Bible Dictionary
Demetrius
Demetrius was both an Ephesian silversmith who opposed Paul because the gospel threatened the sale of shrines to Artemis, and a Christian commended by John for his good reputation.
Definition
Demetrius is the name of an Ephesian silversmith and of a Christian commended by John. The silversmith made silver shrines associated with Diana, while the Christian Demetrius was known for a good report.
Biblical Usage
The Ephesian Demetrius opposed Paul because the progress of the gospel endangered the shrine-making trade and provoked a citywide disturbance. The other Demetrius was commended as having a good report from all and from the truth itself.
Historical Background
Shrines of Diana were sold to the many visitors who came to her temple from throughout Asia Minor. Their manufacture brought considerable gain to Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(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).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(belonging to Ceres).