Acts 19:24 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

There was this guy named Demetrius who was a silversmith, and he made these little silver shrines for the goddess Diana. Business was booming, he and all the other craftsmen were making serious money from it.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Demetrius was getting rich making religious souvenirs, and business was good.

📚 Historical Context

In the first century AD, Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and a major center for the worship of the goddess Artemis, known as Diana to the Romans. Demetrius, a silversmith, profited by crafting silver shrines dedicated to this deity, which supported a thriving local economy for him and other craftsmen. This verse is part of a larger biblical narrative in Acts where Paul's preaching about Jesus challenged such idolatrous practices, leading to conflict.

Explore Similar Verses

Jeremiah 10:9

Silver hammered into thin sheets is imported from Tarshish, and gold comes from Uphaz. These are crafted by skilled workers and metalworkers. They're dressed in blue and purple cloth - all made by expert craftsmen.

Exodus 31:4

To design skillful and artistic works, to craft with gold, silver, and bronze,

Acts 19:38

So if Demetrius and his crew of craftsmen have beef with someone, there's a legal system for that. The courts are open and there are officials ready to handle it, let them take it to court like civilized people.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save

📚 Historical Context

Explore Similar Verses

Ask the AI Assistant

Translation & Methodology Sources