demetrius Summary and Overview

(1.) A silversmith at Ephesus, whose chief occupation was to make "silver shrines for Diana" (q.v.), Acts 19:24,i.e., models either of the temple of Diana or of the statue of the goddess. This trade brought to him and his fellow-craftsmen "no small gain," for these shrines found a ready sale among the countless thousands who came to this temple from all parts of Asia Minor. This traffic was greatly endangered by the progress of the gospel, and hence Demetrius excited the tradesmen employed in the manufacture of these shrines, and caused so great a tumult that "the whole city was filled with confusion." (2.) A Christian who is spoken of as having "a good report of all men, and of the truth itself" (3 John 1:12).

(belonging to Ceres). 1. A maker of silver shrines of Artemis at Ephesus. #Ac 19:24| (about A.D. 52). These were small models of the great temple of the Ephesian Artemis, with her statue, which it was customary to carry on journeys, and place on houses as charms. 2. A disciple, #3Jo 1:12| mentioned with commendation (about A.D. 90). Possibly the first Demetrius,converted; but this is very doubtful.

DEME'TRIUS . 1. A silversmith who resided at Ephesus and manufactured silver shrines or small portable temples and images of Diana. See Diana. Acts 19:24. These were purchased by foreigners, who either could not come to Ephesus, or else desired a memento of the city and a model of its famous temple. This was a very lucrative business in that city, where the worship of Diana was chiefly maintained; and hence, when the gospel began to make an impression, and the people to forsake their vain idols for the service of the living God. Demetrius saw that he should lose his business unless he could still keep the people in sin. So he called a meeting of those who worked at that trade, and made a speech to them. By this harangue he inflamed the passions of his fellow-craftsmen, and they excited the multitude, until the whole city of Ephesus was thrown into an uproar, which was finally quelled by the politic and seasonable advice of the town-clerk. Acts 19. 1. A disciple of high reputation, and, as some suppose (though without warrant), the Demetrius of Ephesus converted to the faith of the gospel. 3 John 12.

1. A maker of silver portable models of the great temple and statue of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus (Acts 19:24). They were kept as amulets against danger. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen, in fear for their gains, raised a tumult against Paul as saying "they be no gods which are made with hands." Like many men he made regard for religion his plea, while really having an eye to self; "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 destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." A religious party cry is sure to rouse many who care little at heart about piety. It shows how soon Christianity, notwithstanding its seeming weakness, was felt as a mighty power threatening pagandom with all its then greatness. 2. A Christian "having good report of all men, and of the truth itself," and of John (3 John 1:12). The gospel standard of truth witnessed his conformity to it in love and good works; a transparently real Christian.