New International VersionHe called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business.
New Living TranslationHe called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business.
English Standard VersionThese he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.
Berean Standard BibleDemetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity.
Berean Literal Biblewhom having brought together along with the workmen in such things, he said, "Men, you know that from this business is our wealth.
King James BibleWhom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
New King James VersionHe called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade.
New American Standard Biblehe gathered these men together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business.
NASB 1995these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business.
NASB 1977these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business.
Legacy Standard Biblethese he gathered together with the workers of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is from this business.
Amplified BibleThese [craftsmen] he called together, along with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you are well aware that we make a good living from this business.
Christian Standard BibleWhen he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business.
American Standard Versionwhom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this business we have our wealth.
Contemporary English VersionDemetrius brought together everyone who was in the same business and said: Friends, you know we make a good living at this.
English Revised Versionwhom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this business we have our wealth.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe called a meeting of his workers and others who did similar work. Demetrius said, "Men, you know that we're earning a good income from this business,
Good News TranslationSo he called them all together with others whose work was like theirs and said to them, "Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this work.
International Standard VersionHe called a meeting of these men and others who were engaged in similar trades and said, "Men, you well know that we get a good income from this business.
NET BibleHe gathered these together, along with the workmen in similar trades, and said, "Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business.
New Heart English Biblewhom he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth.
Webster's Bible TranslationWhom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth:
Weymouth New TestamentHe called his workmen together, and others who were engaged in similar trades, and said to them, "You men well know that our prosperity depends on this business of ours; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleDemetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity.
World English Biblewhom he gathered together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, “Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwhom, having brought in a crowd together, and those who worked around such things, he said, “Men, you know that by this work we have our wealth;
Berean Literal Biblewhom having brought together along with the workmen in such things, he said, "Men, you know that from this business is our wealth.
Young's Literal Translation whom, having brought in a crowd together, and those who did work about such things, he said, 'Men, ye know that by this work we have our wealth;
Smith's Literal TranslationWhom having collected together and the workmen of such things, he said, Men, ye know that out of this work is our good food. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhom he calling together, with the workmen of like occupation, said: Sirs, you know that our gain is by this trade;
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd calling them together, with those who were employed in the same way, he said: “Men, you know that our income is from this craft.
New American BibleHe called a meeting of these and other workers in related crafts and said, “Men, you know well that our prosperity derives from this work.
New Revised Standard VersionThese he gathered together, with the workers of the same trade, and said, “Men, you know that we get our wealth from this business. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe called together all the craftsmen of his trade, with the workmen of like occupation, and said to them: Men, you know that all of our earnings are derived from this craft.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishThis man gathered all members of his craft together and those who worked with them, and he said to them, “Men, you know that all of our profit is from this work.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThese he called together, with the workmen employed about such things, and said: Men, you know that our wealth arises from this trade:
Godbey New Testamentwhom having assembled and the laborers about such things, he said, Men, you know that it is from this work that prosperity is to us:
Haweis New Testamentwhom collecting together, with the workmen also of such trinkets, he said, Sirs, ye know that by this employment we make our advantageous livelihood:
Mace New Testamentsummon'd the company, and thus address'd them, "tho' you know, sirs, it is by this craft that we are in such plight,
Weymouth New TestamentHe called his workmen together, and others who were engaged in similar trades, and said to them, "You men well know that our prosperity depends on this business of ours;
Worrell New Testamentgathering whom together, and the workmen of like occupation, be said, "Men, ye know that out of this business we have our wealth.
Worsley New Testamentand with them the workmen they employed about such things, and said, My friends, ye know that by this employment we get our wealth.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Riot in Ephesus… 24It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. 25Demetrius assembled the craftsmen,along withtheworkmeninrelatedtrades.“Men,”he said,“you knowthatthisbusinessisoursource ofprosperity.26And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.…
Cross References Isaiah 44:10-20Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. / The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. ...
Jeremiah 10:3-5For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”
1 Kings 12:28-30After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.
Exodus 32:1-4Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!” / So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” / Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. ...
2 Kings 17:16-18They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. / So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained,
Psalm 115:4-8Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...
Psalm 135:15-18The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...
Deuteronomy 4:28And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell.
Isaiah 46:6-7They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.
Hosea 8:4-6They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. / He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? / For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.
1 Corinthians 8:4-6So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.
1 Corinthians 10:19-20Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.
Revelation 9:20Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.
Revelation 18:11-13And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.
