100 Reasons to Believe New Testament History
36. Idol Manufacture and Diana Worship in Ephesus
Acts portrays Ephesus as a centre for the worship of the goddess Diana. In Acts 19:23-27 we read of how a certain silversmith and maker of shrines for Diana named Demetrius became alarmed at the number of converts Paul was making, and the potential loss in revenue this might cause to himself. Demetrius gathered the other silversmiths and began to incite them against Paul, claiming that not only was their trade in danger, but that the great temple of Diana would be despised because of the new doctrine being taught.
Archaeology has revealed that in that day, great gifts were offered to Diana and were added to her treasury in the temple dedicated to her. One inscription discovered speaks of a donation of twenty-nine statues of silver and gold made by a certain Vibius Salutaris, to be carried in public procession to Diana’s temple A. This type of evidence squares well with Demetrius’ concerns over the converts to Christianity and their renouncement of idol worship in Ephesus.
36. Idol Manufacture and Diana Worship in Ephesus - Notes and References
A. J.A. Thompson, "The Bible and Archaeology", Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI, 1962, p. 398