Demetrius
The name Demetrius means “belonging to corn, or to Ceres.” Demetrius is mentioned in 3 verses of the Bible, first in Acts 19:24.
Who was Demetrius?
(1.) A silversmith at Ephesus, whose chief occupation was to make “silver shrines for Diana” (q.v.), Acts 19:24,i.e., models either of the temple of Diana or of the statue of the goddess. This trade brought to him and his fellow-craftsmen “no small gain,” for these shrines found a ready sale among the countless thousands who came to this temple from all parts of Asia Minor. This traffic was greatly endangered by the progress of the gospel, and hence Demetrius excited the tradesmen employed in the manufacture of these shrines, and caused so great a tumult that “the whole city was filled with confusion.”
(2.) A Christian who is spoken of as having “a good report of all men, and of the truth itself” (3 John 1:12).
Biography adapted from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain, linked via Theographic Bible Metadata.
Key verses about Demetrius
- Acts 19:24
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
- Acts 19:38
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
- 3 John 1:12
Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Timeline of Demetrius's life
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 0 AD | Riot in Ephesus |