1 Thessalonians 1:9For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
Treasury of Scripture Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, you know that by this craft we have our wealth. ye know. Acts 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drewthem into the marketplace unto the rulers, Hosea 4:8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. Hosea 12:7,8He is a merchant, the balances of deceitare in his hand: he loveth to oppress… Jump to Previous ArisesBusinessClearCraftCrowdDependsEngagedGatheredGoodOccupationOthersOursProsperityReceiveRelatedSimilarSirsTogetherTradeWealthWorkWorkmenWroughtJump to Next ArisesBusinessClearCraftCrowdDependsEngagedGatheredGoodOccupationOthersOursProsperityReceiveRelatedSimilarSirsTogetherTradeWealthWorkWorkmenWroughtActs 19 1.The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.8.The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.13.The Jewish exorcists,16.are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.19.Conjuring books are burnt.21.Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;35.which is appeased by the town clerk.Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades.Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus, a city known for its temple to Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The craftsmen and workmen in related trades were likely involved in creating silver shrines and idols of Artemis, which were popular among pilgrims and worshippers. This assembly indicates the economic impact of the Christian message, as Paul's teachings were turning people away from idol worship, threatening their livelihood. The gathering of these tradesmen highlights the interconnectedness of religion and economy in ancient Ephesus, where the worship of Artemis was not only a spiritual practice but also a significant economic driver. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity.
Demetrius appeals to the economic interests of his fellow craftsmen, emphasizing the financial threat posed by the spread of Christianity. The phrase "source of prosperity" underscores the dependency of their wealth on the continued worship of Artemis. This reflects a broader theme in Acts, where the gospel challenges existing social and economic structures. The concern for prosperity also echoes the biblical warning against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) and the potential conflict between serving God and wealth (Matthew 6:24). The situation in Ephesus serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the gospel, which can disrupt established systems and provoke opposition from those whose interests are threatened. Persons / Places / Events 1. DemetriusA silversmith in Ephesus who made silver shrines of Artemis. He is the central figure in this verse, concerned about the impact of Paul's teachings on his trade. 2. EphesusA major city in Asia Minor, known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a center of commerce and pagan worship. 3. ArtemisThe Greek goddess whose temple in Ephesus was a significant source of income for local craftsmen like Demetrius. 4. PaulAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Paul’s missionary work in Ephesus is the catalyst for the events described. His preaching against idolatry threatened the local economy based on idol worship. 5. Workmen in Related TradesThese are the craftsmen and artisans who, like Demetrius, profited from the production of religious artifacts and were concerned about the economic impact of the spread of Christianity. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just about worshiping physical idols but can also be seen in prioritizing wealth and economic gain over spiritual truth. Economic Impact of FaithTrue faith in Christ can have significant economic implications, challenging industries and practices that are contrary to God’s will. Courage in WitnessingLike Paul, Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, even when it threatens societal norms or economic interests. The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Christ may require sacrificing personal or financial gain, as allegiance to Him takes precedence over all else. Community InfluenceBelievers should be aware of how their faith and actions influence their community, for better or worse, and strive to be a positive witness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 19:25?
2.How does Acts 19:25 illustrate the impact of idolatry on community values?
3.What can we learn from Demetrius' actions about resisting cultural pressures today?
4.How does Acts 19:25 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?
5.In what ways can Christians today avoid being swayed by economic interests?
6.How can believers prioritize faith over financial gain, as seen in Acts 19:25?
7.What does Acts 19:25 reveal about the economic impact of early Christianity on local trades?
8.How does Acts 19:25 illustrate the conflict between faith and commerce?
9.In Acts 19:25, why were craftsmen threatened by Paul's teachings?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 19?
11.Who is the Greek goddess Artemis?
12.Who was Demetrius in the Bible?
13.Should Christians become members of labor unions?
14.Could the riot and shift in worship in Acts 19:23-41 realistically occur, or does it conflict with historical and archaeological evidence about Ephesus?What Does Acts 19:25 Mean Demetrius assembled the craftsmenActs 19:24–25 identifies Demetrius as “a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis,” a man whose livelihood depended on idol production. By gathering the craftsmen, he unites those directly threatened by the gospel’s advance in Ephesus (Acts 19:18–20). • This is an intentional strategy, much like the owners of the fortune-telling slave girl who seized Paul in Philippi when their profits vanished (Acts 16:19). • The text records a real historical event; Scripture literally portrays how the spread of truth exposes false religion and stirs opposition (John 3:20). • Demetrius chooses fellow artisans rather than civil authorities first, mirroring how sinful interests often rally like-minded allies before seeking broader support (Psalm 2:1–3).
along with the workmen in related tradesHe widens the circle beyond silversmiths to any laborers who profit from Artemis worship—metalworkers, engravers, vendors. • Idolatry was a lucrative, interconnected industry in Ephesus, home to the famed temple of Artemis (Acts 19:27). • The ripple effect shows how sin weaves economic networks; compare the merchants who mourn the fall of Babylon when their trade collapses (Revelation 18:11–17). • By involving “related trades,” Demetrius ensures a sizable, sympathetic crowd, similar to how Sanballat enlisted surrounding peoples against Nehemiah’s rebuilding work (Nehemiah 4:7–8).
