Topical Encyclopedia Artemis, known in the ancient world as a prominent deity, is referenced in the New Testament in the context of the city of Ephesus. She was a goddess worshiped primarily in Asia Minor, particularly in Ephesus, where her temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The worship of Artemis in Ephesus is significant in understanding the cultural and religious backdrop of the early Christian church in this region.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to Artemis is found in the Book of Acts. During the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, he spent a considerable amount of time in Ephesus, preaching the Gospel and establishing the church there. His ministry led to a significant number of conversions, which in turn affected the local economy, particularly the trade of silver shrines of Artemis. Acts 19:23-41 provides a detailed account of the resulting conflict. The passage describes a silversmith named Demetrius, who, concerned about the decline in sales of Artemis shrines, incited a riot against Paul and his companions. Demetrius addressed his fellow craftsmen, saying, "Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray a large number of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all" (Acts 19:25-26). The uproar culminated in a large assembly at the theater in Ephesus, where the crowd shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:28). The city clerk eventually calmed the crowd, reminding them of the legal avenues available for grievances and the potential consequences of rioting. Cultural and Religious Context: Artemis was revered as a goddess of fertility, wildlife, and hunting. Her Ephesian cult was distinct from the Greek Artemis, emphasizing her role as a mother goddess. The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was not only a religious center but also a significant economic hub, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the Roman Empire. The worship of Artemis in Ephesus was deeply ingrained in the social and economic fabric of the city. The temple served as a bank and a place of asylum, further intertwining religious practices with daily life. The challenge posed by the Christian message, which rejected idolatry, was seen as a direct threat to the established order and the prosperity associated with the cult of Artemis. Theological Implications: The account of Artemis in Acts highlights the tension between the nascent Christian faith and the prevailing pagan practices of the time. The early Christians' refusal to participate in idolatry set them apart and often led to persecution. This narrative underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which not only changes individual lives but also challenges societal norms and economic structures. The incident in Ephesus serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand firm in the faith amidst opposition. It also illustrates the broader spiritual battle between the truth of the Gospel and the deception of idolatry, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. Concordance Ar'temis (5 Occurrences)Acts 19:24 Acts 19:27 Acts 19:28 Acts 19:34 Acts 19:35 Thesaurus Ar'temis (5 Occurrences)Ar'temis. Artemis, Ar'temis. Article . Multi-Version Concordance Ar'temis (5 Occurrences). Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius ... /a/ar'temis.htm - 7k Article (17 Occurrences) Artemis (5 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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