Demetrius

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belonging to corn, or to Ceres
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary


DEMETRIUS.—1. Soter, the son of Seleucus Philopator. In his boyhood he was sent (b.c. 175) to Rome as a hostage, but made his escape after the death of his uncie, Antiochus Epiphanes. Landing at Tripolis, he was joined by large bodies of the people, and even by the bodyguard of his cousin, Antiochus Eupator. Eupator was soon defeated and put to death, and in b.c. 162, Demetrius was proclaimed king (1Ma_7:1-4, 2Ma_14:1-2; Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XII. x. 1). After seven years, Alexander Balas (wh. see) was set up as a claimant to the crown of Syria (b.c. 153); and he and Demetrius competed for the support of Jonathan (1Ma_10:1-21; Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. ii. 1–3). Balas prevailed in spite of the attempts of his rival to outbid him (1Ma_10:25-45). In b.c. 150 a decisive engagement took place, in which Demetrius was defeated and slain (1Ma_10:48-50; Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. ii. 4).
2. Nikator, sent by his father, D. Soter, for safety to Chidus after the success of Balas seemed probable. After several years of exile he landed (b.c. 147) with an army of Cretan mercenaries on the Cilician coast, and finally inflicted a fatal defeat upon Balas (b.c. 145) on the banks of the Œnoparas, from which event Demetrius derived his surname (1Ma_11:14-19; Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. iv. 8). He bought off the opposition of Jonathan by the addition of three Samaritan provinces to Judæa, and the exemption from tribute of the country thus enlarged (1Ma_11:20-37; Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. iv. 9). After varying fortunes in the war with Tryphon (wh. see), Demetrius invaded the dominions of the king of Parthia, by whom, in b.c. 138, he was taken prisoner (1Ma_14:1-3). Upon regaining his liberty at the end of ten years, he undertook a war against Ptolemy Physkon of Egypt. Having been defeated by Zabinas at Damascus, he fled to Ptolemais, and thence to Tyre, where in b.c. 125 he was murdered (Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. ix. 3), possibly at the instigation of his wife Cleopatra (App. Syr. 68; Liv. Epit. lx.).
3. Eukairos, grandson of D. Nikator. On the death of his father he established himself in Cœle-Syria, with Damascus as his capital (Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. xiii. 4). When civil war broke out between Alexander Jannæus and his Pharisee subjects, the latter invited the assistance of Demetrius (Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. xiii. 5, BJ I. iv. 4), who defeated Jannæus in a pitched battle near Shecbem (Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. xiv. 1, BJ I. iv. 5). After a chequered career, Demetrius fell into the hands of the Parthians, by whom he was detained in captivity until his death (Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant. XIII. xiv. 3).
4, 5. Two persons of the name are mentioned in NT—the ringleader in the riot at Ephesus (Act_19:24), and a disciple commended by St. John (3Jn_1:12). Probably the same name occurs in a contracted form as Demas.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909

1. A maker of silver portable models of the great temple and statue of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus (Act_19:24). They were kept as amulets against danger. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen, in fear for their gains, raised a tumult against Paul as saying "they be no gods which are made with hands." Like many men he made regard for religion his plea, while really having an eye to self; "not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." A religious party cry is sure to rouse many who care little at heart about piety. It shows how soon Christianity, notwithstanding its seeming weakness, was felt as a mighty power threatening pagandom with all its then greatness.
2. A Christian "having good report of all men, and of the truth itself," and of John (3Jn_1:12). The gospel standard of truth witnessed his conformity to it in love and good works; a transparently real Christian.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.

Deme'trius. (belonging to Ceres).
1. A maker of silver shrines of Artemis at Ephesus. Act_19:24. (About A.D. 52). These were small models of the great temple of the Ephesian Artemis, with her statue, which it was customary to carry on journeys, and place on houses as charms.
2. A disciple, 3Jn_1:12, mentioned with commendation, (about A.D. 90). Possibly the first Demetrius, 1, converted; but this is very doubtful.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863

