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Demetrius (Ephesian Silversmith, Idolater)
Meaning
Demetrius was a silversmith in the city of Ephesus. Ephesus was the home of the goddess Artemis also known as Diana, as well as lesser gods. In addition emperor worship was popular and they had a temple for that as well. God used the Apostle Paul to reach so many people within the city that Demetrius became fearful the sales of idols would drop. And since he and the idol makers were getting rich from the sales they wanted to put an end to Paul’s preaching of the Gospel.
Therefore Demetrius in an effort to run Paul out of town falsely accused Paul and stirred up a crowd in order to start a riot within the city. And has a result two of Paul’s companions Gaius and Atristarchus were seized by the crowd and taken to a local amphitheater where the riot continued. The city clerk had eventually dispersed the crowd after warning them they were in danger of causing a riot and bringing the Roman soldiers in to disperse the gathering.
“And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: ‘Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. ‘Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.’ Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, ‘Great is Diana of the Ephesians'” (Book of Acts 19:23-28)
“‘Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.’ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.” (Book of Acts 19:38-41)