Who was Diana?

Diana, also known by her Greek name Artemis (Greek: Ἄρτεμις; Latin: Diana), was a prominent pagan goddess worshiped in the ancient world, particularly in Ephesus. The name “Diana” is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Artemis, often associated with fertility, nature, hunting, and childbirth. In the context of Acts 19, Diana refers to the Ephesian version of this goddess, who was uniquely revered as a mother goddess and protector of the city.

The worship of Diana in Ephesus centered around a grand temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and a distinct statue believed to have “fallen from heaven” (Acts 19:35). The cult of Diana held immense influence in Asia Minor and had deep economic, religious, and cultural implications. She is mentioned explicitly in Acts 19:24-41, where her worship becomes the center of a riot stirred up against the Apostle Paul’s gospel ministry.

Biblical References

• Acts 19:24-41 — The account of Demetrius the silversmith, the riot in Ephesus, and the defense of Diana’s worship.

• Cross-references: Exodus 20:3-5 (commandment against idolatry); 1 Kings 18:21 (idol worship vs. the true God); 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (turning from idols to serve the living God); Revelation 2:1-7 (Jesus’ message to the church in Ephesus).

What Happened in Acts 19?

In Acts 19, the Apostle Paul was ministering in Ephesus, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. His message—that “gods made with hands are not gods” (Acts 19:26)—directly challenged the idolatry entrenched in the city. Ephesus was home to the famed Temple of Diana, which drew worshipers, tourists, and tradesmen alike.

Demetrius, a silversmith who profited from making silver shrines of Diana, stirred up a large crowd against Paul, fearing that the spread of Christianity would threaten their livelihood and the reverence paid to Diana (Acts 19:24-27). The resulting riot filled the theater with confusion as people shouted, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28, 34).

Eventually, a city clerk calmed the crowd by reminding them of the city’s loyalty to Diana and warning against unlawful assembly (Acts 19:35-41). While the riot ended without violence, the incident illustrated the deep clash between the gospel and idol worship.

Theological Implications

Idolatry and False Worship

Diana represents the pervasive idolatry of the Greco-Roman world—man-made deities that captivated hearts and sustained entire economies. Scripture consistently condemns idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5; Isaiah 44:9-20; Romans 1:22-25), revealing that the worship of false gods is not only spiritually empty but offensive to the true and living God. Paul’s bold stand against such idolatry reflects the call of the gospel to forsake all rivals to the one true God.

The Power of the Gospel

Paul’s ministry in Ephesus shows the transforming power of the gospel. The people began to turn from idols (Acts 19:18-20), causing a ripple effect that reached even the economic structures dependent on idol worship. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not merely add to existing beliefs—it replaces them entirely with the truth of God’s Word.

Spiritual Opposition

Diana’s worship and the resistance to Paul’s preaching highlight the spiritual warfare Christians face when confronting the darkness of idolatry. The riot was not merely a socio-political event but a manifestation of the unseen battle between light and darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Diana, a fertility goddess with many breasts (as depicted in her idol form), was seen as a giver of life. In contrast, the gospel reveals that Jesus Christ alone is the true giver of life (John 14:6; Colossians 1:16-17). Where Diana demanded worship but offered nothing eternal, Jesus gives Himself as the true and living Savior who redeems from sin and idolatry.

Acts 19 exemplifies the truth of the gospel triumphing over paganism. The message of Jesus does not accommodate false religion—it calls all people to repentance and faith in the one true God (Acts 17:30-31). Paul’s unwavering preaching of Christ amidst idolatrous opposition points to the exclusive nature of salvation in Jesus.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Conflict Between Light and Darkness

Throughout Scripture, there is an ongoing conflict between the worship of the true God and the false gods of this world. From Baal in the Old Testament (1 Kings 18) to Diana in the New Testament, the Bible presents a consistent call to reject idolatry and serve the living God.

Repentance from Idols

The gospel calls people to turn “from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Diana’s worship shows the grip of cultural and spiritual blindness, but also the potential for deliverance through the gospel, as seen in the revival that broke out in Ephesus (Acts 19:18-20).

God’s Sovereignty over Nations

The story of Diana also reveals how God works even through pagan cities like Ephesus. Though known for its idol worship, Ephesus later became home to a thriving Christian church, as evidenced in the book of Ephesians and Revelation 2:1-7.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Diana’s story teach us about the nature and danger of idolatry, even in today’s world?

2. In what ways do modern believers face resistance similar to Paul’s when proclaiming the exclusive truth of the gospel?

3. Are there “idols” in your life—things or people you rely on more than God?

4. How can the church today be as bold and faithful as Paul in proclaiming Christ in spiritually dark places?

5. What does the transformation of Ephesus remind us about the power of the gospel to change even the hardest hearts and most entrenched cultures?

In summary, Diana of the Ephesians was not just a mythological figure, but a symbol of the world’s resistance to the truth of the gospel. Her story in Acts 19 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus alone is worthy of worship, and that the gospel calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light.