Paul Comes to Ephesus: Paul enters Ephesus for the first time in Acts 18 on the way back from his 2nd missionary journey. For proper Biblical context of this city read Acts 18,19, and 20
Biblical Significance:
- Of all the cities mentioned in the New Testament that were visited by Paul, Ephesus is the only one that was also addressed in the book of Revelation.
- Priscilla and Aquilla accompanied Paul to Ephesus. The husband and wife team stayed there after Paul left and they eventually discipled Apollos, who turns out to be a highly respected church leader.
- Paul returns to Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey where he spends about 3 years teaching and preaching.
- Paul's ministry in Ephesus was very successful. "...all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord." (Acts 19:10) "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul..." (Acts 19:11)
- Acts 19:23-41 - While there on his 3rd missionary journey, Paul aroused some anger when he preached against those who were selling silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis, who's temple was in Ephesus. A riot ensued in the 25,000 seat town theater and the people of Ephesus were shouting "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Paul wanted to speak to the large crowd, but was told not to. Paul left the city to travel to Macedonia.
Letters associated with Ephesus:
- When Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians he was in Ephesus, likely during the long stay in Acts 19. It is also possible that he wrote portions of 2 Corinthians from there as well.
The Book of Ephesians:
- The New Testament contains a letter written by Paul that is traditionally called "The Letter to the Ephesians."
- Since there are no personal references in the letter and early Greek manuscripts don't include a reference to Ephesians in the greeting, most scholars believe this letter was written as a circular letter meant to be passed around to different churches around the Ephesus area.
- Paul's emphasis is on the Church, of which Christ is the head.
- Theme verse - Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Below are images taken in spring of 2007 of the great city of Ephesus:
Looking down into Ephesus. Celsus Library on left. In Paul's day the Aegean sea shore would have been at the top of this picture.
Original Ephesian road. Paul walked up and down this road for 3 years.
Ephesian theater where riot broke out in Acts 19. Theater holds 25,000 people. Population of Ephesus in Paul's day.... 200,000.
