Cities & towns · Asia Minor
Ephesus
What was Ephesus?
Ephesus, home of the temple of Artemis, became the hub of Paul’s longest ministry — and of the letter about God’s grand plan in Christ.
TodayRuins near Selçuk, western Türkiye
Famous templeArtemis (a world wonder)
Paul stayedAbout 3 years
LettersEphesians; Revelation 2
Capital of Roman Asia and keeper of one of the seven wonders, Ephesus heard Paul daily for over two years, “so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord.”
Magic scrolls were burned, idol-makers rioted for their goddess, and elders wept on the beach at Paul’s farewell.
To this church Paul wrote Ephesians; Timothy pastored here; and the risen Jesus later addressed it first among the seven churches — calling it back to its first love.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Acts 19:10 “This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.” Acts 20:17 “From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.” Revelation 2:4 “But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.”
Related places
Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.