Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, silver shrines hold significant cultural and religious implications, particularly in the New Testament. These shrines are often associated with idolatry and the worship of false gods, serving as a stark contrast to the worship of the one true God of Israel.One of the most notable references to silver shrines is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in the account of the Apostle Paul's missionary work in Ephesus. Ephesus was a major center for the worship of the goddess Artemis, and the city was renowned for its magnificent temple dedicated to her. The local economy was heavily influenced by the production and sale of silver shrines and idols representing Artemis. In Acts 19:24-27 , we read about a silversmith named Demetrius, who was deeply concerned about the impact of Paul's preaching on his trade. The passage states: "For a silversmith named Demetrius, 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.'" This passage highlights the tension between the burgeoning Christian faith and the established pagan practices of the time. The silver shrines of Artemis were not merely religious artifacts but also economic commodities that supported a significant industry. The spread of Christianity, with its monotheistic message and rejection of idolatry, posed a direct threat to this industry and the cultural identity tied to it. The incident in Ephesus underscores the broader biblical theme of the futility and danger of idolatry. Throughout Scripture, the worship of idols, often crafted from precious metals like silver and gold, is condemned as a deviation from true worship. In Isaiah 46:6-7 , the prophet speaks against the making of idols: "They pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it in its place, and there it stands. It does not move from its place. If one cries out to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save him from his troubles." The New Testament echoes this sentiment, as seen in the account of the Ephesian riot. The conflict between the worship of man-made objects and the worship of God is a recurring theme, emphasizing the call to forsake idols and turn to the living God. In summary, silver shrines in the Bible symbolize the pervasive nature of idolatry in ancient cultures and the economic and spiritual challenges faced by early Christians. The narrative of the silver shrines in Ephesus serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of the Gospel and the call to worship God in spirit and truth, free from the bondage of idolatry. Nave's Topical Index Acts 19:24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen; Nave's Topical Index Library The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus The Uproar in Ephesus. Days of Toil and Trial The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ... The Second Part. Acts XIX "Boast not Thyself of To-Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day ... Two visitors by Night Pagan Shrines and Temples. Argument: Although the Heathens Acknowledge their Kings to be ... Resources Why does Matthew 27:9 attribute the prophecy to Jeremiah when it is from Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any conclusive proof of God? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of dross in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Silver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Silver for Ornamentation of, and in the Manufacture of, the Utensils for the Tabernacle Silver of Saints Purified by Affliction Silver of the Medo-Persian Kingdom Silver of the Tongue of the Just Silver of the Words of the Lord Silver used As Money from the Earliest Times Silver: (Dross of) of the Wicked Silver: (Labour of Seeking For) of Diligence Required For Silver: (Reprobate) the Wicked Silver: Baskets (Rv), or Filigree (Margin, RV) Silver: Generally Found in an Impure State Silver: Given by David and his Subjects for Making the Temple Silver: Given by the Israelite for Making the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Beds or Couches Silver: Made Into: Candlesticks Silver: Made Into: Ornaments and Hooks for the Pillars of the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Ornaments for the Person Silver: Made Into: Sockets for the Boards of the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Thin Plates Silver: Made Into: Wires (Alluded To) Silver: Often Given As Presents Silver: Purified, Called: Choice Silver Silver: Purified, Called: Refined Silver Silver: Taken in War often Consecrated to God Silver: Taken in War Purified by Fire Silver: Tarshish Carried on Extensive Commerce In Silver: The Patriarchs Rich In Silver: The Working In, a Trade Silver: Veins of, Found in the Earth Silver: Very Abundant in the Reign of Solomon Silver: Wisdom to be Esteemed More Than Related Terms |
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