Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Diana

◄ Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Diana ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Diana, also known as Artemis in Greek mythology, is a prominent figure in the context of idolatry as mentioned in the New Testament. She was the goddess of the Ephesians, and her worship was deeply entrenched in the city of Ephesus, which was a major center of commerce and religion in the ancient world. The temple dedicated to Diana in Ephesus was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, highlighting the significance and grandeur of her cult.

The account of Diana's worship is most notably recorded in the Book of Acts. The Apostle Paul, during his missionary journeys, encountered the widespread veneration of Diana in Ephesus. His preaching of the Gospel, which emphasized the worship of the one true God and denounced idolatry, posed a direct challenge to the local economy and religious practices centered around Diana.

In Acts 19:23-41, the impact of Paul's ministry in Ephesus is vividly described. The passage recounts how Demetrius, a silversmith who crafted silver shrines of Diana, incited a riot against Paul and his companions. Demetrius expressed concern that Paul's teachings were not only discrediting their trade but also threatening the reverence of the goddess herself. He declared, "And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods" (Acts 19:26).

The uproar led to a large assembly in the theater of Ephesus, where the crowd shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:28). This chant underscored the deep-seated devotion to Diana and the resistance to the message of the Gospel that challenged the legitimacy of idols.

Diana's worship in Ephesus serves as a poignant example of the conflict between the early Christian message and the prevailing pagan practices of the time. The narrative in Acts highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the inevitable clash with idolatry, which was not merely a religious issue but also intertwined with cultural and economic dimensions.

The worship of Diana, as with other forms of idolatry mentioned in Scripture, is depicted as a deviation from the worship of the one true God. The biblical narrative consistently calls for the rejection of idols, emphasizing the futility of worshiping man-made objects and the call to serve the living God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 19:24,27
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Pagans.
... the Celestial Empire, is given up to the vilest idolatry. ... One case is mentioned,
by Mr. Ward, of a ... The Pagans worship an immense variety of idols, both animate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/pagans.htm

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
... Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. ... abstain from meats offered
to idols, and from ... intellects "wholly given to idolatry[22]." [Sidenote ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ...
... Yet forcible as is the example I have mentioned, still it ... But the wickedness of idolatry
grew yet more prodigal ... of truth, not for destroying the idols, but for ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture vi concerning the unity.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... will rely chiefly on the evidence of Scripture to refute ... Why he mentioned this he
does not say ... heathen husbands, and prostitute the temples of Christ to idols. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm