Robbers Of Temples
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Robbers Of Temples in the Bible?
Hierosuloi were individuals convicted of sacrilege, specifically the theft of items consecrated to deities. This offense was treated as a severe crime against both religious sanctity and civic order in the ancient world, as illustrated by the trial of Demetrius in Acts 19 concerning the temple of Artemis at Ephesus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the legal and social gravity of temple robbery clarifies the intensity of the opposition Paul faced in Ephesus. The theft of sacred items was viewed not merely as a property crime but as a direct threat to the perceived power and honor of the goddess Artemis, explaining the fervor behind the riot described in Acts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.