Acts 19:24

King James Version (KJV)

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Translations

Acts 19:24 - Amplified Bible

For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of [the goddess] Artemis [Diana], brought no small income to his craftsmen.

Acts 19:24 - American Standard Version

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen;

Acts 19:24 - Bible in Basic English

For there was a certain man named Demetrius, a silver-worker, who made silver boxes for the images of Diana, and gave no small profit to the workmen;

Acts 19:24 - Darby Bible

For a certain [man] by name Demetrius, a silver-beater, making silver temples of Artemis, brought no small gain to the artisans;

Acts 19:24 - English Standard Version

For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen.

Acts 19:24 - King James Version

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Acts 19:24 - La Biblia de las Americas

Porque cierto platero que se llamaba Demetrio, que labraba templecillos de plata de Diana y producìa no pocas ganancias a los artìfices,

Acts 19:24 - The Message

Acts 19:24 - New American Standard Bible

For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen;

Acts 19:24 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Porque cierto platero que se llamaba Demetrio, que labraba templecillos de plata de Diana (Artemisa) y producìa no pocas ganancias a los artìfices,

Acts 19:24 - World English Bible

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,

Acts 19:24 - Young's Living Translation

for a certain one, Demetrius by name, a worker in silver, making silver sanctuaries of Artemis, was bringing to the artificers gain not a little,

Acts 19:24 - Additional Comments

Ephesus had become a place of pilgrimage for many worshippers of Diana, and while there they bought trinkets and souvenirs. Paul had been there about 3 years already, so it had taken a long time for the effects of Paul's preaching to have a noticeable impact on the pocketbooks of those who sold cult artifacts. Demetrius didn't care about what Paul taught, he only cared about the money. He didn't care Paul was making converts until he realized it was affecting his bottom line. But, the only way they could get a following to stop Paul was to hit the religious aspect (vs 27), because folks didn't care that it was affecting him financially. He hid behind patriotism and loyalty, when it was really a selfish reason. The people cared about the prestige of the goddess and the shrine.
How many people with seemingly noble aspirations underneath have selfish motivations as the foundation. This may include those who preach, donate, give time to others, etc. May we each examine our hearts to make sure the things we do, we do with pure motives, to honor God and not ourselves and our purposes.

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