Hechos 19:25

25 A los cuales, reunidos con los oficiales de semejante oficio, dijo: Varones, sabéis que de este oficio tenemos ganancia;

Hechos 19:25 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 19:25

Whom he called together
That is, the craftsmen; "all his co-artificers", as the Syriac version reads, all the chief of the trade, the masters of it, as he himself was:

with the workmen of like occupation;
who were employed by him, and the rest of the masters in the several branches of the business; as founders, engravers, polishers some might make the images, and others the temples, or shrines; some do one part and some another, so that abundance of persons might be employed in this business:

and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth;
the workmen not only had a comfortable and sufficient livelihood, but the masters of the trade grew rich: such a demand had they for their goods, and so profitable was this craft to them: this was a very strong and moving argument, to influence the masters and workmen; it so nearly touched them, and their worldly interest, than which nothing sticks closer to carnal men. Demetrius's way of address was very moving and persuasive, but his method manifestly betrayed what was his greatest concern, not religion, but his own secular interest; that which he should have mentioned last, if at all, he begins with: self is the leading and governing principle in a natural man.

Hechos 19:25 In-Context

23 Entonces hubo un alboroto no pequeño acerca del Camino.

24 Porque un platero llamado Demetrio, el cual hacía de plata templecillos de Diana, daba á los artífices no poca ganancia;

25 A los cuales, reunidos con los oficiales de semejante oficio, dijo: Varones, sabéis que de este oficio tenemos ganancia;

26 Y veis y oís que este Pablo, no solamente en Efeso, sino á muchas gentes de casi toda el Asia, ha apartado con persuasión, diciendo, que no son dioses los que se hacen con las manos.

27 Y no solamente hay peligro de que este negocio se nos vuelva en reproche, sino también que el templo de la gran diosa Diana sea estimado en nada, y comience á ser destruída su majestad, la cual honra toda el Asia y el mundo.