Acts 19:27 - Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing, and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”
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What does "Acts 19:27" mean?
This verse, Acts 19:27, is a statement made by Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus, who is concerned about the economic impact of Paul's preaching. Let's break down what he's saying:
"Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute...": Demetrius' primary concern is his livelihood. He and his fellow silversmiths made and sold miniature silver shrines of Artemis, the patron goddess of Ephesus. Paul's preaching against idolatry is hurting their business because people are losing faith in Artemis and no longer buying the shrines. "Disrepute" means that their trade will lose its good reputation, and ultimately, people will not buy their products.
"...but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing...": This is a broader concern, appealing to the civic pride and religious devotion of the Ephesians. He fears that if Paul's teachings gain traction, the magnificent Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) will lose its importance. People will stop visiting and worshipping there, and the temple will fall into disuse.
"...and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”: This is the most dramatic statement. "Majesty" refers to Artemis's divine status and power. Demetrius claims that Paul's preaching threatens to undermine the worship and reverence of Artemis, not just in Ephesus, but throughout "all Asia" (meaning the Roman province of Asia, which encompassed much of modern-day Turkey) and even "the world." While "the world" is hyperbole, it emphasizes the widespread influence and veneration of Artemis. "Destroyed" doesn't mean literally demolished, but rather that her influence and worship will be eliminated or greatly diminished.
In essence, Demetrius is using a combination of economic and religious arguments to incite the Ephesians against Paul. He's saying that Paul's message threatens their jobs, their religious traditions, and the prestige of their city. This verse is a classic example of how economic interests can be intertwined with religious beliefs and used to justify opposition to new ideas or movements.
Acts 19:27 - Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing, and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”
What does "Acts 19:27" mean?
This verse, Acts 19:27, is a statement made by Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus, who is concerned about the economic impact of Paul's preaching. Let's break down what he's saying:
"Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute...": Demetrius' primary concern is his livelihood. He and his fellow silversmiths made and sold miniature silver shrines of Artemis, the patron goddess of Ephesus. Paul's preaching against idolatry is hurting their business because people are losing faith in Artemis and no longer buying the shrines. "Disrepute" means that their trade will lose its good reputation, and ultimately, people will not buy their products.
"...but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing...": This is a broader concern, appealing to the civic pride and religious devotion of the Ephesians. He fears that if Paul's teachings gain traction, the magnificent Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) will lose its importance. People will stop visiting and worshipping there, and the temple will fall into disuse.
"...and her majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.”: This is the most dramatic statement. "Majesty" refers to Artemis's divine status and power. Demetrius claims that Paul's preaching threatens to undermine the worship and reverence of Artemis, not just in Ephesus, but throughout "all Asia" (meaning the Roman province of Asia, which encompassed much of modern-day Turkey) and even "the world." While "the world" is hyperbole, it emphasizes the widespread influence and veneration of Artemis. "Destroyed" doesn't mean literally demolished, but rather that her influence and worship will be eliminated or greatly diminished.
In essence, Demetrius is using a combination of economic and religious arguments to incite the Ephesians against Paul. He's saying that Paul's message threatens their jobs, their religious traditions, and the prestige of their city. This verse is a classic example of how economic interests can be intertwined with religious beliefs and used to justify opposition to new ideas or movements.