Acts 19:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G1161} that not {G3756} only {G3440} this {G5124} our {G2254} craft {G3313} is in danger {G2793} to be set {G2064} at {G1519} nought {G557}; but {G235} also {G2532} that the temple {G2411} of the great {G3173} goddess {G2299} Diana {G735} should be despised {G1519}{G3762}{G3049}, and {G1161}{G2532} her {G846} magnificence {G3168} should {G3195} be destroyed {G2507}, whom {G3739} all {G3650} Asia {G773} and {G2532} the world {G3625} worshippeth {G4576}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the danger is not only that the reputation of our trade will suffer, but that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will come to be taken lightly. It could end up with the goddess herself, who is worshipped throughout the province of Asia and indeed throughout the whole world, being ignominiously brought down from her divine majesty!”

Berean Standard Bible

There is danger not only that our business will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed—she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the whole world.”

American Standard Version

and not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana be made of no account, and that she should even be deposed from her magnificence whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:27 captures the fervent opposition Paul encountered in Ephesus, revealing the intertwined motivations of economic preservation and religious devotion among the city's idol-makers. This verse articulates Demetrius the silversmith's impassioned appeal to his fellow craftsmen, warning that Paul's successful proclamation of the Gospel not only jeopardized their lucrative trade but also threatened to diminish the reverence and splendor of their revered goddess, Diana, whose worship spanned "all Asia and the world."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 19:27 is part of a pivotal narrative in Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his extensive ministry in Ephesus. The preceding verses (Acts 19:23-26) describe the growing unrest among the silversmiths, led by Demetrius, who manufactured miniature silver shrines of Artemis (Diana). Paul's teaching, particularly his assertion that "gods made with hands are no gods" (as stated in [Acts 19:26](/acts/19-26 "Acts 19:26 - Demetrius's Accusation Against Paul")), directly undermined the economic foundation of their craft. Demetrius's speech in [Acts 19:25-27](/acts/19-25-27 "Acts 19:25-27 - Demetrius Incites the Craftsmen") serves as the catalyst for the ensuing riot, demonstrating the volatile intersection of religious fervor and economic self-interest that often characterized opposition to the early Christian message. This incident marks a significant turning point, prompting Paul's eventual departure from Ephesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Artemis (known as Diana by the Romans) was the patron goddess of Ephesus, and her cult was deeply ingrained in the city's identity, economy, and social fabric. The temple was not only a religious center but also a major bank and a place of asylum. Craftsmen like Demetrius thrived by producing religious artifacts, particularly silver shrines, for pilgrims and devotees. The widespread nature of Artemis worship, as attested by Demetrius's claim that "all Asia and the world worshippeth" her, underscores the immense cultural and religious challenge posed by the monotheistic Gospel. Paul's ministry in Ephesus, lasting over two years ([Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - Paul's Extensive Ministry in Asia")), had led to a significant turning away from idolatry, directly impacting the livelihoods of those dependent on pagan worship.
* **Key Themes:** The events surrounding Acts 19:27 highlight several crucial themes. Firstly, it vividly portrays the **conflict between idolatry and true worship**, as the exclusive claims of Christ directly confront the entrenched polytheism of the Greco-Roman world. Paul's message, emphasizing a God "that made the world and all things therein" and who "dwelleth not in temples made with hands" ([Acts 17:24](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - Paul's Sermon on Mars Hill")), directly challenged the very concept of idol-making and temple-based worship. Secondly, the passage reveals the profound **economic impact of the Gospel**. The spread of Christianity often brought significant social and financial upheaval, as converts abandoned trades associated with paganism, such as idol production, divination, or temple prostitution. Demetrius's primary concern is not just the spiritual well-being of the city but the direct threat to his livelihood and that of his fellow craftsmen. Thirdly, this incident illustrates the **defense of established interests** against spiritual truth. Vested financial and religious powers can fiercely oppose the Gospel when it threatens their prestige, power, or profit, demonstrating a pattern seen throughout biblical history and into the present day.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **craft (Greek, _méros'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a division or share," _méros_ here refers to a "part" or "portion" of an occupation or trade. In this context, it specifically denotes the silversmiths' business of making shrines and idols, emphasizing their economic livelihood that was now perceived to be "in danger to be set at nought."
* **goddess (Greek, _theá'_):** The feminine form of _theos_ (God), _theá_ specifically refers to a female deity. Here, it denotes Artemis (Diana), highlighting her perceived divine status and the object of widespread veneration that Demetrius feared would be "despised" and lose its sacred standing.
* **magnificence (Greek, _megaleiótēs'_):** This term signifies "superbness, glory, or splendor." Demetrius uses it to describe the awe-inspiring majesty and grandeur associated with the goddess Diana and her temple. His concern is that this inherent glory, which commanded widespread reverence and drew pilgrims, would be "destroyed" or diminished by the Christian message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought;":** Demetrius begins by appealing to the immediate, tangible threat to the silversmiths' livelihood. The phrase "set at nought" (from the Greek _apelegmós_) conveys the idea of being refuted, brought to nothing, or utterly despised. This highlights the economic anxiety that fueled the opposition to Paul's ministry, as the craftsmen feared their profitable trade would become worthless due to the decline in idol worship.
* **"but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed,":** Beyond mere financial loss, Demetrius escalates his argument to include a profound religious and cultural threat. He fears that the very temple of Diana, a symbol of Ephesian identity and global renown, would be "despised" (from _logízomai_ in the sense of being disregarded or counted as nothing). Furthermore, her "magnificence" (her glory, majesty, and splendor) would be "destroyed" (from _kathairéō_, meaning to be cast down or demolished). This reveals a deep-seated fear that the goddess herself, and by extension the city's prestige, would lose all honor and significance.
* **"whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.":** This concluding clause serves as a rhetorical flourish, emphasizing the universal scope of Diana's worship and attempting to rally support by appealing to a sense of collective identity and shared devotion. Demetrius exaggerates the extent of her worship ("all Asia and the world") to underscore the perceived blasphemy and immense cultural affront posed by Paul's monotheistic message, framing it as an attack on a universally acknowledged deity.

