Demetrius

A rather common name in the NT world, two persons of this name are mentioned in the NT.

1) A silversmith of Ephesus "who made silver shrines of Artemis" whose business was badly affected by the success of Paul's preaching of the gospel in the city. He "called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: 'Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.'" (Acts 19:24-27), and caused a riot so that soon "the whole was in an uproar." After the city clerk was able to restore calm to the city, Paul decided it was time to set out for Macedonia.

2) A Christian disciple whose life was such as to be singled out by John for special notice: "Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true" (3 Jn 1:12). Though we know nothing else about him he is another of those quiet saints whose life sets a model for us to emulate. If nothing else can be said about us, what is said of him should be.