Ephesus is the first of seven churches in Asia Minor that received an evaluation of its overall spiritual condition from God:
"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
"Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate." (Revelation 2:1-6, KJV).
Ephesus was the capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia." Ephesus was famous for possessing the Temple of Diana, the chief shrine to this pagan god which was also considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The city was additionally known for building the largest outdoor theatre in the world, capable of containing 50,000 spectators. The theatre exhibited the fights of wild beasts and of men with beasts.
Ephesus also abounded with the most eminent orators, philosophers, etc., in the world; and was adorned with the most splendid buildings.
The church in Ephesus was founded by the Apostle Paul (see Acts 18:19-21, 19:1-10). During his ministry the apostle Paul spent a total of about three years in Ephesus. He stay in the city longer than in any other where he preached the
gospel.
The apostle John also spent many years in Ephesus and, according to tradition, died and was buried near the city.
Scriptural References: Revelation 2, Acts 18, 19 (KJV Bible)
Sources Used: Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible; Easton's Bible Dictionary; Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary; John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
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