Deme?trius, a man's name, denoting a votary of Ceres, and very common among the Greeks. The persons of this name mentioned in the history of the Maccabees, and in the New Testament, are?
Demetrius Soter, 1
Deme?trius Soter, king of Syria. He was son of Seleucus IV, surnamed Philopator; but, being an hostage at Rome at the time of his father's death, his uncle, the notorious Antiochus Epiphanes, assumed the crown of Syria, and retained it eleven years. After him it was held two years by his son Antiochus Eupator, who was put to death in B.C. 162 by Demetrius, who then arrived in Syria and secured the royal heritage from which he had so long been excluded. He reigned twelve years, B.C. 102-150. The points in which his history connects him with the Jews are alone of interest in this work, and these points belong to the history of the Maccabees [see article MACCABEES]. To his time belong the latter end of the government of Judas in Israel and the beginning of that of Jonathan. He acted oppressively and unjustly towards them; but, when a rival arose in the person of Alexander Balas, he bade so high for the support of Jonathan as to create a doubt of his sincerity; for which cause, as well as from resentment at the injuries he had inflicted on them, the Jews espoused the cause of Balas, to whose success they in no slight degree contributed [ALEXANDER BALAS, 2].
Demetrius Nicator, 2
Demetrius Nicator, or Nicanor, son of the preceding, but who was excluded from the throne till B.C. 146, by the success of Alexander Balas, and then recovered it chiefly by the assistance of his father-in-law Ptolemy Philometor. He at first treated the Jews well, but eventually gave them so much cause for dissatisfaction that they readily espoused the cause of Antiochus Theos, son of Alexander Balas. Demetrius underwent many vicissitudes, and passed several years (B.C. 141-135) in captivity among the Parthians, from which he eventually returned and recovered his throne, which he continued to occupy till B.C. 126, when he was defeated in battle by the pretender Alexander Zebina, and afterwards slain at Tyre, whither he had fled [MACCABEES].
Demetrius, 3
Demetrius, a silversmith at Ephesus, who, being alarmed at the progress of the Gospel under the preaching of Paul, assembled his fellow-craftsmen, and excited a tumult by haranguing them on the danger that threatened the worship of the great goddess Diana, and consequently their own craft as silversmiths. Their employment was to make 'silver shrines for Diana' (Act_19:24); and it is now generally agreed that these 'shrines' were silver models of the temple, or of its adytum or chapel, in which perhaps a little image of the goddess was placed. These, it seems, were purchased by foreigners, who either could not perform their devotions at the temple itself, or who, after having done so, carried them away as memorials or for purposes of worship. The continual resort of foreigners to Ephesus from all parts, on account of the singular veneration in which the image of the goddess was held, must have rendered this manufacture very profitable, and sufficiently explains the anxiety of Demetrius and his fellow-craftsmen.
Demetrius, 4
Demetrius, a Christian, mentioned with commendation in 3Jn_1:12. From the connection of St. John with Ephesus at the time the Epistle was written, some have supposed that this Demetrius is the same as the preceding, and that he had been converted to Christianity. But this is a mere conjecture, rendered the more uncertain by the commonness of the name.
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.

