There existed a belief that certain individuals could serve as vessels for the essence of Artemis, delivering prophetic messages to travellers. Ephesus, in particular, was renowned for its abundance of astronomers and seers who embraced this sacred role. As these prophecies unfolded and consistently proved accurate the people’s faith in the Goddess Artemis grew stronger. This deepening devotion inspired them to acquire representations of Artemis’s likeness and make heartfelt offerings through prayers.
Within the city of Ephesus, the ritualistic reverence for Artemis thrived within its temples, garnering widespread approval among the local populace. Notably, there was a celebrated silversmith named Demetrius who had built a prosperous business crafting silver items associated with Artemis. This fervent devotion to the goddess even motivated the people to craft silver idols resembling Artemis, presenting them as tangible symbols of their profound reverence and unwavering dedication.

“For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines for Diana brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;” ( Acts 19:24 )

In the Book of Acts, there is an account detailing Saint Paul’s mission to evangelize in Ephesus. During this mission, he faced opposition from local craftsmen who relied on their trade of creating and selling silver shrines dedicated to Artemis for their livelihood. Saint Paul’s spreading of the Christian message directly challenged their economic interests leading to a decline in the reverence for Artemis. Alongside his companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, St. Paul conveyed the belief that the Artemis shrines were human-made artefacts and not representations of the divine. Consequently, as a response to their teachings, they were forcibly brought into the theatre of the temple and subjected to severe punishment and beatings. This incident vividly illustrates the clash between early Christianity and the deeply ingrained religious customs of that era. 

“Moreover, ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger of being set at nought; but also that the temple of the great Goddess Diana should be despised and her magnificence should be destroyed whom all Asia and the world worshipped. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.” ( Acts 19:26-29 )

Anyone who criticized Artemis or spoke against her was subject to punishment and harm due to the strong devotion of Artemis’ followers. During the episode when the crowd was assaulting St. Paul and his companions, the local town clerk intervened to restore order. And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said,

 “Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great Goddess Diana and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen who are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye enquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. ( Acts 19: 35-40 )

“So that not only this our craft is in danger of being set at nought; but also that the temple of the great Goddess Diana should be despised and her magnificence should be destroyed whom all Asia and the world worshipped.” ( Acts 19:27 )

“And at the same time, there arose no small stir about that way.” ( Acts 19:23 )

It was only after the intervention of this town clerk that Paul and his companions managed to escape harm and rescue their lives from the enraged crowd. This incident underscores the fervent devotion of Artemis’ worshipers and the potentially dangerous consequences of challenging their beliefs. 

“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.” ( Acts 20:1 )