#### Literary Devices
Demetrius's speech in Acts 19:27 employs several potent literary devices to incite the crowd. **Hyperbole** is evident in his claim that "all Asia and the world worshippeth" Diana. While her cult was widespread, this statement is an exaggeration designed to magnify the perceived threat to her standing and rally broader support against Paul. This overstatement emphasizes the universal reverence Demetrius believes Diana deserves, making Paul's actions seem all the more audacious. Furthermore, the speech is infused with **Pathos**, an appeal to the emotions of the audience. Demetrius skillfully taps into both the economic anxieties of the craftsmen (fear of losing their "craft") and their religious devotion (fear that Diana's temple would be "despised" and her "magnificence... destroyed"). By framing the issue as a direct assault on their livelihood and their sacred identity, he successfully ignites their anger and fear, leading to the riot. The use of strong, emotive language like "danger," "despised," and "destroyed" intensifies the emotional impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:27 powerfully illustrates the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, particularly when the Gospel challenges deeply entrenched systems of idolatry and self-interest. Demetrius's dual concern—economic loss and the diminishing of Diana's glory—reveals that opposition to Christ often stems from a combination of material threat and a defense of established religious or cultural norms. This passage underscores the truth that the Gospel is not merely a set of beliefs but a transformative power that exposes the futility of idols and calls for exclusive allegiance to the one true God, often leading to societal disruption. The incident in Ephesus serves as a timeless reminder that proclaiming Christ's supremacy will inevitably confront and expose the false gods of wealth, power, and human glory, leading to resistance from those whose interests are tied to these idols.

* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Matthew 10:34-39](/matthew/10-34-39 "Matthew 10:34-39 - Not Peace, But a Sword")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Man's Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:27 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that the Gospel's transformative power often confronts the status quo and can lead to significant shifts in personal and societal priorities. It teaches us that authentic faith in Christ demands a re-evaluation of our allegiances, our sources of security, and our definitions of "magnificence." Just as Demetrius feared the loss of his craft and the diminishment of Diana's glory, we too may face situations where our commitment to Christ challenges our economic comfort, social standing, or cherished cultural norms. This passage calls us to examine our own lives: are there "crafts" or "magnificence" (whether financial, reputational, or ideological) that we prioritize over the glory of God? The enduring power of the Gospel, despite fierce opposition rooted in economic fears and religious tradition, demonstrates its inherent ability to overcome all obstacles. Believers are therefore called to stand firm in proclaiming the truth of Christ, even when it is met with resistance, trusting that His kingdom will ultimately prevail over all worldly systems and false gods.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "crafts" or sources of security in my life might be threatened by a deeper commitment to Christ and His kingdom?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to defend personal interests or cultural norms that are at odds with the truth of the Gospel?**
* **How does the "magnificence" of Christ compare to the "magnificence" of worldly achievements or idols in my own heart?**
* **How can I courageously proclaim the truth of Christ, even when it challenges established systems or popular opinions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Demetrius so upset by Paul's preaching?**

Answer: Demetrius was upset for two primary, intertwined reasons. First, Paul's message that "gods made with hands are no gods" ([Acts 19:26](/acts/19-26 "Acts 19:26 - Demetrius's Accusation Against Paul")) directly threatened his lucrative silversmith business. He and his fellow craftsmen made miniature silver shrines of Artemis, and as people converted to Christianity, demand for these idols diminished, impacting their income. Second, Demetrius also expressed a genuine (or at least publicly articulated) concern for the reputation and worship of the great goddess Diana. He feared that her temple would be "despised" and her "magnificence" destroyed, leading to a loss of prestige for the goddess and for the city of Ephesus itself, which was deeply identified with her cult. His motivation was a potent mix of economic self-interest and religious zeal.

**What does this event teach us about the spread of the Gospel?**

Answer: The incident in Ephesus teaches us several crucial lessons about the spread of the Gospel. It demonstrates that the Gospel is a transformative force that challenges existing power structures, economic systems, and religious traditions. Its advance often leads to conflict and opposition, particularly from those whose livelihoods or influence are tied to the status quo. The passage highlights that the truth of Christ is not always popular and can provoke strong reactions when it exposes the futility of idols and calls for exclusive allegiance to the one true God. Despite such resistance, the narrative shows the resilience and enduring power of the Gospel to continue spreading and transforming lives, even in the face of intense societal upheaval, as seen in Paul's successful ministry throughout [Asia Minor](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - Paul's Ministry in Asia").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The uproar in Ephesus, fueled by Demetrius's fear that Diana's "magnificence should be destroyed," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ's glory over all false deities and worldly systems. The "craft" of idol-making, representing humanity's self-made gods and sources of security, is indeed "set at nought" by the singular, all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ. While Demetrius lamented the diminishing of a pagan goddess, the New Testament declares the supreme and unrivaled "magnificence" of Christ, who is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). The fear that Diana's glory would be "destroyed" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over all spiritual powers and principalities, disarming them and "triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above Every Name")), demonstrating that His "magnificence" is not merely preserved but universally acknowledged, ultimately rendering all other gods as nothing, for "there is no God but one" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - The Uniqueness of God")).

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

Zephaniah 2:11

The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Revelation 13:3

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

1 John 5:19

[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Acts 19:21

¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Revelation 13:8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.