Topical Encyclopedia The term "Dianites" does not appear explicitly in the canonical texts of the Bible. However, it is possible that the name could be associated with a group or people related to the worship of the goddess Diana, also known as Artemis in Greek mythology. Diana was a prominent deity in the ancient world, particularly in Ephesus, where her temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.Biblical Context In the New Testament, the worship of Diana is most notably mentioned in the Book of Acts. The Apostle Paul encountered significant opposition from the followers of Diana during his missionary work in Ephesus. Acts 19:24-28 describes a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Diana and incited a riot against Paul, fearing that his teachings would undermine their trade and the reverence for the goddess: "For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a great deal of business for the craftsmen. Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. 'Men,' he said, 'you know that this business is our source of prosperity. And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in nearly the whole province of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great number of people. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed, she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the world.' When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!'" Cultural and Religious Significance The worship of Diana was deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious life of Ephesus and the surrounding regions. Diana was revered as a goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature, and her cult was characterized by elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The temple of Diana in Ephesus served as a major religious, economic, and cultural center, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the Roman Empire. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the conflict between the early Christians and the followers of Diana highlights the tension between monotheism and polytheism. The Christian message, as preached by Paul and the apostles, emphasized the worship of the one true God and rejected the idolatry associated with pagan deities. This message often led to social and economic upheaval in regions where pagan worship was intertwined with local commerce and identity. Historical Influence The influence of Diana worship persisted for centuries, even as Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. The eventual decline of pagan practices and the rise of Christianity as the dominant faith in the region marked a significant shift in religious and cultural paradigms. The account of the Dianites, as inferred from the biblical account, serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the challenges faced by early Christians in their mission to spread the teachings of Christ. Concordance Dianites (1 Occurrence)Ezra 4:9 Thesaurus Dianites (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Dianites (1 Occurrence). Ezra 4:9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest ... /d/dianites.htm - 6k Diana (5 Occurrences) Diaspora Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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