Demetrius is a name that appears a few times in the Bible, referring to different individuals. Here is an overview of the main biblical figures named Demetrius:
Demetrius the Silversmith (Acts 19)
This Demetrius was a silversmith who lived in Ephesus during the time of the apostle Paul’s ministry. Ephesus was known for its temple of Artemis, and there was a thriving business of making silver shrines and idols to sell to worshippers. Demetrius drew much of his business from this trade.
When Paul began preaching the gospel in Ephesus, many people turned from idol worship to follow Christ. This meant less business for Demetrius and other silversmiths. Demetrius incited a riot against Paul, complaining that his preaching was threatening their livelihood and the worship of Artemis (Acts 19:23-41).
So this Demetrius tried to resist the spread of the gospel for financial reasons. He serves as an example of someone who prioritized earthly business over spiritual truth.
Demetrius the Disciple (3 John 1:12)
John’s third epistle mentions a disciple named Demetrius who had a good testimony from everyone. Specifically, 3 John 1:12 says, “Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself.”
This verse suggests Demetrius was well-respected in the church and had proven himself to be a genuine believer and follower of Christ. Beyond this brief mention, we don’t know much else about this Demetrius. But it seems he sought to serve faithfully in the early church.
Demetrius the Ephesian (Acts 19:24)
Some scholars believe the Demetrius mentioned in Acts 19:24 may have been the same Demetrius who was the silversmith. This verse simply identifies him as “Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis.” This epithet distinguishes him from other biblical figures named Demetrius.
Demetrius the Official (Acts 19:38)
When the town clerk of Ephesus quieted the riot against Paul, he referred to someone called “Demetrius and the craftsmen with him” (Acts 19:38). This may have been a reference to Demetrius the silversmith. However, some scholars believe “Demetrius” here could refer to a local official instead.
If this was an official, he may have been in charge of commerce and trade in Ephesus. The town clerk seems to imply the complaints of Demetrius and the craftsmen should be handled through proper legal proceedings, rather than a riot.
Demetrius II, King of Macedon
In the Apocrypha, 2 Maccabees 14:1-3 refers to a King Demetrius who reigned over part of Macedon around 150 BC. This Demetrius battled against Alexander Balas over control of the Seleucid Kingdom. He also had conflicts with the Jewish leader Jonathan Maccabeus.
This Demetrius was likely Demetrius II Nicator in the line of Seleucid rulers. But he has no clear connection to any biblical figure besides the shared name.
Key Lessons
Though there are several different Demetrius figures in the Bible and Apocrypha, a few key lessons emerge:
- Demetrius the silversmith reminds us to beware of those who resist or twist the gospel for worldly gain.
- Demetrius the disciple exemplifies sincerity and good character for believers.
- Demetrius the possible official shows the importance of handling disputes through proper channels.
Overall, the name Demetrius does not refer to just one person. But the biblical references to men of this name provide various spiritual insights.
Other Minor Biblical References
A few other minor biblical references to the name Demetrius exist:
- Demetrius is listed among the 70 disciples appointed by Jesus in Luke 10:1-24 (in some manuscripts).
- A Demetrius is mentioned in 3 John 1:12 as having a good testimony from everyone.
- In Acts 19:24, a silversmith named Demetrius is mentioned as making silver shrines of Artemis.
However, these likely all refer to the same individuals described more fully elsewhere.
Non-Biblical Traditions
In addition to the biblical references, Christian tradition provides some further legends and stories about Demetrius:
- Demetrius of Thessaloniki was a martyr who died around 306 AD. He became the patron saint of the city of Thessaloniki.
- A Christian tradition holds that Demetrius the disciple of 3 John became the first bishop of Philadelphia in modern-day Jordan.
- Some traditions identify Demetrius the disciple as one of the 72 disciples sent out by Jesus in Luke 10.
- One tradition states that the Demetrius who incited trouble against Paul was eventually converted and became a follower of Christ.
However, these traditions are late and unsubstantiated. They go beyond what Scripture itself reveals about any biblical character named Demetrius.
Summary of the Biblical Demetrius Figures
In summary, here is an overview of the main biblical characters named Demetrius:
- Demetrius the silversmith – Incited a riot against Paul in Ephesus to protect his silversmith trade (Acts 19).
- Demetrius the disciple – Had a good testimony and was likely one of the 70 disciples or an early church leader (3 John 1:12).
- Demetrius the possible official – May have been a civic official or magistrate in Ephesus (Acts 19:38).
- Demetrius II of Macedon – Seleucid ruler who battled against the Maccabees (2 Maccabees 14).
Studying these biblical characters named Demetrius can provide edification regarding steadfast discipleship, the perils of greed and legalism, and the spread of the gospel in the early church.
While Scripture does not provide full biographies of any of these men, the glimpses it gives are instructive for doctrine, reproof, instruction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Understanding the biblical figures named Demetrius yields spiritual benefits as part of the study of God’s Word.
1. Demetrius the Silversmith (Acts 19:23-41)
The most well-known Demetrius in the Bible is likely Demetrius the silversmith, who appears in Acts 19:23-41. This passage recounts Demetrius’ opposition to the apostle Paul’s preaching in Ephesus and the riot he incited against the gospel.
