Lexical Summary Ephesos: Ephesus Original Word: Ἔφεσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ephesus. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor -- Ephesus. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Ephesus, a city in Asia Minor NASB Translation Ephesus (17). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2181: ἜφεσοςἜφεσος, Ἐφέσου, ἡ, Ephesus, a maritime city of Asia Minor, capital of Ionia and, under the Romans of proconsular Asia (see Ἀσία), situated on the Icarian Sea between Smyrna and Miletus. Its chief splendor and renown came from the temple of Artemis, which was reckoned one of the wonders of the world. It was burned down Topical Lexicon Geographical and Historical Setting Situated at the mouth of the Cayster River on the western coast of Asia Minor, Ephesus was the pre-eminent seaport and commercial hub of the Roman province of Asia. A marble-paved avenue linked its harbor to the city center, where the famed Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) dominated civic life. Cosmopolitan and affluent, Ephesus boasted a theater seating some twenty-five thousand, extensive agorae, a library, and a population that blended Greek culture with Roman administration and pervasive oriental mysticism. Apostolic Entry and Firstfruits of the Gospel Paul touched Ephesus briefly on his second missionary journey, reasoning in the synagogue and leaving Aquila and Priscilla to nurture the nascent work (Acts 18:19–21). Apollos soon arrived, “a learned man, well versed in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24), and was further instructed by the couple before crossing to Achaia. Paul returned on his third journey, and Acts devotes an entire chapter to the ensuing three-year ministry (Acts 19). Twelve disciples of John received the Holy Spirit, “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,” and public renunciation of magic scrolls worth fifty thousand drachmas laid bare the transforming power of the gospel (Acts 19:1–20). Confrontation with Idolatry and the Artemis Riot The impact of the gospel threatened the lucrative trade in silver shrines of Artemis. Demetrius’ outcry—“this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great number of people here in Ephesus” (Acts 19:26)—ignited a city-wide uproar in the theater. The incident showcases both the spiritual strongholds of Ephesus and the courage of the emerging church, which by grace withstood a civic onslaught without compromising the truth. Strategic Center for Asia Paul’s extended stay produced a radiating effect: “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). Ephesus functioned as a training ground for itinerant workers and as headquarters for Scripture dissemination. From here the gospel spread to Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis, and other Asian cities mentioned in Revelation. The Ephesian Elders and Pastoral Care Summoning the elders to Miletus, Paul gave an emotionally charged farewell (Acts 20:17–38). His tears, warnings of savage wolves, and commendation to “God and the word of His grace” established a pastoral template for vigilance and selfless service. Timothy was later stationed in Ephesus to confront false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3), and Tychicus was sent there as Paul’s trusted delegate (2 Timothy 4:12). Onesiphorus “rendered much service in Ephesus” (2 Timothy 1:18), exemplifying hospitality to persecuted servants of Christ. Canonical Literature Linked to Ephesus • Ephesians: A circular letter addressed “to the saints in Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1), unfolding the church’s heavenly calling and ethical walk. Later Tradition and Church History Early writers associate the Apostle John with Ephesus during his later years, from which he may have written his Gospel and Epistles before exile to Patmos (Revelation 1:9–11). Ignatius of Antioch, en route to martyrdom, addresses the Ephesian church, noting its exemplary faith. By the fifth century the Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431) would meet here, though the conciliar disputes stand centuries removed from the apostolic foundation. Theological Themes Emerging from Ephesus 1. Spiritual Warfare: Occult practices and idolatry collide with the exalted Christ who “far above all rule and authority” (Ephesians 1:21) liberates captives. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry The Ephesian narrative urges modern churches to combine doctrinal clarity with fervent love, to confront cultural idolatries through the power of the Word and the Spirit, and to invest in leadership that guards the flock. Cities remain strategic mission fields; yet the warning of the removed lampstand reminds every generation that spiritual vitality, not merely sound organization, sustains lasting testimony. Forms and Transliterations Εφεσον Ἔφεσον Εφεσου Ἐφέσου Εφεσω Ἐφέσῳ Epheso Ephesō Ephésoi Ephésōi Epheson Épheson Ephesou EphésouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 18:19 N-AFSGRK: δὲ εἰς Ἔφεσον κἀκείνους κατέλιπεν NAS: They came to Ephesus, and he left KJV: he came to Ephesus, and left INT: moreover to Ephesus and them left Acts 18:21 N-GFS Acts 18:24 N-AFS Acts 19:1 N-AFS Acts 19:17 N-AFS Acts 19:26 N-GFS Acts 20:16 N-AFS Acts 20:17 N-AFS 1 Corinthians 15:32 N-DFS 1 Corinthians 16:8 N-DFS Ephesians 1:1 N-DFS 1 Timothy 1:3 N-DFS 2 Timothy 1:18 N-DFS 2 Timothy 4:12 N-AFS Revelation 1:11 N-AFS Revelation 2:1 N-DFS Strong's Greek 2181 |
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