Lexical Summary euporia: Prosperity, wealth, abundance Original Word: εὐπορία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wealth. From the same as euporeo; pecuniary resources -- wealth. see GREEK euporeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as euporeó Definition prosperity, plenty NASB Translation prosperity (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2142: εὐπορίαεὐπορία, ἐυποριας, ἡ (εὔπορος, see the preceding word), riches, means, wealth: Acts 19:25. (Xenophon, Plato, others; in different senses in different authors.) Topical Lexicon Occurrence and narrative context The noun appears once in the Greek New Testament, in Acts 19:25. Luke records the words of Demetrius, a silversmith in Ephesus: “Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business” (Berean Standard Bible). The single occurrence is sufficient to illuminate a major theme in Acts—the collision between the gospel of Jesus Christ and entrenched social, economic, and religious systems. Economic and religious backdrop in Ephesus Ephesus was famed for the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The cult of Artemis sustained a thriving craft industry that produced miniature silver shrines, charms, and votive images. Artisans such as Demetrius enjoyed consistent demand from pilgrims who flocked to the city. Their “prosperity” was therefore inextricably tied to the worship of a false deity. When Paul’s preaching persuaded many that “gods made by human hands are not gods at all” (Acts 19:26), the threat was not merely theological; it undermined an entire economy. Luke’s placement of this episode after the public burning of occult scrolls (Acts 19:19) highlights the growing socio-economic ripple effects of the gospel. What began as a personal allegiance to Christ soon altered spending habits, exposed idolatrous profit centers, and provoked civic unrest. The gospel’s confrontation with lucrative idolatry Acts presents several instances where financial interests clash with kingdom priorities (Acts 8:18-23; 16:16-19). The single use of the term in 19:25 crystallizes a broader biblical warning: material gain becomes idolatrous whenever it supplants devotion to the living God. Demetrius frames the issue candidly—“our prosperity”—placing economic self-interest above truth. By contrast, Paul had earlier told the Ephesian elders, “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing” and “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:33, 35). Thus, the narrative contrasts two value systems: one that measures success by revenue from idol making, and another that treasures Christ above all earthly gain (Philippians 3:8). Wealth in Luke-Acts Luke consistently portrays wealth as spiritually hazardous when detached from kingdom purposes. The rich fool stores up earthly grain only to lose his soul (Luke 12:16-21). The rich ruler walks away sad because he has “great wealth” (Luke 18:23). Acts 19 adds corporate dimensions: entire industries can be built on idolatry, and gospel proclamation will expose the underlying idolatry, disrupting economic structures. Yet Luke also commends generosity (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35) and responsible stewardship (Luke 16:10-12). Wealth itself is not condemned; its misuse, self-centeredness, and capacity to forge counterfeit security are. Old Testament echoes The prophets repeatedly indict those who profit from idolatry (Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 10:14-15; Habakkuk 2:18-19). Like Demetrius, craftsmen in Isaiah fashion gods that “cannot see or hear or walk” yet expect them to bring wellbeing. Ezekiel traces Tyre’s downfall to its “abundant wealth” and pride (Ezekiel 28:4-5). Acts 19 stands in continuity with this prophetic motif: economic might grounded in false worship invites divine exposure and eventual collapse. True prosperity in biblical perspective Scripture locates genuine prosperity in covenant relationship with God. Psalm 1 depicts the righteous as “a tree planted by streams of water,” fruitful and secure, whereas the wicked are “like chaff.” Paul echoes this by declaring that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6), warning that the love of money “is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). In Christ, believers inherit “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3), a wealth untouched by market fluctuations or cultural idols. Implications for ministry today 1. Preaching the whole counsel of God may disturb profitable systems grounded in idolatry—whether pornography, gambling, or exploitative labor. Faithful ministry must be ready for backlash similar to the Ephesian riot. Christological focus Jesus Christ, “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). His self-emptying redefines prosperity: the greatest treasure is knowing Him (Colossians 2:3). Acts 19:25 reminds believers that devotion to economic gain is incompatible with allegiance to the crucified and risen Lord. Summary The single New Testament usage of Strong’s Greek 2142 spotlights the tension between material affluence rooted in idolatry and the liberating truth of the gospel. By challenging the Ephesian silversmiths’ livelihood, Paul’s message demonstrated that faith in Christ has tangible, societal consequences. Scripture therefore calls the church to proclaim salvation in a way that confronts idolatrous prosperity, promotes generous stewardship, and exalts the surpassing worth of Christ above all earthly wealth. Forms and Transliterations ευπορια ευπορία εὐπορία euporia euporíaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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