Some key facts about Demetrius the silversmith:
- He made his living creating shrines and idols devoted to the goddess Artemis (also known as Diana).
- When Paul preached in Ephesus, many people turned from idol worship and burned their magic books and idols.
- This damaged the business of silversmiths like Demetrius who profited from selling idols.
- Demetrius gathered other craftsmen and riled up the city with charges that Paul was threatening the temple and worship of Artemis.
- A chaotic mob formed and seized two of Paul’s companions, Gaius and Aristarchus.
- Eventually the town clerk broke up the impromptu riot and urged lawful proceedings instead of mob violence.
This passage reveals Demetrius’ corrupt motives. He incited public disruption and made false charges because he prioritized greed and profit over truth. His story provides a case study of how worldly interests can make people resist the true gospel of Christ when it upends their status quo.
2. Demetrius the Disciple (3 John 1:12)
The next biblical reference to a Demetrius comes in 3 John 1:12:
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; we also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
This verse indicates Demetrius was a respected member of the early Christian community. Details about his identity are uncertain, but a few key points emerge:
- He was a disciple of Christ and likely a leader in the church.
- Everyone spoke well of him, meaning he had a reputation for integrity and godliness.
- He walked in truth, living out the gospel consistently in word and deed.
- The apostle John affirmed Demetrius’ good character and trusted his testimony.
This Demetrius provides an exemplary model of someone devoted wholeheartedly to Christ. His life backed up his profession of faith. All believers should seek to live in a manner drawing such commendation for fidelity to the gospel.
3. Demetrius the Ephesian (Acts 19:24)
The third reference comes in Acts 19:24:
For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen.
This verse clearly identifies “Demetrius, a silversmith” as the one whose business was threatened by Paul’s preaching. As such, most scholars equate this Demetrius with the one who caused the riot in Ephesus.
The description of him as a silversmith explains his financial incentive to resist the gospel. He made shrines used in worshipping the goddess Artemis. This background illuminates why Demetrius opposed a teaching that turned people from idolatry.
4. Demetrius the Official (Acts 19:38)
A fourth reference to Demetrius comes in Acts 19:38:
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
Here the town clerk refers to “Demetrius and the craftsmen with him” as potentially having legal complaints. Some scholars debate whether this Demetrius was the silversmith or a local official instead.
As an official, Demetrius may have held a civic position overseeing business affairs related to the temple of Artemis. The town clerk seems to be saying he should take his complaints through proper legal channels.
Regardless of his precise identity, this Demetrius serves as an example of using the legal system for dispute resolution rather than vigilante justice.
5. Demetrius II of Macedon (2 Maccabees 14:1-3)
One additional reference comes in 2 Maccabees 14:1-3, an Apocryphal book relating Jewish history between the Old and New Testament eras:
Three years later, word came to Judas and his men that Demetrius, the son of Seleucus, had sailed into the harbor of Tripolis with a strong army and a fleet, and had taken possession of the country, after having defeated Antiochus and his army.
This describes Demetrius II, a Seleucid ruler who fought for control of parts of the ancient Greek empire in the 2nd century BC. He battled against Alexander Balas and later the Jewish Maccabees under Jonathan.
While not directly part of the biblical narrative, this Demetrius provides historical context surrounding the Intertestamental Period when the Apocrypha was written.
6. Minor Biblical References
A couple other minor biblical references to the name Demetrius exist:
- Demetrius is listed among the Seventy Disciples Jesus appointed in Luke 10 in some manuscripts.
- In Romans 16:21, a “Demetrius” is mentioned along with Lucius and Jason as companions of Paul.
However, these likely refer to the same individuals already discussed. There are no other unique biblical characters named Demetrius.
7. Demetrius in Christian Tradition
In addition to the biblical record, Christian tradition provides some extra details about Demetrius, though not always reliably:
- Demetrius of Thessaloniki was martyred around 306 AD and became the namesake saint of the city of Thessaloniki.
- One tradition identifies Demetrius the disciple as the first bishop of Philadelphia, citing Revelation 3:7-13.
- Some sources associate Demetrius the disciple with one of the Seventy commissioned by Jesus in Luke 10.
- Later traditions claim the silversmith Demetrius eventually converted to follow Christ after the episode in Ephesus.
While interesting, these traditions are late, speculative and not verifiable from Scripture. They provide imaginative extensions but no firm facts about the biblical characters named Demetrius.
8. Conclusion
In summary, the name Demetrius in the Bible likely refers primarily to three individuals:
- Demetrius the silversmith who opposed Paul’s preaching in Ephesus on financial grounds
- Demetrius the respected disciple commended by John for his character and truth
- Demetrius the possible civic official involved in the events in Ephesus
Beyond this, King Demetrius II of Macedon provides some historical background. But he is not part of the biblical narrative directly.
Studying these men named Demetrius provides instruction for believers. We learn of the dangers of greed, the importance of an upright reputation, and the need to avoid violence in settling disputes. The biblical Demetrius figures illustrate timeless spiritual lessons.