Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

ACTS 19:25KJV
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Acts 19:25 (KJV)

What does Acts 19:25 mean?

Acts 19:25 describes how a man gathered together others who worked in the same trade and reminded them that their income depended on their craft. The speaker points out that their shared livelihood comes from the work they do, which is being threatened.

The verse takes place in Ephesus, where Demetrius, a silversmith, calls together fellow craftsmen who make silver shrines of Artemis. Demetrius addresses these men to highlight that their wealth (their financial security) is tied to their occupation, which is now at risk because of Paul's preaching against idols. This sets the stage for the conflict between the new Christian message and the established local economy based on idol-making.

The Greek behind Acts 19:25

  • "workmen" (ἐργάτης, ergatēs): This word refers to manual laborers or craftsmen, emphasizing that these were skilled workers who made their living from their hands.
  • "craft" (ἐργασία, ergasia): This term means "business" or "trade," underlining that the issue at hand is not just religious but also economic—their entire business is at stake.
  • "wealth" (εὐπορία, euporia): This word means "prosperity" or "good fortune," showing that the trade brought not just basic income but a comfortable living.
  • "of like occupation" (τοιοῦτος, toioutos): This phrase means "of the same kind," pointing out that Demetrius is appealing to those who share his specific line of work, not just any workers.

Why Acts 19:25 matters

  • Acts 19:25 clarifies that the opposition to Paul in Ephesus was not only about religious beliefs but also about economic interests threatened by the spread of Christianity.
  • The verse shows how closely tied religion and business were in Ephesus, where making idols was a major source of income for many people.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why the craftsmen reacted so strongly, leading to the riot that follows in the chapter. It highlights the practical, everyday reasons behind the resistance to Paul's message.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4867 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
  • Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

“craft” Greek G2039 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
  • Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
  • Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

“know” Greek G1987 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 14:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
  • Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

“workmen” Greek G2040 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
  • Matthew 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.