Acts 19:26

KJV

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover {G2532} ye see {G2334} and {G2532} hear {G191}, that {G3754} not {G3756} alone {G3440} at Ephesus {G2181}, but {G235} almost {G4975} throughout all {G3956} Asia {G773}, this {G3778} Paul {G3972} hath persuaded {G3982} and turned away {G3179} much {G2425} people {G3793}, saying {G3004} that {G3754} they be {G1526} no {G3756} gods {G2316}, which {G3588} are made {G1096} with {G1223} hands {G5495}:

Complete Jewish Bible

And you can see and hear for yourselves that not only here in Ephesus, but in practically the whole province of Asia, this Sha’ul has convinced and turned away a considerable crowd by saying that man-made gods aren’t gods at all.

Berean Standard Bible

And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.

American Standard Version

And ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:26 records the agitated complaint of Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus, who observes the profound and widespread impact of the Apostle Paul's ministry. His grievance reveals that Paul's proclamation of the one true God, which explicitly denounces idols "made with hands," has successfully persuaded and turned away a significant number of people not only in Ephesus but across the entire province of Asia, directly threatening the lucrative trade built around the worship of the goddess Artemis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Paul's highly effective two-year ministry in Ephesus, as detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Paul's preaching of the gospel, accompanied by extraordinary miracles, led to widespread conversions and a significant decline in pagan practices, evidenced by the public burning of magic books ([Acts 19:11-20](/acts/19-11-20 "Acts 19:11-20 - Miracles and Conversions in Ephesus")). Acts 19:26 specifically marks the beginning of a significant opposition, the "Ephesian riot," instigated by Demetrius and other silversmiths. Demetrius's speech serves as a dramatic turning point, highlighting the economic and religious threat Paul's successful evangelism posed to the established pagan order and demonstrating the gospel's disruptive power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its immense Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This temple was not merely a religious site but a major economic engine, attracting pilgrims and supporting a vast industry of craftsmen who produced silver shrines and images of the goddess. The city was deeply steeped in pagan worship, magic, and superstition. Paul's ministry directly challenged this deeply entrenched cultural and economic system by proclaiming a singular, invisible God, contrasting sharply with the polytheistic and idolatrous practices that were central to Ephesian identity and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 19:26 powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. It underscores the **clash between the gospel and idolatry**, emphasizing Paul's uncompromising message that deities "made with hands" are not true gods. This directly confronts the prevailing polytheism of the Roman world, asserting the uniqueness and supremacy of the God of Israel, revealed in Christ. The verse also highlights the **transformative power of the gospel**, as Paul's preaching "persuaded and turned away much people," demonstrating the Holy Spirit's ability to shift deeply held worldviews and allegiances. Furthermore, it reveals the **economic implications of spiritual truth**, showing how the spread of the kingdom of God can disrupt established social and economic orders when those orders are founded on practices contrary to divine truth, as seen in the silversmiths' reaction to the gospel's impact on their trade ([Acts 19:27](/acts/19-27 "Acts 19:27 - Demetrius's Concern for Artemis and Trade")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **persuaded (Greek, _peíthō'_):** This primary verb signifies to convince by argument, to pacify or conciliate, or to assent to evidence or authority. In this context, it highlights the effectiveness of Paul's reasoned proclamation of the gospel, which convinced people intellectually and spiritually, leading them to change their beliefs and practices. It implies a rational and compelling presentation of truth, rather than mere coercion.
* **turned away (Greek, _methístēmi'_):** Derived from "meta" (change) and "histemi" (to stand), this verb means to transfer, carry away, depose, or figuratively, to exchange or seduce. Here, it denotes a significant shift in allegiance and practice—people were being "removed" from their former idolatrous worship and redirected towards the true God. This is a powerful descriptor of conversion, indicating a radical reorientation of life and faith.
* **gods (Greek, _theós'_):: This term refers to a deity, or specifically, the supreme Divinity. In Acts 19:26, it is used in the plural and in a derogatory sense by Demetrius, reflecting Paul's teaching that the objects of pagan worship are not genuine deities. This word choice, even from an opponent, underscores the radical monotheism of the Christian message in a polytheistic environment, directly challenging the very concept of man-made divine beings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia,"**: Demetrius begins by appealing to the direct observation and experience of his audience. He emphasizes the widespread nature of Paul's influence, extending beyond the city of Ephesus to encompass a significant portion of the Roman province of Asia. This serves to underscore the magnitude of the threat Paul poses, making it clear that the issue is not localized but a regional phenomenon.
* **"this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people,"**: This clause identifies the agent of change ("this Paul") and describes the profound impact of his ministry. The verbs "persuaded" and "turned away" indicate a successful evangelistic effort that resulted in a genuine change of heart and allegiance among a large number of individuals ("much people"). This is a testament to the power of the gospel message to effect spiritual transformation, even in the face of deeply entrenched paganism.
* **"saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:"**: This final clause articulates the core of Paul's offensive message from Demetrius's perspective. Paul's preaching directly challenged the validity of idols, declaring them to be "no gods" because they are merely human creations, "made with hands." This statement is a direct polemic against idolatry, asserting the fundamental difference between the living, uncreated God and the inanimate objects of pagan worship. It highlights the central theological conflict at play.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 19:26 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Polemic**, as Demetrius's speech is a direct and forceful attack on Paul's teachings, framed as a warning to his fellow craftsmen. His words are designed to discredit Paul's message and rally support against him. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in Demetrius's claim that Paul's influence extends "almost throughout all Asia," which, while perhaps an exaggeration for dramatic effect, nonetheless underscores the genuine and widespread impact of the gospel. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: Demetrius, an opponent of the gospel, inadvertently provides a powerful testimony to its effectiveness and truth by lamenting its success in turning people away from idols. Finally, the phrase "made with hands" (Greek: _cheiropoietos_) functions as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where "hands" (a part) represent the entire human process of crafting and creating idols, thereby emphasizing their human origin and inherent lack of divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:26 provides a vivid illustration of the foundational biblical truth concerning the nature of God and the futility of idolatry. Paul's message, as summarized by Demetrius, directly challenges the human tendency to create and worship deities of their own making, whether tangible images or intangible concepts. This critique is deeply rooted in Old Testament theology, which consistently contrasts the living, sovereign God with the lifeless, powerless idols fashioned by human hands. The theological implication is clear: true worship is directed only to the Creator, not to the created. The power of the gospel is demonstrated in its ability to liberate people from such false allegiances, turning them to the one true God who alone can save and satisfy. This radical reorientation of worship has profound implications, often disrupting established social and economic structures built upon idolatrous practices.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idol Worship")
* [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve the Living God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:26 serves as a powerful reminder that the gospel's truth is inherently disruptive to systems built on falsehood. For believers today, this passage calls us to a radical commitment to the one true God, challenging us to identify and dismantle any "gods made with hands" that might subtly (or overtly) compete for our ultimate allegiance. While literal idol worship may be less prevalent in many contemporary contexts, the principle remains profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often manifests as the elevation of materialism, career success, self-image, political ideologies, or even relationships to a place of ultimate trust and worship, displacing God from His rightful position. This verse encourages us to boldly proclaim the uniqueness and supremacy of the living God, even when it challenges prevailing cultural norms, economic interests, or personal comforts. It also reminds us that genuine spiritual transformation, like that seen in Ephesus, will inevitably lead to a reordering of priorities and a reevaluation of what truly holds value in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods made with hands" (tangible or intangible) might I be unknowingly worshipping or prioritizing in my own life today?**
* **In what ways might my commitment to Christ challenge the prevailing cultural or economic norms around me?**
* **How can I more effectively and lovingly persuade others to turn away from false gods and toward the living God in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Artemis (Diana) in Ephesus, and why was Paul's message so threatening to her worshipers?**

