Reference: Demetrius
American
1. A goldsmith of Ephesus, who made models of the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus, which he sold to foreigners, Ac 19:4-24. Observing the progress of the gospel, not in Ephesus only, but in the regions around, he assembled his fellow-craftsmen, and represented that, by this new doctrine, not only their trade would suffer, but the worship of the great Diana of Ephesus was in danger of being entirely forsaken. This produced an uproar and riot in the city, which the town clerk with difficulty appeased by firmness and persuasion.
2. A disciple, and probably a minister, of high repute, 3Jo 1:12. He may have been formerly the silversmith of Ephesus; but this can be neither proved nor disproved.
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Easton
(1.) A silversmith at Ephesus, whose chief occupation was to make "silver shrines for Diana" (q.v.), Ac 19:24, i.e., models either of the temple of Diana or of the statue of the goddess. This trade brought to him and his fellow-craftsmen "no small gain," for these shrines found a ready sale among the countless thousands who came to this temple from all parts of Asia Minor. This traffic was greatly endangered by the progress of the gospel, and hence Demetrius excited the tradesmen employed in the manufacture of these shrines, and caused so great a tumult that "the whole city was filled with confusion."
(2.) A Christian who is spoken of as having "a good report of all men, and of the truth itself" (3Jo 1:12).
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Fausets
1. A maker of silver portable models of the great temple and statue of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus (Ac 19:24). They were kept as amulets against danger. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen, in fear for their gains, raised a tumult against Paul as saying "they be no gods which are made with hands." Like many men he made regard for religion his plea, while really having an eye to self; "not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." A religious party cry is sure to rouse many who care little at heart about piety. It shows how soon Christianity, notwithstanding its seeming weakness, was felt as a mighty power threatening pagandom with all its then greatness.
2. A Christian "having good report of all men, and of the truth itself," and of John (3Jo 1:12). The gospel standard of truth witnessed his conformity to it in love and good works; a transparently real Christian.
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Hastings
1. Soter, the son of Seleucus Philopator. In his boyhood he was sent (b.c. 175) to Rome as a hostage, but made his escape after the death of his uncie, Antiochus Epiphanes. Landing at Tripolis, he was joined by large bodies of the people, and even by the bodyguard of his cousin, Antiochus Eupator. Eupator was soon defeated and put to death, and in b.c. 162, Demetrius was proclaimed king (1Ma 7:1-4, 2Ma 14:1-2; Josephus Ant. XII. x. 1). After seven years, Alexander Balas (wh. see) was set up as a claimant to the crown of Syria (b.c. 153); and he and Demetrius competed for the support of Jonathan (1Ma 10:1-21; Josephus Ant. XIII. ii. 1
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Morish
Deme'trius
1. Silversmith of Ephesus, who made silver shrines of the temple. Fearing that the preaching of Paul against idolatry would lessen the gains of himself and others, he raised an uproar. Ac 19:24,38.
2. A convert who was borne witness to by all, and by the truth itself. 3Jo 1:12.
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Smith
Deme'trius
(belonging to Ceres).
1. A maker of silver shrines of Artemis at Ephesus.
(about A.D. 52). These were small models of the great temple of the Ephesian Artemis, with her statue, which it was customary to carry on journeys, and place on houses as charms.
2. A disciple,
mentioned with commendation (about A.D. 90). Possibly the first Demetrius,converted; but this is very doubtful.