Demetrius
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Demetrius in the Bible?
Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus who manufactured silver shrines of Artemis, a trade that depended on the city's status as a major pilgrimage center for the goddess.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Demetrius's role clarifies the socio-economic motivations behind the riot in Ephesus, showing how the apostle's message threatened the livelihood of artisans who profited from the worship of Artemis.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Demetrius reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Demetrius in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Demetrius 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." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/demetrius/