Ephesus

Examples of these elements include music halls (ōideion), basilicas, amphitheaters, fountains (nymphaeum), public baths and temples… Acts 19:1,8-11 “While Apollos were at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived in Ephesus. Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through…

Introduction In perhaps one of the Apostle Paul’s most heartfelt prayers, Ephesians 3:14-19 paints the picture of how to be filled with the fullness of God. Paul appeals to the Lord for the church of Ephesus, not for freedom from sin or wrongdoings, but rather that they may use their foundation set upon the love of Christ to know how immeasurable His love truly is. He prays that the Ephesians may have faith, love, power, and knowledge, all so that they may know Christ. This prayer did not end…

light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9: 3-4, New American Standard Bible). Since that day, Paul began to preach the gospel of Jesus no matter the situation or trouble he encountered. Paul did not only write his letters to Ephesus, he wrote to the network of churches in Asia Minor which is near Ephesus. “He likely wrote the letter on several different levels to help all of its recipients…

The book of Ephesians is one of the most popular and important books of the New Testament. It includes topics such as unity within the body of Christ, relationship of believers to God, the Church as a whole. It is the purpose of the writing to discuss briefly the context and theological importance of this book. The book of Ephesians was written most likely in Rome and likely between 60 or 61 A.D. It has been historically accepted that Paul wrote this letter perhaps as a circulatory letter to…

One of the major philosophers from late antiquity is St. Paul, an apostle of Jesus and leader of the early Christian church. He was once known as Saul of Tarsus, and used his background as a Jew and Roman citizen to evangelize to all citizens in Jewish cultures within Roman cities when he became one of the most important writers in scripture and in Church tradition. In his time after Jesus’ death, he ministered to many church communities he formed in Europe and what was then Asia Minor through…

‘Theotokos,’ since the Holy Scriptures nowhere address her thus, nor any of the Fathers.” Etymological root and uses of the term αὐθεντεῖν strongly suggest that Paul would have used it as “one who assume authority” than “exercising authority.” Conclusion Philip Payne, in his book, effectively argues against traditional understanding and argument against women in office. The careful exegetical and theological study of the letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:11-12) by Philip Payne produces 3 major…

Spiritual Gifts and Unity in Christ from 1st Corinthians 12: 1-31 Paul’s words in his letter to the Corinthian church, lays an emphasis on the virtue and need for unity within these community of believers as it relates to the diverse operations of spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:1-31). This is because spiritual gifts and unity are interconnected and vital to their church experience and Christian life. According to him, our effectiveness as the church of Jesus Christ lies in our willingness to…

Ephesus: Historical-Cultural Background Situated on the west coast of Asia Minor, Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and one of the most influential cities on the main trade route from Rome to the East. (Metzger, 207). The city stood upon the sloping sides and at the base of two hills, Prion and Coressus, commanding a beautiful view; its climate was exceptionally fine, and the soil of the valley was unusually fertile (Banks). Ephesus lay at the mouth of the Cayster River and…

1-3: John writes to the church at Ephesus, the “capital of the province of Asia” and a “great commercial centre”. Ephesus had a major impact and influence in the ancient world, and was home to the temple of Artemis, “one of the seven wonders of the world” along with being a major source of profit and revenue for the people in the city. Jesus in this message commends the people of emphasis for their “testing and rejecting” of the false apostles, and he encourages them in their right standing…

For many people, the events of the Bible seem to take place in some magical and distant world of a “Bible Land”. We read about places the Bible talks about, such as Jerusalem, Corinth, Nazareth, and Ephesus and picture a whole different world that our childhood biblical books illustrate for us. The truth is, is that the more we know about the locations mentioned in the bible, the better we can understand the meaning of the stories. Ephesus is one of the most important cities that are mentioned…