10 Interesting Facts About Ephesus in the Bible

Ephesus was one of the most important cities in the New Testament. Located in modern-day Turkey, it was a major center of trade, religion, and early Christianity. The Apostle Paul spent a lot of time there, and it played a big role in the spread of the gospel.

Here are ten interesting facts about Ephesus in the Bible, along with Scripture references.

1. Ephesus Was a Major Roman City

Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire during New Testament times. It was famous for its harbor, roads, and large population.

• Acts 19:1 — “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples.”
• Acts 18:19 — “And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.”

2. Paul Spent Over Two Years in Ephesus

Paul stayed in Ephesus longer than almost any other place during his missionary journeys. He preached, taught, and built up the church there.

• Acts 19:10 — “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”
• Acts 20:31 — “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

3. Ephesus Had a Strong Church

The church in Ephesus became one of the most important early Christian communities. Paul wrote the Book of Ephesians to them, encouraging their faith.

• Ephesians 1:1 — “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 1:15 — “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints…”

4. Ephesus Was Home to the Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis (Diana) was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It brought many pilgrims and tourists to the city.

• Acts 19:27 — “So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised…”
• Acts 19:35 — “Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana…”

5. Paul Faced Riots in Ephesus

Paul’s preaching led to a major uproar among the silversmiths, who made idols of Artemis. A riot broke out in the theater.

• Acts 19:28–29 — “And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion…”
• Acts 19:32 — “Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.”

6. Ephesus Had a Large Amphitheater

The city's theater could hold about 25,000 people. It was where the riot against Paul took place.

• Acts 19:31 — “And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.”
• Acts 19:33–34 — “And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand… but when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.”

7. Timothy Was a Church Leader in Ephesus

Paul left Timothy to lead and guide the Ephesian church. Paul’s letters to Timothy give instructions for managing the church and addressing false teachings.

• 1 Timothy 1:3 — “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.”
• 2 Timothy 4:12 — “And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.”

8. Ephesus Is One of the Seven Churches in Revelation

Jesus addressed the church in Ephesus in Revelation. He praised their works but warned them about losing their first love.

• Revelation 2:2 — “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil…”
• Revelation 2:4–5 — “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent…”

9. John the Apostle Lived in Ephesus

Church history says that the Apostle John lived in Ephesus in his later years. He may have written the Gospel of John and his letters there.

While not mentioned directly in the Bible, early writers like Irenaeus stated John spent his final years in Ephesus. This would connect Ephesus to the writing of John, 1–3 John, and possibly the care of Mary, the mother of Jesus (John 19:26–27).

10. Ephesus Was a Hub for Spreading the Gospel

Because of its location, people from all over Asia heard the gospel as it spread from Ephesus. It became a launching point for missions.

• Acts 19:20 — “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”
• Acts 19:26 — “Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people…”

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