Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 19:24

"For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen;" — Acts 19:24 (ASV)

A silversmith. The word used here indicates one who works with silver in any way, whether in making money, stamping silver, or forming utensils from it. It is probable that this man's employment was confined to the business specified here, that of making shrines—as his complaint (Acts 19:26–27) implied that destroying this business would be sufficient to throw them all out of employment.

Silver shrines. naos. Temples. The word "shrine" properly means a case, small chest, or box, particularly one in which sacred things are deposited. Thus, we hear of shrines for relics (Webster). The word "shrines" here indicates small, portable temples or edifices made of silver, designed to resemble the temple of Diana, and probably containing a silver image of the goddess. Such shrines would be purchased by devotees and worshippers of the goddess, and by strangers who desired to possess a representation of one of the seven wonders of the world. (See Barnes' note on Acts 19:27).

The great number of people who came to Ephesus for her worship would ensure ample sales for productions of this kind and make their manufacture a profitable employment. It is well known that pagans everywhere are accustomed to carry with them small images or representations of their gods as an amulet or charm.

The Romans, for example, had such images in all their houses, called Penates, or household gods. A similar practice is mentioned as early as the time of Laban (Genesis 31:19), whose images Rachel had stolen and taken with her. (Compare to Judges 17:5, which states, The man Micah had an house of gods; see also 1 Samuel 19:13; Hosea 3:4). These images were usually enclosed in a box, case, or chest made of wood, iron, or silver and, probably, as in this case, were typically made to resemble the temple where the idol was worshipped.

Diana. This was a celebrated goddess of the heathen and one of the twelve superior deities. In the heavens she was Luna, or Meni (the moon); on earth, Diana; and in hell, Hecate.

She was sometimes represented with a crescent on her head, a bow in her hand, and dressed in a hunting-habit; at other times, with a triple face and instruments of torture. She was commonly regarded as the goddess of hunting.

She was also worshipped under the various names of Lucina, Proserpine, Trivia, etc. Furthermore, she was represented with a great number of breasts, to indicate she was the fountain of blessings, or as distributing her benefits to each according to their proper station.

She was worshipped in Egypt, Athens, Cilicia, and among heathen nations generally, but the most celebrated place of her worship was Ephesus—a city peculiarly dedicated to her.

To the craftsmen. This refers to the labourers employed under Demetrius in the manufacture of shrines.

Further points: The term "shrines" can also be understood as "models of the temple." Regarding the phrase "small gain," see Acts 16:16, 19. The term "craftsmen" is synonymous with "workmen."