New Testament
Acts 19:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
There is danger not only that our trade will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be regarded as nothing, and she herself will be stripped of her majesty — she whom all Asia and the world worship."
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So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
What Acts 19:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a silversmith named Demetrius is worried about the impact of Paul’s teachings on their trade. He fears that if people stop worshiping Artemis, their business will suffer. Artemis was a significant goddess in Ephesus, and her temple was a major source of pride and income for the city. Demetrius argues that if the goddess is disrespected, her temple will lose its importance, and their livelihoods will be at risk. This reflects a common theme where economic interests clash with spiritual beliefs. The fear of losing status and wealth can lead people to resist change, even when it might be for the better. Demetrius’s concerns highlight how deeply intertwined faith and commerce can be, showing that sometimes, people prioritize their material well-being over their spiritual convictions. This moment serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when new ideas threaten established norms and practices, urging us to consider what we value most in our lives and communities.
How to apply Acts 19:27 to your life
Consider what you value most in your life. Are there areas where your beliefs might challenge your comfort or financial security? Embrace the courage to prioritize your values, even when it feels risky. Remember, true fulfillment often comes from aligning your actions with your beliefs, not just from material success. Be open to change and growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Take small steps to integrate your values into your daily life.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: “Great Is Artemis” (Acts 19:23–41)
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Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Acts 19:27
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 19:27 mean?
Acts 19:27 highlights the concerns of a silversmith named Demetrius, who fears that the spread of Paul's teachings will harm their trade related to the worship of Artemis. He worries that if people stop honoring the goddess, both their business and the temple's significance will decline.
What is the significance of Artemis in Acts 19:27?
In Acts 19:27, Artemis is depicted as a major goddess worshipped in Ephesus, whose temple was a source of pride and economic stability for the city. Demetrius argues that her loss of respect would not only diminish her status but also threaten the livelihoods of those who profit from her worship.
How does Acts 19:27 relate to faith and commerce?
Acts 19:27 illustrates the tension between faith and commerce, showing how economic concerns can lead individuals to resist changes in spiritual practices. Demetrius's worries reflect the struggle between maintaining financial stability and embracing new beliefs.
What themes are present in Acts 19:27?
Key themes in Acts 19:27 include the clash of faith versus commerce, cultural identity, fear of change, and the economic impact of spiritual beliefs. These themes reveal how deeply intertwined material interests and spiritual convictions can be.
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