City of Ephesus

City of Ephesus– Political and economic background

Foremost city in Asia MinorApproximately 250,000 in populationLarge trading center – three main

roads brought tradeFree cityPanionian games

CITY OF EPHESUS

City of Ephesus

City of Ephesus– Religiously

Temple of Artemis (Diana)

Patron Goddess of the city

One of the seven wonders of the world

Larger than Pantheon

About 360 feet long

Stood during John’s time

Temple of Artemis

“Ornament of the whole Province of Asia”

Artemis (Roman – Diana)

Artemis was also called Cynthia, from her birth place, Mount Cynthus in Delos. She was Apollo's twin sister, daughter of Zeus and Leto. She was one of the three maiden goddesses of Olympus: the pure maiden Vesta, gray-eyed Athena who cares but for war and the arts of the craftsmen, and Artemis, lover of woods and the wild chase over the mountain.

She was the Lady of Wild Things, Huntsman-in-chief to the gods, an odd office for a woman. As a huntress her favorite animal was the stag, because its swiftness gave the best opportunity for her method of capture, which was by her silver bow and arrows and speed of foot.

Artemis (Roman – Diana)

Temple of Artemis– Two kilometers outside Ephesus– Largest marble temple ever built– Controlled financial affairs– Bank for wealthy– Invulnerability of attacks part of sacredness– Place of refuge– School– Loaned money, collected taxes, owned land– Thirty ancient sites located but Ephesus central

Statue of Artemis

Marble Street to Temple

Ruins: Temple of Artemis

City of Ephesus

City of Ephesus– New Testament background

Paul visited on 2nd missionary journeyLeft Aquila and Priscilla in EphesusThey taught ApollosPaul stayed two yearsGospel spread throughout Asia Minor

(Acts 19:10)Paul had a close relationship with

Christian leaders their (20:17-38)

Ephesus: Harbor Street

Ephesus: Agora (Market)

Ephesus: Agora

Ephesus: Theater

Ephesus: Odeon

Ephesus: Terraced House

Ephesus: Temple of Domitian

Ephesus: Brothel

Ephesus: Public Toilets

Ephesus: To Theater

Ephesus: Celsus Library

Ephesus: Gymnasium

Ephesus: Temple of Hadrian

Ephesus: Memius Monument