Acts 19:25
Whom he called together, with the workemen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we haue our wealth. Acts 19:25 (KJV)
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Acts 19, which records the apostle Paul’s ministry in the city of Ephesus. In the opening of the chapter Paul meets a group of disciples who had received John’s baptism but had not yet received the Holy Spirit; after further instruction he baptizes them in the name of Jesus Christ and they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1‑7).
Verse 25 records the words of Demetrius, a silversmith who fashioned silver shrines of the goddess Artemis (Diana in the KJV). He addresses a gathering of fellow craftsmen, saying, “Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands.” Demetrius points out that Paul’s preaching had gained influence not only in Ephesus but throughout the Roman province of Asia, persuading many to turn away from idols made by human hands.
The passage therefore provides insight into the impact of Paul’s ministry and the spread of the Christian message. It demonstrates how his teaching challenged the prevailing religious practices and threatened the livelihood of those who crafted and sold religious idols. This reflects a recurring theme in Acts: the clash between the early Christians and the established religious systems of the time. The spread of the gospel often provoked opposition from those who held vested interests in existing worship.
Despite such resistance, Paul’s ministry continued to make a lasting impact, leading to the growth and establishment of Christian communities throughout the region. In summary, Acts 19:25 gives a vivid glimpse of the social and cultural context of Paul’s work in Ephesus, showing both the transformative power of the gospel and the opposition it engendered among those directly affected by the change.
