Artemis at Ephesus
 

Acts 
19:23-41

 

Artemis was the patron goddess of Ephesus. Some of the silversmiths, who made silver shrines of the goddess, became angry at the success of Paul's preaching. They feared that the new faith would diminish the widespread reverence for the goddess. They were also concerned that if the new Christian faith spread, they would lose income from pilgrims to the shrine of Artemis.  

Context: The temple of Artemis at Ephesus was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It stood outside the city of Ephesus and attracted visitors from all over the region. Artemis and her brother Apollo were said to be the children of Zeus and Leto. Artemis is often described as a virgin huntress, fearless in opposing her adversaries. At Ephesus, she seems to have been a mother goddess, a provider of fertility, and overseer of childbirth.

 
 

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