Encyclopedia entry
Demetrius
Disambiguation
The source enumerates 2 distinct subjects under Demetrius. Jump to one below, or read in order.
Demetrius (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.”
Demetrius (2)
#A Christian who is spoken of as having “a good report of all men, and of the truth itself” (3 John 1:12).
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
(belonging to Ceres).
A maker of silver shrines of Artemis at Ephesus. (Acts 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. A disciple, (3 John 1:12) mentioned with commendation (about A.D. 90). Possibly the first Demetrius, converted; but this is very doubtful.
In the Bible
4
Verses where Demetrius is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 3 John 1:12
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
- Acts 19:24
It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen.
- Acts 19:25
Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity.
- Acts 19:38
So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there.
Entries that reference Demetrius
8
See all 8 +−
Sources · Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869) · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.
