1After these things Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth. 2He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them, 3and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers. 4He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
5When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6When they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!”
7He departed there and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized. 9The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent; 10for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
11He lived there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
14But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you; 15but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don’t want to be a judge of these matters.” 16So he drove them from the judgment seat.
17Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. Gallio didn’t care about any of these things.
18Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow. 19He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined; 21but taking his leave of them, he said, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
22When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch. 23Having spent some time there, he departed and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples. 24Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. 25This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. 26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
27When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him; and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
This is the first of seven letters to seven groups of Christians who lived in a circular pattern near Ephesus, who received admonitions, encouragements, and commendations from the apostle John in Revelation 2-3. Early tradition says that John took the mother of Jesus with him when he traveled to Ephesus, where he ministered until his death, though he spent some of that time in exile in Patmos, off the coast of Ephesus.
What and where is Ephesus in the New Testament?
Ephesus is a prominent ancient city mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. It was one of the most significant cities in the Roman province of Asia (part of modern-day Turkey) and played a central role in the early Christian history and the ministry of the apostle Paul. Here's an overview of Ephesus in the New Testament:
Location: Ephesus was located in the western part of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), near the Aegean Sea coast. It was situated in the region known as Ionia and was strategically positioned at the mouth of the Cayster River.
New Testament Significance:
Pauline Epistles: Ephesus is mentioned in the New Testament primarily in the context of the apostle Paul's missionary journeys and his correspondence with the Ephesian church. The Book of Ephesians is one of the letters (or epistles) attributed to Paul and is addressed to the Christian community in Ephesus. In this letter, Paul emphasizes Christian doctrine and ethical teachings.
Acts of the Apostles: The Acts of the Apostles, another book in the New Testament, contains accounts of Paul's visits to Ephesus during his second and third missionary journeys. In Acts 18:18-21 and Acts 19:1-41, there are descriptions of Paul's interactions with the Ephesian Jews, his initial visit to the synagogue, and his subsequent teaching in the city.
Ministry and Challenges: Paul's time in Ephesus was marked by significant challenges and accomplishments. He encountered opposition from idol-makers and silversmiths who were concerned about the impact of Christianity on their businesses (Acts 19:23-41). Nevertheless, Ephesus became a significant center for early Christianity in Asia Minor.
Ephesian Church: The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities that Paul had established and ministered to. In his letters to Timothy (1 Timothy and 2 Timothy), Paul refers to his close relationship with the Ephesian church and addresses various issues related to leadership and doctrine.
The Great Theater: Ephesus is known for its well-preserved ancient theater, which could seat thousands of spectators. This theater is mentioned in the context of the uproar caused by Demetrius, a silversmith, during Paul's time in the city (Acts 19:23-41).
Ephesus is significant in the New Testament as a location where the apostle Paul conducted missionary work, established a Christian community, and corresponded with the church. The letters to the Ephesians, 1 Timothy, and 2 Timothy provide valuable insights into the early Christian community in Ephesus and Paul's teachings and instructions to the believers there. Today, the archaeological site of Ephesus is a popular tourist destination, showcasing well-preserved ancient ruins and historical artifacts from the city's rich history.