Demetrius
(Δημήτριος, probably from Δημήτηρ, the Greek name of the goddess Cybele), the name originally of several of Alexander's generals (see Smith's Dict. of Class. Biog. s.v.), and borne by several of the Macedonian and Syrian princes, two of whom are often referred to in the Apocrypha, and three in Josephus; also by two men mentioned in the New Test., and by several others in Josephus. 1. DEMETRIUS I, surnamed SOTER (Σωτήρ, “the Savior,” in recognition of his services to the Babylonians), king of Syria, was the son of Seleucus IV Philopator, and grandson of Antiochus the Great. While still a boy he was sent by his father as a hostage to Rome (B.C. 175) in exchange for his uncle, Antiochus Epiphanes (Appian, Syr. 45). From his position he was unable to offer any opposition to the usurpation of the Syrian throne by Antiochus IV; but on the death of that monarch (B.C. 164) he claimed his liberty, and the recognition of his claim by: the Roman senate in preference to that of his cousin Antiochus V. His petition was refused from selfish policy (Polyb. 31:12), and by the advice and assistance of Polybius, whose friendship he had gained at Rome (Polyb. 31:19; Justin, 34:3), he left Italy secretly, and landed with a small force at Tripolis, in Phoenicia (2Ma_14:1; 1Ma_7:1; Josephus, Ant. 12:1). The Syrians soon declared in his favor (B.C. 162), and Antiochus and his protector Lysias were put to death (1Ma_7:2-3; 2Ma_14:2). Having thus gained possession of the kingdom, Demetrius succeeded in securing the favor of the Romans (Polyb. 32:4), and he turned his attention to the internal organization of his dominions. The Graecizing party were still powerful at Jerusalem, and he supported them by arms. In the first campaign his general Bacchides established Alcimus in the highpriesthood (1Ma_7:5-20); but the success was not permanent. Alcimus was forced to take refuge a second time at the court of Demetrius, and Nicanor, who was commissioned to restore him, was defeated in two successive engagements by Judas Maccabseus (1Ma_7:31-32; 1Ma_7:43-45), and fell on the field (see Michaelis on 1Ma_7:32, against Wernsdorf, De fide Maccab. p. 124 sq.; also Joseph. Ant. 12:10, 2). Two other campaigns were undertaken against the Jews by Bacchides (B.C. 161-158); but in the mean time Judas had completed a treaty with the Romans shortly before his death (B.C. 161), who forbade Demetrius to oppress the Jews (1Ma_8:31). Not long afterwards Demetrius further incurred the displeasure of the Romans by the expulsion of Ariarathes from Cappadocia (Polyb. 31:20; Justin, 35:1), and he alienated the affection of his own subjects by his private excesses (Justin, 1. c.; comp. Polyb. 33:14). When his power was thus shaken (B.C. 152), Alexander Balas was brought forward, with the consent of the Roman senate, as a claimant to the throne, with the powerful support of Ptolemy Philometor, Attalus, and Ariarathes. Demetrius vainly endeavored to secure the services of Jonathan, who had succeeded his brother Judas as leader of the Jews, and now, from the recollection of his wrongs, warmly favored the cause of Alexander (1Ma_10:1-6). The rivals met in a decisive engagement (B.C. 150), and Demetrius, after displaying the greatest personal bravery, was defeated and slain (1Ma_10:48-50; Joseph. Ant. 13:2, 4; Polyb. 3, 5). In addition to the very interesting fragments of Polybius, the following references may be consulted: Justin, 34:335:1; Appian, Syr. 46, 47, 67; Livy, Epit. 47; Euseb. Ann. Chron. p. 165. He left two sons, Demetrius, surnamed Nicator, and Antiochus, called Sidetes, both of whom subsequently ascended the throne. SEE ANTIOCHUS.
2. DEMETRIUS II, surnamed NICATOR' (Nik£twr, “the Victor;” so on coins, Eckhel, 3, 229 sq.; elsewhere NICANOR), king of Syria, was the elder son of Demetrius Soter, preceding. He was sent by his father, together with his brother Antiochus, with a large treasure, to Cnidus (Justin, 35:2), when Alexander Balas laid claim to the throne of Syria, and thus escaped falling into the hands of that usurper. When he was grown up, the weakness and vices of Alexander furnished him with an opportunity of recovering his father's dominions. Accompanied by a force of Cretan mercenaries (Justin, 1. c.; comp. 1Ma_10:67), and aided by Ptolemy Philometor (1Ma_11:19; Diod. Sic. Ecl. 32:1), whose daughter Cleopatra was promised to him, he made a descent on Syria (B.C. 148 or 147), and was received with general favor (1Ma_10:67 sq.). Jonathan, however, still supported the cause of Alexander, and defeated Apoilonius, whom Demetrius had appointed governor of Coele-Syria (1Ma_10:74-82). In spite of these hostilities, Jona than succeeded in gaining the favor of Demetrius when he was established in the kingdom (1Ma_11:23-27), and obtained from him an advantageous commutation of the royal dues and other concessions (1Ma_11:32-37). In return for these favors the Jews rendered important services to Demetrius when Tryphon first claimed the kingdom for Antiochus VI, the son of Alexander (1Ma_11:42); but afterwards, being offended by his faithless ingratitude (1Ma_11:53), they espoused the cause of the young pretender. In the campaign which followed, Jonathan defeated the forces of Demetrius (B.C. 144; 1Ma_12:28); but the treachery to which Jonathan fell a victim (B.C. 143) again altered the