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:
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}:
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.
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.
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:
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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:
Acts 19:26 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry in Ephesus, as recounted by Demetrius, a silversmith whose livelihood depended on the worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana). This verse highlights the profound impact of Paul's gospel message, which directly challenged the widespread idolatry of the Roman world.
Context
Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was a hub for pilgrims and a thriving center for the production of silver shrines and idols of Artemis. Paul had spent over two years teaching in Ephesus, with significant success, leading to many conversions not only within the city but "almost throughout all Asia." This verse is part of Demetrius's impassioned speech to fellow craftsmen, warning them that Paul's preaching—that "they be no gods, which are made with hands"—was not only turning people away from their traditional deities but also threatening their lucrative trade and the very prestige of their great goddess.
Paul's extended ministry in this region is further detailed in passages such as Acts 19:8-10, illustrating how deeply the gospel had penetrated the local culture and economy.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "gods, which are made with hands" (Greek: cheiropoieton theoi) is a common biblical critique of idols found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Psalm 115:4, Isaiah 44:9-20). It emphasizes the artificial, created nature of these deities, contrasting them sharply with the living, uncreated God who made all things. This distinction highlights the futility of worshipping something that has no inherent life, power, or existence beyond what human hands have fashioned.
Practical Application
While the physical worship of idols made of wood or stone may be less common in many parts of the world today, the principle of worshipping "gods made with hands" remains highly relevant. Modern forms of idolatry can include:
Acts 19:26 challenges us to examine what truly holds our allegiance and to recognize that anything we elevate to the place of God, whether tangible or intangible, is ultimately a "god made with hands"—powerless to save, satisfy, or provide true life. It also encourages believers to boldly proclaim the truth of the one living God, even when it challenges prevailing cultural norms or economic interests, trusting in the gospel's transformative power to turn hearts from false gods to the true one, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:9.