Ephesus
The great port city of Asia where Paul stayed three years and one of the seven churches of Revelation.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
Paul teaches in Ephesus for about three years. Silversmiths who made shrines of Artemis start a riot in the theatre. Revelation addresses the church in Ephesus first among the seven.Acts 19:8–10; Acts 19:23–41; Rev 2:1–7
- Outside evidence
Ephesus has been extensively excavated, including its large theatre and the foundations of the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Inscriptions describe the city as “temple keeper” of Artemis, as Acts 19:35 says.Acts 19:35
- Debated
Ephesians is traditionally addressed to this city, but the words “in Ephesus” are missing from some of the oldest manuscripts. Scholars also debate whether Paul was in prison there.Eph 1:1; 1 Cor 15:32