policy of the Jews. Simon, the successor of Jonathan, obtained very favorable terms from Demetrius (B.C. 142); but shortly afterwards Demetrius was himself taken prisoner (B.C. 138) by Arsaces (q.v.) VI (Mithridates), king of Parthia, whose dominions he had invaded (1Ma_14:1-3; Justin, 36; Joseph. Ant. 13:5; Livy, Epit. 52). Appian and Justin place this captivity of Demetrius before the revolt of Tryphon, but the order of the narrative in the book of Maccabees is most probable (notwithstanding Wernsdorf, De fide Maccab. p. 137 sq.). Mithridates treated his captive honorably, and gave him his daughter Rhodoguna in marriage (Appian, Syr. 67); and after his death, though Demetrius made several attempts to escape, he still received kind treatment from his successor, Phraates. When Antiochus Sidetes, who had gained possession of the Syrian throne, invaded Parthia, Phraates employed Demetrius to effect a diversion. In this Demetrius succeeded, and when Antiochus fell in battle he again took possession of the Syrian crown (B.C. 128). Not long afterwards a pretender, supported by Ptolemy Physcon appeared in the field against him, and after suffering a defeat he was assassinated, according to some by his wife Cleopatra (Appian, Syr. 68), while attempting to escape by sea (Justin, 39:1: Joseph. Ant. 13:9. 3). SEE CLEOPATRA.
3. DEMETRIUS III, surnamed EUCAERUS (Εὔκαιρος, i.e. “the Opportune);” on coins THEOS PHILOPATOR and SOTER (Eckhel, 3, 245, 246), king of Syria, was the fourth son of Antiochus Grypus, and grandson of Demetrius II. During the civil wars that followed the death of his father, he was set up as king of Damascus, or Coele-Syria, by the aid of Ptolemy Lathyrus, king of Cyprus; and after the death of Antiochus Eusebes, he and his brother Philip for a time held the whole of Syria (Josephus, Ant. 13:13, 4). His assistance was invoked by the Jews against the tyranny of Alexander Jannaeus (q.v.); but, though he defeated this prince in battle, he did not follow up the victory, but withdrew to Bercea. War immediately broke out between him and his brother Philip; and Strator, the governor of Bercea, who supported Philip, having obtained assistance from the Arabians and Parthians, blockaded Demetrius in his camp, until he was compelled by famine to surrender at discretion. He was sent as a prisoner to Mithridates (Arsaces IX), king of Parthia, who detained him in an honorable captivity till his death (Josephus, Ant. 13:14). His coins bear date from 218 to 224 AEr. Seleucid., i e. B.C. 9488. SEE SYRIA.
4. Surnamed PHALEREUS (ὁ Φαληρεύς, the Phaleriin), the zealous keeper of the Alexandrian library under Ptolemy Philadelphus, who at his suggestion undertook the Septuagint (q.v.) version, and secured the benefit of the criticism of the resident Jews upon the translation (Josephus, Ant. 12:2, 1, 4,13). See Ostermann, De Dem. Phal. vita, rebus gestis et scriptorum reliquiis (pt. 1, Hersfeld, 1847, 4to).
5. A freed-man of Pompey, who rebuilt, at his request, the city of Gadara, of which he was a native (Josephus, Ant. 14:4, 4).
6. An Alexandrian Jew and alabarch, who married Marianne (formerly the wife of Archelaus), by whom she had a son Agrippinus (Josephus, Ant. 20:7, 3).
7. A silversmith at Ephesus, who, being alarmed at the progress of the Gospel under the preaching of Paul, assembled his fellow-craftsmen, and excited a tumult by haranguing them on the danger that threatened the worship of the great goddess Diana, and consequently their own craft as silversmiths. A.D. 52. Their employment was to make “silver shrines for Diana” (Act_19:24); and it is now generally agreed that these “shrines” (ναοί) were silver models of the temple, or of its adytum or chapel, in which perhaps a little image of the goddess was placed. These, it seems, were purchased by foreigners, who either could not perform their devotions at the temple itself, or who, after having done so, carried them away as memorials, or for purposes of worship, or as charms. The continual resort of foreigners to Ephesus from all parts, on account of the singular veneration in which the image of the goddess was held, must have rendered this manufacture very profitable, and sufficiently explains the anxiety of Demetrius and his fellow-craftsmen. See DIANA.
8. A Christian, mentioned with commendation in 3Jn_1:12. A.D. cir. 90. From the connection of the apostle John with Ephesus at the time the epistle was written, some have supposed that this Demetrius is the same as the preceding, and that he had been converted to Christianity. But this is a mere conjecture, rendered the more uncertain by the commonness of the name.
Demetrius, bishop of Alexandria, is said to have succeeded Julian in that see A.D. 189 (Eusebius, II. E, v. 22). He was at first the friend of Origen, and committed the instructions in the school of Alexandria entirely to him (Eusebius 6:3); but he afterwards, “overcome by human infirmity” (Euseb. 6:8) seems to have become envious of Origen, and his enemy. When Origen (A.D. 228) was ordained presbyter at Caesarea, Demetrius excluded him from the Churchan act which was not recognized by the churches generally. Demetrius died about 248. — Mosheim, Commentaries, cent. 3, § 30. SEE ORIGEN.

CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.

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