Acts 19:24
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Original Language Analysis
Δημήτριος
Demetrius
G1216
Δημήτριος
Demetrius
Strong's:
G1216
Word #:
1 of 15
demetrius, the name of an ephesian and of a christian
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὀνόματι
man named
G3686
ὀνόματι
man named
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
4 of 15
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ποιῶν
which made
G4160
ποιῶν
which made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Ἀρτέμιδος
for Diana
G735
Ἀρτέμιδος
for Diana
Strong's:
G735
Word #:
9 of 15
prompt; artemis, the name of a grecian goddess borrowed by the asiatics for one of their deities
παρείχετο
brought
G3930
παρείχετο
brought
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
10 of 15
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τεχνίταις
unto the craftsmen
G5079
τεχνίταις
unto the craftsmen
Strong's:
G5079
Word #:
12 of 15
an artisan; figuratively, a founder (creator)
Cross References
Acts 16:16And 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 16:19And 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,
Historical Context
The Artemision (Temple of Artemis) employed thousands in various capacities—priests, craftsmen, vendors. The month of Artemision was dedicated to festival celebrations drawing pilgrims from across the Mediterranean. Demetrius likely headed the silversmith guild, giving him considerable influence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do economic interests today sometimes masquerade as religious conviction or tradition?
- What 'profits' might you be unconsciously protecting against gospel transformation?
Analysis & Commentary
Demetrius, a silversmith—This craftsman (ἀργυροκόπος, argyrokopos, 'silver-beater') led the guild of Artemis shrine-makers. The silver shrines for Diana (ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς Ἀρτέμιδος) were miniature temples sold to pilgrims as devotional objects or votive offerings. Archaeological evidence confirms thriving idol-manufacturing in first-century Ephesus.
No small gain repeats Luke's litotes, ironically contrasting spiritual versus economic profit. The Greek ἐργασία (ergasia) means 'business' or 'profit'—Demetrius openly acknowledged that religious devotion served financial interests. Paul's preaching threatened not theology but profits, exposing how economic systems often sustain false religion.