Demetrius (2)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Demetrius (2) in the Bible?
Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus who manufactured silver shrines of the goddess Artemis and led a riot against the Apostle Paul's teachings because they threatened his trade and the temple's prestige.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Demetrius clarifies the socio-economic motivations behind early opposition to Christianity, illustrating how the spread of the Gospel directly challenged local religious economies and artisan livelihoods in the Roman Empire.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Demetrius (2) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Demetrius (2) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Demetrius (2) clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Demetrius (2)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/demetrius-2/