Illustration created for this project.
Demetrius
A silversmith of Ephesus who stirred up a riot against Paul, fearing for the trade in shrines of Artemis.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Archaeology — physical evidence · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleA silversmith who made shrines of Artemis and stirred a riot against Paul, fearing the gospel would ruin his trade.
Acts 19:24–28
Roy Egloff — CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
ArchaeologyThe Temple of Artemis at Ephesus — one of the Seven Wonders — and the city's devotion to her are richly attested; Ephesus styled itself the temple's 'keeper'.
Temple of Artemis (Artemision) at Ephesus, site rediscovered and excavated by J. T. Wood for the British Museum, 1869–74 (Wood, 'Discoveries at Ephesus', 1877) and by D. G. Hogarth, 'Excavations at Ephesus: The Archaic Artemisia' (British Museum, 1908), finds in the British Museum; Ephesus' civic title neokoros ('temple-keeper', cf. Acts 19:35) attested on Ephesian coinage and inscriptions
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Ephesus
Where in scripture
Acts3 JohnFor a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,
Acts 19:24 — Stirs up the craftsmen
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.
Acts 19:38
Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
3 John 1:12
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.
Places in their life
Photo: Turkish Central Bank — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)