Silversmith
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Silversmith in the Bible?
Demetrius, a prominent silversmith in Ephesus, incited a guild uprising against Paul and his companions, arguing that the Apostle's message devalued the silver shrines of Artemis and threatened the livelihood of the craftsmen.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Demetrius's role clarifies the socio-economic tensions in the early church, showing how the gospel's challenge to idolatry directly impacted local economies and provoked organized civic resistance rather than mere theological disagreement.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Silversmith reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Silversmith in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Silversmith clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Silversmith." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/silversmith/