MenA short but deliberate form of address. He appeals to their shared identity and masculinity, stirring camaraderie and urgency, as Peter did at Pentecost—“Men of Israel, listen to these words” (Acts 2:22). • Group solidarity can motivate either righteous courage (Joshua 24:15) or collective rebellion (Numbers 16:1–3). • Demetrius counts on peer pressure;Proverbs 1:10 warns, “If sinners entice you, do not yield.” • The gospel confronts not merely individuals but cultural systems; addressing “Men” taps into that social dynamic (Acts 17:22).
you know that this business is our source of prosperityHere lies the real motive: profit, not piety. • Echoes of1 Timothy 6:10—“the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” • Demetrius admits the gospel threatens their income, paralleling Jesus’ warning: “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). • His statement is factual—idol trade did bring wealth—yet it exposes hearts tied to temporal riches (Mark 8:36). • Notice he doesn’t argue theology; he argues economics. Like the crowd inJohn 11:48 fearing loss of position, his priority is material security. • The early believers had already burned costly magic scrolls (Acts 19:19). Their sacrificial stand contrasts sharply with Demetrius’ greed.
summaryActs 19:25 records a calculated, profit-driven appeal that rallies an industry against the gospel. Demetrius unites craftsmen and allied workers, addressing them as “Men” to strengthen group resolve, and centers his argument on threatened prosperity. The verse illustrates how the faithful proclamation of Jesus disrupts entrenched economic systems of idolatry, revealing where true allegiance lies. Cross-references show this pattern throughout Scripture: when truth shines, those whose hope rests in earthly gain resist. God’s Word stands literal and accurate, exposing hearts and calling believers to value Christ above all. (25) The workmen of like occupation.--The "craftsmen" of the previous verse represent the higher class of what we call skilled labour. Here we have the unskilled labourers whom they employed. The former were, in a sense, artists, these were artisans. Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.--Literally,Men,the word used being different from that inActs 16:30. The word for "craft" is the same as that translated "gain" inActs 16:19, where see Note. The opening words of Demetrius bring before us, with an almostnaive simplicity, the element of vested interests which has at all times played so prominent a part in the resistance to religious and political reforms, and entered largely into the persecutions against which the early preachers of the gospel had to contend. Every city had its temples and priests, its flamens, its oracles or sanctuaries. Sacrifices and feasts created a market for industry which would otherwise have been wanting. In its later development, the Christian Church, employing the services of art, encouraging pilgrimages, organising conventual and collegiate institutions, created a market of another kind, and thus gave rise to new vested interests, which in their turn were obstacles to the work of reformation. At first, however, the absence of the aesthetic element in the aims and life of the Church seemed to threaten those who were occupied in such arts with an entire loss of livelihood, and roused them to a fierce antagonism. Verse 25.- Gathered for called, A.V.; bust. ness for craft, A.V., but "craft" is the better rendering. Workmen; ἐργάται, different from the τεχνῖται skilled laborers or artisans. Demetrius called together all who were in any way interested in the shrine trade. His true reason came out first.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [Demetrius] assembled [the craftsmen],συναθροίσας(synathroisas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4867:To gather together, assemble. From sun and athroizo; to convene.along withκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.workmenἐργάτας(ergatas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2040:A field-laborer; then: a laborer, workman in general. From ergon; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher.inπερὶ(peri)Preposition
Strong's 4012:From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.relatedτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.trades.τοιαῦτα(toiauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5108:(including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).“Men,”Ἄνδρες(Andres)Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435:A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.he said,εἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“you knowἐπίστασθε(epistasthe)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1987:To know, know of, understand. Apparently a middle voice of ephistemi; to put the mind upon, i.e. Comprehend, or be acquainted with.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.thisταύτης(tautēs)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.businessἐργασίας(ergasias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2039:From ergates; occupation; by implication, profit, pains.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.ourἡμῖν(hēmin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.[source of]ἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.prosperity.εὐπορία(euporia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2142:Wealth, gain, plenty. From the same as euporeo; pecuniary resources.
Links Acts 19:25 NIVActs 19:25 NLTActs 19:25 ESVActs 19:25 NASBActs 19:25 KJV
Acts 19:25 BibleApps.comActs 19:25 Biblia ParalelaActs 19:25 Chinese BibleActs 19:25 French BibleActs 19:25 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 19:25 Whom he gathered together with the workmen (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
