Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
En sølvsmed som het Demetrius, som lagde små kopier av Artemis’ templer i sølv for gudinnen Diana, hadde startet bråket. Han og alle de som jobbet for ham, tjente gode penger på det de gjorde. Derfor kalte han sammen alle arbeiderne og sa: «Medarbeidere, dere vet at vi tjener penger på det vi lager. Nå står vår inntekt i fare. Dessuten kan dere både se og høre at ikke bare i Efesos, men nesten over hele Asia overbeviser denne Paulus folk slik at de slutter å tro på guder som er lagd av menneskehender.
What Does This Mean?
This verse talks about a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines for the goddess Diana and earned a lot of money from his work, benefiting other craftsmen as well.
Explained for Children
Imagine there was a man who made tiny houses for dolls. These weren't just any dolls; they were special ones that people thought could do magical things. This man's house-making business helped him earn lots and lots of money which also helped his friends who made other things too.
Historical Background
The Book of Acts was written by Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, around the years AD 60-80. It describes early Christian history, including the work of missionaries like Paul. This verse is set in Ephesus, where the worship of Diana (Artemis) was very popular.
Living It Out Today
In today's world, we can see how a successful business owner like Demetrius not only benefits himself but also contributes to the economic well-being of his community and other workers who depend on his success.
Why was Demetrius making shrines for Diana important to the story?
Demetrius' work reflects the cultural importance of worshiping Diana in Ephesus. His business success shows how deeply ingrained religious practices were tied to economic prosperity.
How did this verse affect the early Christian community?
It highlights the tension between new faiths and established religious traditions, illustrating how changes in belief could impact local economies and social structures.
What can we learn about idolatry from Acts 19:24?
This verse shows that idol worship was not just a matter of personal belief but had significant economic implications, which could influence people's adherence to such practices.
How does this passage relate to today’s business ethics?
It serves as a reminder for modern businesses to consider the broader impacts of their operations on local communities and to balance profit with ethical considerations.