Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Ephesus was an ancient city located on the western coast of Asia Minor, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It played a significant role in the early Christian church and is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. Ephesus was a major center of trade and culture, known for its grand architecture, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Biblical Significance: Ephesus holds a prominent place in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles. The Apostle Paul spent a considerable amount of time in Ephesus, establishing a strong Christian community there. The city is also one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Paul's Ministry in Ephesus: Paul's missionary journey to Ephesus is detailed in Acts 18:19-21 and Acts 19. He initially visited the city briefly, leaving Priscilla and Aquila there to continue the work (Acts 18:19). Paul later returned and spent over two years preaching and teaching, resulting in a significant number of conversions (Acts 19:8-10). His ministry in Ephesus was marked by powerful miracles and the public burning of sorcery scrolls by new believers (Acts 19:11-20). The Ephesian Church: The church in Ephesus became a vital center for early Christianity. Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians, a letter that emphasizes the unity of the church and the spiritual blessings in Christ. In Ephesians 1:3, Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms." Challenges and Opposition: Ephesus was a city steeped in pagan worship, particularly of the goddess Artemis. This led to significant opposition to the Christian message. A notable incident occurred when a silversmith named Demetrius, who made shrines of Artemis, incited a riot against Paul and his companions, fearing the loss of income due to the decline in idol worship (Acts 19:23-41). The Book of Revelation: Ephesus is the first of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 2:1-7, the church is commended for its hard work and perseverance but is admonished for having forsaken its first love. The passage calls the church to repentance and promises the right to eat from the tree of life to those who overcome. Legacy and Influence: The influence of the Ephesian church extended beyond its own city. It became a hub for missionary activity and theological development. The Apostle John is traditionally believed to have spent his later years in Ephesus, contributing to its spiritual heritage. Archaeological and Historical Context: Ephesus was a thriving metropolis during the Roman period, with a population that may have reached 250,000. Its strategic location made it a key port city, facilitating the spread of the gospel throughout the region. The ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, provide valuable insights into the city's historical and cultural context. Conclusion: Ephesus remains a significant site for biblical archaeology and Christian history. Its role in the early church and its mention in the New Testament continue to make it a subject of interest for scholars and believers alike. Strong's Hebrew 658b. Ephes Dammim -- a place in JudahEphes Dammim. 658a, 658b. Ephes Dammim. 659 . a place in Judah. Transliteration: Ephes Dammim Short Definition: Ephes-dammim. ... /hebrew/658b.htm - 5k 657. ephes -- a ceasing 658. Ephec Dammiym -- the two extremities (ie the soles of the ... 659. epha -- of nothing Library List of Bible Passages On Divine Predestination Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies Appendix iv Canones Synodi Dordrechtan??. Of the Character of the Unregenerate. The Necessity for Praying Men Book viii. On the Various Meanings of Words and Names Preface. To all that are Concerned in the Education of Children. Book x. On Numbers Thesaurus Ephes (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Ephes (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they ... /e/ephes.htm - 6k Ephes-dammim (1 Occurrence) Ephesdammim (1 Occurrence) Epher (4 Occurrences) Pas-dammim (2 Occurrences) Pasdammim (1 Occurrence) Epistle (13 Occurrences) First (4693 Occurrences) E'phes-Dam'mim (1 Occurrence) Colossians (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ephes (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 17:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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