Answer: Artemis (known as Diana in Roman mythology) was the patron goddess of Ephesus, and her temple there was one of the most magnificent structures of the ancient world, attracting pilgrims and wealth from across the Roman Empire. Her worship was deeply intertwined with the city's identity, economy, and spiritual life. Paul's message, proclaiming that "they be no gods, which are made with hands," directly undermined the theological foundation of Artemis worship and, by extension, the economic livelihood of those who profited from it, such as the silversmiths who made idols and shrines. His teaching threatened not only their religious beliefs but also their financial stability and the city's prestige, leading to the dramatic riot described in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:26, with its declaration that "they be no gods, which are made with hands," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently critiques idols as lifeless, powerless creations, but it is in Christ that the one true, living God is fully revealed, making the futility of all other "gods" abundantly clear. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, is the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the one through whom all things were created ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Created Through Him")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate the power and sovereignty that no man-made deity could ever possess. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering true salvation and eternal life, unlike the false gods who are "nothing" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol Is Nothing")). The turning away from idols to serve the living and true God, as seen in Ephesus, is precisely the mission Jesus inaugurated and empowered His followers to continue ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Paul's message in Ephesus was not merely a negative critique of idolatry but a positive proclamation of the Christ who alone is worthy of all worship and allegiance.

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

Acts 17:29

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Isaiah 44:10

Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image [that] is profitable for nothing?

Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

Deuteronomy 4:28

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

Revelation 9:20

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: