Ephesus

Ephesus was an ancient city in West Asia Minor. It was located at the mouth of the Cayster River on the Aegean Coast, about 50 miles southeast of Smyrna. The city was known by some as "the most important city in the Roman district of Asia" and had a large, popular commercial port. Although the exact origin is uncertain, we know that it was occupied as early as 1000 B.C. by the Greeks. It was later conquered by King Croesus of Lydia. The Persian Empire later seized the city under Cyrus the Great. (see notes on Sardis). It came under Roman occupation in 133 B.C when the empire “inherited” it from Attalus III.

In early Christian times, the population was likely around 250,000 with increased prosperity in both the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. Some of the people in Ephesus worshipped Diana/Artemis. Archaeological evidence points to the inclusion of animal sacrifice in some of the rituals performed at the Temple of Diana in Ephesus. Archaeologists uncovered bones of animals around the temple pointing to that conclusion. Although Diana worship was considered the "most popular", evidence shows that the city partook in idol worship of the imperial emperor and up to fifty different deities. Some other popular beliefs in Ephesus were the Imperial Cult, Gnosticism and magic.

The Imperial Cult at Ephesus was so prominent that the city was known by the title of "Temple-Warden", an “honorable” title given by the emperors.

The Temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The temple itself was 180 feet wide and 377 feet long. It also served as a financial center. The temple was later destroyed by the Goths around 263 A.D.

Paul visited Ephesus on two different occasions. The first time was on his way to Antioch during his second missionary journey and the second time was on his third missionary journey where he remained in the city for around 3 years.

It was here in Ephesus that Paul convinced some of John the Baptist's disciples to be baptized into the Christian faith. He also wrote some of his epistles during his stay, namely 1st Corinthians and possibly Galatians.

Irenaeus and Eusebius claim that the Apostle John wrote the gospel John, the three epistles, and Revelation from Ephesus after he was released from Patmos. This occurred likely around 96 A.D. after the death of Emperor Domitian. (Not all modern scholars agree that John wrote his books here)

In A.D. 431, the third ecumenical council met at Ephesus and at this same council, they officially condemned the heresy of Nestorianism.

In Revelation 2:1-7, Christ commends them for their perseverance and endurance in the faith. He commends them for hating what is evil and hating the "deeds of the Nicolaitans" (see notes on Pergamum) but tells them to repent for they have "lost their first love". The faith of the believers at Ephesus had turned from a zeal and love for Christ into a cold, lifeless, orthodoxy.