worldly pursuit of wealth, highlighting how material concerns can incite opposition to divine truth. The speech also contains a subtle **Irony**, as Demetrius claims concern for the "greatness of the goddess Diana" ([Acts 19:27](/acts/19-27 "Acts 19:27 - Demetrius's False Piety")) while his true motivation, as revealed in this verse, is purely financial. This economic threat serves as **Foreshadowing** for the violent riot that immediately follows, demonstrating the powerful consequences when the Gospel challenges deeply entrenched societal and economic structures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:25 powerfully illustrates the inherent tension between the values of the world and the values of God's kingdom. Demetrius's appeal to economic self-interest over spiritual truth reveals a common human tendency to prioritize material gain and comfort above all else. This episode serves as a stark reminder that the advancement of the Gospel often disrupts established norms, economic systems, and personal comfort zones, demanding a re-evaluation of what we truly value and serve. It highlights how deeply entrenched economic interests can become a formidable barrier to the acceptance of truth, echoing the biblical principle that one cannot serve both God and money. The conflict underscores that true worship of God requires a detachment from idolatry, not just in its overt forms but also in the subtle ways we might prioritize worldly security or prosperity over obedience to Christ.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage challenges believers to critically examine their own motives and allegiances. Are we willing to prioritize spiritual truth and God's will even when it means sacrificing personal gain, comfort, or facing societal opposition? The Ephesian silversmiths' reaction serves as a powerful warning against allowing economic interests or cultural norms to dictate our spiritual convictions. In a world where economic systems often clash with biblical values, we are called to discern where our true security and ultimate allegiance lie. This verse prompts us to consider what "crafts" or "wealth" in our lives might be hindering our full devotion to Christ, and whether we are prepared to face the discomfort or disruption that genuine discipleship may bring. It reminds us that the Gospel's transformative power often requires us to re-evaluate our priorities, aligning them with God's kingdom rather than the fleeting promises of worldly prosperity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "crafts" or sources of "wealth" in my life might be subtly competing with my devotion to Christ?**
* **How do I react when my comfort or financial security is challenged by my faith or the demands of the Gospel?**
* **In what ways might economic interests in my community or society hinder the spread of spiritual truth today?**
* **Am I willing to prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness even when it comes at a personal cost?**

### FAQ
**What was Demetrius's primary motivation for stirring up the craftsmen?**

Answer: Demetrius's primary motivation was economic self-interest. While he publicly framed his concern around the potential dishonor to the goddess Artemis and her temple, his true fear, clearly stated in [Acts 19:25](/acts/19-25 "Acts 19:25 - Demetrius's Economic Concern"), was the direct threat Paul's preaching posed to their lucrative business of making silver shrines. The spread of Christianity meant fewer people buying idols, directly impacting his and his fellow craftsmen's "wealth."

**Did Demetrius genuinely care about the goddess Artemis?**

Answer: While it's possible Demetrius held some traditional reverence for Artemis, the text strongly suggests his concern was predominantly mercenary. His speech in [Acts 19:25](/acts/19-25 "Acts 19:25 - Demetrius's Economic Concern") explicitly highlights the financial threat before mentioning the goddess's reputation in [Acts 19:27](/acts/19-27 "Acts 19:27 - Demetrius's False Piety"). This indicates that the economic impact was the driving force behind his actions, with the defense of Artemis serving as a convenient and emotionally charged justification to rally public support.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conflict in Ephesus, ignited by Demetrius's fear for his "wealth" derived from idolatry, powerfully foreshadows the ongoing clash between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, ultimately centered on Christ. Just as Paul's message challenged the economic and spiritual foundations of Ephesus, so too does the Gospel of Jesus Christ fundamentally disrupt human systems built on self-interest, materialism, and false worship. Jesus Himself taught that "no one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Two Masters")), directly contrasting the pursuit of worldly gain with devotion to God. The resistance Paul faced from Demetrius and the silversmiths mirrors the world's inherent opposition to Christ, who calls His followers to abandon all for Him ([Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Renounce All Possessions")). Christ's kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), and its advance inevitably exposes and challenges the idols of money, power, and self-sufficiency that humanity often worships. Ultimately, this narrative points to Christ as the one true God, whose reign will dismantle all false systems and whose call demands a radical reorientation of our values, prioritizing His eternal kingdom over any earthly "wealth" or "craft."

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

Hosea 12:7

¶ [He is] a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress.

Hosea 12:8

And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: [in] all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that [were] sin.

Acts 16:19

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Hosea 4:8

They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.

Revelation 18:11

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Revelation 18:19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.