Acts 19:25
Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
Original Language Analysis
οὓς
Whom
G3739
οὓς
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιαῦτα
like occupation
G5108
τοιαῦτα
like occupation
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
7 of 20
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ἐπίστασθε
ye know
G1987
ἐπίστασθε
ye know
Strong's:
G1987
Word #:
11 of 20
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ταύτης
G3778
ταύτης
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
14 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Roman guilds (collegia) functioned as trade unions, providing economic protection, social networking, and political influence. The silversmith guild would have been wealthy and powerful in Ephesus. Guild meetings often occurred in temples, blending commerce with religion.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might your financial security tempt you to compromise gospel truth or resist God's leading?
- How can Christians prophetically challenge economic systems built on exploitation or idolatry?
Analysis & Commentary
By this craft we have our wealth (εὐπορία, euporia, 'prosperity')—Demetrius' blunt admission reveals that financial security, not religious devotion, motivated opposition to Paul. He assembled workmen of like occupation (ἐργάτας τῶν τοιούτων, ergatas tōn toioutōn), creating economic solidarity against Christianity's threat to their livelihood.
The craftsmen's guild system provided economic protection and social identity. Paul's message—that handmade gods are not gods (v. 26)—struck at both their theology and their income. This tension between gospel truth and economic self-interest recurs throughout church history.