Topical Bible: Temple: Idolatrous of Diana (Artemis), at Ephesus

◄ Temple: Idolatrous of Diana (Artemis), at Ephesus ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Temple of Diana, also known as the Temple of Artemis, was one of the most renowned structures of the ancient world, located in the city of Ephesus. This temple was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, known as Diana in Roman mythology, and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple played a significant role in the religious, cultural, and economic life of Ephesus and the surrounding region.

Historical and Cultural Context

The city of Ephesus, situated in what is now modern-day Turkey, was a major center of trade and culture in the ancient world. The Temple of Artemis was constructed around 550 BC and was rebuilt several times due to destruction by natural disasters and human actions. The temple was an architectural marvel, renowned for its grand scale and ornate decorations. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a marketplace and a treasury, reflecting its central role in Ephesian society.

Religious Significance

Artemis was worshiped as a goddess of fertility, the hunt, and the moon. The Ephesian Artemis was distinct from other representations of the goddess, often depicted with multiple breasts, symbolizing her role as a nurturer and provider. The temple attracted pilgrims from across the ancient world, who came to offer sacrifices and seek the favor of the goddess.

Biblical Account

The New Testament provides insight into the religious climate of Ephesus during the time of the Apostle Paul. In Acts 19, Paul’s missionary work in Ephesus led to a significant number of conversions to Christianity, which in turn threatened the local economy that was heavily reliant on the sale of silver shrines of Artemis. This economic impact incited a riot led by a silversmith named Demetrius, who feared the loss of income and the diminishing reverence for the goddess. The account in Acts 19:27-28 states, "There is danger not only that our business will fall into disrepute, 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 whole world." The uproar culminated in a large assembly at the theater, where the crowd chanted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:34).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Temple of Artemis represents the pervasive nature of idolatry in the ancient world, which often stood in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of the God of Israel and the teachings of Christianity. The worship of Artemis, with its associated rituals and economic interests, exemplifies the challenges faced by early Christians in spreading the Gospel amidst deeply entrenched pagan practices.

Legacy and Decline

The decline of the Temple of Artemis began with the rise of Christianity as the dominant religion in the Roman Empire. The temple was eventually destroyed, and its materials were repurposed for other buildings. Today, only a few remnants of the temple remain, serving as a testament to its former grandeur and the cultural shifts that led to its fall.

In summary, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus stands as a historical symbol of idolatrous worship and the cultural and spiritual challenges encountered by the early Christian church. Its story, preserved in both historical records and biblical narrative, continues to offer insights into the dynamics of faith, culture, and economy in the ancient world.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 19:27
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nothing; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships.
Nave's Topical Index