The city of Ephesus still has the evidences of its ancient amphitheater, library and other beautiful architectural wonders. The city went to prominence during the time of emperor Augustus when he moved the capital of Asia minor from Pergamum to Ephesus. Population at its glorious peak reached 225,000 and the city’s importance reached next to Rome in the first century.
The seven cities mentioned in the book of Revelation are marked in the below map with their current names
Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent brief time in Ephesus during his second missionary journey on his way from Corinth (Acts 18). Though the members of the synagogue urged him to stay he left Ephesus but promised to come back soon. In his third missionary journey Paul spent more than two years in reasoning and preaching.
The power of God was so intense during this time, even the handkerchiefs and aprons that touched Paul were used to heal the sick and drive away the evil spirits. Paul did regular discussions in the lecture of hall of Tyrannous for two years. Due to his ministry the sorcery scrolls were burnt worth 50,000 drachmas. (Acts 19)
The ministry of Paul ended with a major riot triggered by the silversmith named Demetris due to business reasons, which was soon converted to religious reason related to local goddess Artemis. Paul soon left Ephesus after the riot has subsided. But the time he had spent in Ephesus resulted in the strong foundation for the Ephesian church.
Each of the instructions written to seven churches of Asia (Modern Turkey) follows a specific template.
- Addressed to the angel or the messenger of the church
- Starts addressing Jesus as the sender using a metaphor
- Appreciation or commendations for the specific church
- Points to the complaints or issues
- Corrections required
- Ends with reward for applying recommended correction
Instructions to Ephesian Church
There was a thirty-year gap between Paul’s missionary work in Ephesus and John’s vision in the island of Patmos about the church of Ephesus. One thing the church lost during this period was its love for Christ. The Church excelled in its deeds, hard work, and its perseverance. But God just cannot accept the love growing cold and church purely operating based on its text book process, belief and procedure.
This could be a common concern in our life too. Christian life operated by regular activities such as going to church on Sundays and following the regular patterns without being operated by love of Christ. The ministry activities in our life can still continue without loving God by our shear energy, zeal and purpose. We can self-satisfy ourselves with many things, which God does not want us to get involved.
Any ministry we do should originate from the personal relationship with God. The love of God should trigger the talents and gifts we have to be channeled in the right path. The activities we initiate, and the plans we make should originate and flow to fulfill our love for God. Jesus Christ should remain as the master to be satisfied all our life.
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