Lexical Summary Ephesios: Ephesians, Ephesian Original Word: Ἐφέσιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ephesian, of Ephesus. From Ephesos; an Ephesian or inhabitant of Ephesus -- Ephesian, of Ephesus. see GREEK Ephesos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Ephesos Definition Ephesian NASB Translation Ephesian (1), Ephesians (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2180: ἘφέσιοςἘφέσιος, Ἐφεσια, Ἐφέσιον (an) Ephesian, i. e. a native or inhabitant of Ephesus: Acts 19:28, 34; Acts 21:29. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2180 designates an inhabitant of Ephesus, one of the most influential cities of the Roman province of Asia. Though the term appears only five times in Acts, it opens a window into the spiritual conflict, civic pride, and missional opportunity that characterized first-century Ephesus. Occurrences in Acts • Acts 19:28, 34, 35 – Luke records a crowd of “Ephesians” stirred to fury when the gospel threatens the trade built on Artemis worship. Ephesus in the New Testament Era Strategically located on the Cayster River near the Aegean, Ephesus boasted commercial wealth, a free city’s privileges, and the magnificent Artemision—one of the Seven Wonders. Its inhabitants were fiercely loyal to Artemis and proud of their Roman-granted status. Magic, mystery religions, and itinerant philosophers flourished alongside vibrant commerce, creating a fertile yet volatile mission field. The Ephesian Riot (Acts 19) The clash between Demetrius’s guild and Paul’s disciples spotlights the collision of the gospel with entrenched idolatry. When Demetrius warns that Paul’s preaching will make “the temple of the great goddess Artemis…discredited” (Acts 19:27), the citizens shout for two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:34). The episode underscores: 1. The economic grip of idolatry—silver shrines financed civic religion. Paul’s Relationship with Ephesus Acts 19–20 records nearly three years of apostolic labor, marked by daily teaching in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, extraordinary miracles, and the public burning of occult scrolls. Elders wept at Paul’s Miletus farewell (Acts 20:17-38), revealing deep affection. The epistle to the Ephesians later unfolds the spiritual blessings secured “in Christ,” likely reinforcing truths first preached on those Asian shores. Doctrinal and Practical Lessons • Spiritual Warfare: The gospel confronts unseen powers (Acts 19:11-20; Ephesians 6:12). Later Ephesians in Apostolic Writings Tychicus, Onesiphorus, and possibly Priscilla and Aquila ministered in or from Ephesus, and Timothy received pastoral charge there (1 Timothy 1:3). Revelation 2:1–7 commends and warns the Ephesian church, confirming its continued prominence. Contemporary Application The mention of “Ephesians” challenges modern believers to proclaim Christ amid cultural idols, trust God’s sovereign protection, and cultivate churches grounded in sound doctrine yet fervent in first love. The legacy of those early Ephesians still calls the global church to stand firm where Christ confronts the altars of our age. Forms and Transliterations Εφεσιοι Ἐφέσιοι Εφεσιον Ἐφέσιον Εφεσιων Ἐφεσίων Ephesioi Ephésioi Ephesion Ephesiōn Ephesíon Ephesíōn EphésionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 19:28 Adj-GMPGRK: ἡ Ἄρτεμις Ἐφεσίων NAS: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! KJV: Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians. INT: Artemis of [the] Ephesians Acts 19:34 Adj-GMP Acts 19:35 Adj-NMP Acts 19:35 Adj-GMP Acts 21:29 Adj-AMS Strong's Greek 2180 |
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