![]() ![]() Scripture describes Paul’s journey from Corinth to Ephesus this way: “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus.” (Acts 19:1). In describing the general geography of Ephesus, and in naming places within the city, the Bible is both accurate and specific. Furthermore, it is evident in his details that he possessed a first-hand knowledge of the places he tells about. Rather, it is clear that Luke intends his readers to understand that he is writing about actual historical events. When one studies the book of Acts, it does not read as mythology or as allegory. When we compare the Ephesus of Scripture with the Ephesus that is being uncovered, we find that the Bible and archaeology tell the same story. This gives us an excellent opportunity to test the reliability of Scripture. Indeed, Ephesus is one of the most excavated ancient cities with some of the best preserved ruins. For the past 150 years, the ancient city that Paul, Timothy and John knew has slowly been unearthed. Today 200 archaeological specialists from over 20 countries spend time excavating at Ephesus. 1 Corinthians), we know more about it than almost any other city mentioned in the New Testament. Given the number of verses written to Ephesus or from Ephesus (ie. ![]() It also enjoyed some of the greatest Bible teachers of its day, including Paul, Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, Timothy and John. 2, as late as 90 AD, the church in Ephesus figures prominently in Scripture as the setting for the books of Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and possibly the epistles of John. From its beginnings in Acts 19 circa 52 AD, to Rev. In fact, outside of the church in Jerusalem, one could argue that the church in Ephesus was the most prominent congregation in the first forty years of church history. It is no wonder that the apostle Paul made it the center of his ministry for three years (Acts 20:31). 1 In the first century, only Rome, Alexandria and Antioch of Syria surpassed Ephesus in importance. Pliny once called it, lumen Asiae, the light of Asia. It was the New York City of Asia Minor in the New Testament era. The library itself was not built until the 2nd century AD, after the time of the Apostle Paul. In the background, lies the iconic Library of Celsus, which testifies to the amazing craftsmanship, wealth, and advanced technology of the day. The ruins of ancient Ephesus are some of most spectacular remains of a biblical city in existence. ![]()
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