Ephesus: A Major Trading Center and Christian Hub
During the 1st century A.D. in Ephesus, which was the largest and most important city in antiquity, the Jews and others practised their own religion freely, whether they believed in the Anatolian, Greek, Roman, or Egyptian religions. Also, a new religion, Christianity, was just getting established in Jerusalem. The apostles who were trying to spread Christianity were expelled from Jerusalem between 37 and 42 A.D.
St. Paul came to Ephesus in 53 A.D. For three years, first in the synagogues and then everywhere in the city, he preached the gospel and gained followers. He established the Church of Ephesus, making the city a major trading center and Christian hub of the Roman Empire in Asia Minor.
Table of contents
- Ephesus: A Major Trading Center and Christian Hub
- St. Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
- Ephesus in the Book of Revelation
- Christianity and Paganism in Ephesus
- The Virgin Mary’s Final Home
- St. Paul’s Influence in Ephesus
- The Silversmiths Riot in Ephesus Led by Demetrius
- Timothy’s Leadership in Ephesus
- St. John’s Life and Legacy in Ephesus
- St. John and the Virgin Mary in Ephesus
- Ephesus as the First of the Seven Churches
- The Ecumenical Council of Ephesus
- Frequently Asked Questions
St. Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
It is also known from Acts 19–20 in connection with St. Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. Paul the Apostle probably spent almost three years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. He only left Ephesus after a riot started by a silversmith called Demetrius. Adjacent to Philosopher Square, a staircase leads to an elevated platform in front of the Celsus Library. Many scholars suggest that this platform may have been the site of the School of Tyrannus.
🎙️ View from the Guide
During my Biblical Ephesus Tours, one of the most powerful moments is standing right next to the Celsus Library and pointing out where the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus likely stood. It’s incredible to think that right here, St. Paul taught daily and changed the spiritual course of the entire province of Asia.
Ephesus in the Book of Revelation
The city was one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, written by St. John the Apostle, and also known as the city where John may have written his Gospel.
Christianity and Paganism in Ephesus
✝️ Timeline of Christianity in Ephesus
- 52-55 AD: St. Paul arrives and stays in Ephesus for 3 years (Acts 19).
- 64-67 AD: Timothy becomes the first Bishop of Ephesus.
- ~65-70 AD: St. John arrives in Ephesus (likely with Virgin Mary).
- 95 AD: St. John writes the Book of Revelation (addressing Ephesus as the first church).
- 100 AD: Death of St. John in Ephesus (Buried at Ayasuluk Hill).
- 431 AD: The 3rd Ecumenical Council declares Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God).
Although Christianity was introduced in the city in the 1st century AD by Paul the Apostle, both Christianity and Paganism coexisted in the city until the 4th century AD. After the adoption of Christianity (380 AD), it continued to be a crucial center, as it housed critical Christian events such as the 3rd Ecumenical Council (431 AD).
The Virgin Mary’s Final Home
In addition to all of these significant events, the majority of them take place in the New Testament, Ephesus Ancient City, also known as the Virgin Mary’s final home. According to popular Christian belief, after her resurrection, the Virgin Mary was brought to Ephesus by the beloved apostle St. John. The theory originated from Jesus’ entrusting the care of his mother to his beloved apostle.
St. Paul’s Influence in Ephesus
St. Paul is considered the most famous and even the most influential of the early Christian missionaries, together with St. Pierre. His birthplace and many of the sites he visited on his travels to form the first Christian communities are within the borders of Turkey. Definitely, Ephesus has another significance among all these ancient sites.
Knowing that today the streets of the ancient city of Ephesus were the streets where St Paul walked, consisting of cities in the old days, and had a different meaning for the visitors in the ancient cities of Ephesus.
The first visit of St. Paul to Ephesus was on his second trip (A.D. 49–52).
He gave speeches in synagogues here on various subjects and answered the Ephesians’ requests to stay longer, saying, “I will return to you again if God wills.”
St. Paul’s Missionary Work in Ephesus
On his third journey, Paul came to the city of Ephesus to fulfill his promise and stayed for about 2.5 years, between 53 and 56 AD. Most likely, St. Paul wrote the Corinthians’ No. 1 letter in Ephesus during this period.
During his stay in Ephesus, he did baptize the Christians there. He preached the gospel in the synagogue of Ephesus and the hall of Tyrannus (the owner of a lecture house). (Acts of the Apostles 19:9). He made the Ephesians hear the words of Jesus. He did not hesitate to make speeches even while walking from house to house, as he gave his sermons in open spaces beside synagogues.
Miracles and Challenges
Meanwhile, he performed many miracles. Handkerchiefs and clothes that touched the body of St. Paul were taken to those who were sick and those who had evil spirits in them. It was seen that they healed quickly. This miracle made the name of St. Paul be commemorated with greater respect. As a result of all these miracles, the people, who were worried about the rapid spread of Christianity and the disregard for the temple of Artemis, were upset.
The Silversmiths Riot in Ephesus Led by Demetrius
📖 Biblical Connection: Acts 19
The riot of the silversmiths is famously described in the New Testament (Acts 19:23-41).
“Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” they shouted for two hours… (Acts 19:34)
💡 On our tours, we stand in the exact spot in the Great Theatre where this biblical event took place, bringing the scripture to life.
In the year A.D. 56, a massive riot broke out against St. Paul under the leadership of Demetrius, a local silversmith. Demetrius made a living by selling silver statues of the Mother Goddess Artemis. Realizing that Paul’s preaching was converting many to Christianity and threatening his business, Demetrius provoked the local tradesmen.
The Mob in the Grand Theatre of Ephesus
The angry tradesmen collected thousands of people together in the Amphitheatre of Ephesus. Amid the agitation, the crowd continuously shouted, “The Great Artemis of Ephesians!” and dragged St. Paul’s traveling companions, Gaios and Aristarchos, into the theatre. St. Paul bravely wanted to face the crowd to defend his friends, but his disciples and some understanding officials would not let him risk his life.
The City Clerk Intervenes
Finally, the city clerk (the official in charge of security) arrived and calmed the protesters down. He announced that the courts were open for those who had a formal complaint, successfully dispersing the crowd and preventing further violence.
St. Paul’s Farewell in Miletus
Shortly after this dangerous event, and possibly a brief imprisonment, St. Paul departed for Macedonia to bring new followers to Christianity. Later, he traveled to Miletus, where he called the elders of the Ephesian community to him. In a tearful farewell, he reminded them of how he had served the Lord with humility despite the hardships and exclusions, before setting off for Jerusalem.
Timothy’s Leadership in Ephesus
After Paul left the city, Timothy became the leader of the Christian community in Ephesus. He was one of the disciples of St. Paul, whom he met in Lystra. Afterward, Timothy joined Paul and Silas on the missionary journey to the city of Ephesus.
In the New Testament, there are 13 letters of St. Paul. During his arrest in Rome (A.D. 61), St. Paul mailed 3 letters to the Ancient City of Ephesus: Timothy No.1, Timothy No. 2, and Ephesians.
⚕️ Was St. Luke Also Here?
Near the Magnesia Gate (Upper Entrance) of Ephesus, archaeologists discovered a circular tomb structure featuring a carving of a Bull—the symbol of St. Luke the Evangelist. While historically debated, many believe this “Tomb of St. Luke” indicates his strong connection to the Christian community in Ephesus.
St. John’s Life and Legacy in Ephesus
According to Christian tradition, it is believed that St. John the Apostle traveled from Jerusalem to the city of Ephesus, where he remained for the rest of his life. In 64 AD, following the martyrdom of St. Paul in Rome, St. John became the new leader of the Church in Ephesus. As one of the first disciples of Jesus and the youngest apostle, he played a crucial role in spreading the gospel message across the steppes of Anatolia.
Historical Proof: The Ecumenical Council Letter
The most important document that proves the existence of St. John in Ephesus is the letter of the Ecumenical Council held in Ephesus (A.D. 431). This letter mentions “the city of Ephesus” as where John the Theologian and the Virgin Mary lived and were buried.
Exile to Patmos and the Apocalypse
During the severe persecutions under Emperor Domitian, St. John was taken to Rome, tortured, and later exiled to the Isle of Patmos. It was during this harsh exile that he received his visions and wrote the ‘Apocalypse’ (The Book of Revelation).
Return to Ephesus and Final Years
When the Roman emperor Domitian was stabbed to death by one of his servants, Christians were finally relieved. St. John was able to return to his beloved Ephesus to finish his writings, which include the Gospel of John and his three letters (1, 2, and 3 John). He lived to an old age, dying in Ephesus around A.D. 98–100 during the reign of Emperor Trajan. According to his will, he was buried right there on Ayasuluk Hill, leaving behind an incredible spiritual legacy.
🤔 The Mystery of the Empty Tomb
When Emperor Constantine built the magnificent basilica over St. John’s simple grave, legend says the tomb was opened but no body was found—only “manna” (holy dust). Today, you can visit this sacred burial site on Ayasuluk Hill, marked by four marble pillars.
😴 Don’t Miss: The Grotto of the Seven Sleepers
Just a few minutes from the Ephesus Ancient City lies another significant Biblical site: The Cave of the Seven Sleepers. Legend has it that seven young Christian men, fleeing Roman persecution in the 3rd century, fell asleep in a cave and woke up 200 years later to find Christianity had become the official religion.
💡 It is located on the backside of Panayir Mountain and can be visited during our private tours.
St. John and the Virgin Mary in Ephesus
It is also believed that he went to Ephesus together with the Virgin Mary, based on the book of John (entrusting the care of his mother to his beloved apostle).
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
— John 19:26-27
From then on, this disciple took Jesus’ mother into his home. (John 19:26–27).
Ephesus as the First of the Seven Churches
Ephesus is the most important church among the seven churches of Revelation in the Bible. (Smyrna, Pergamum, Ephesus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea). All seven churches in the New Testament Book of Revelation are located in Turkey. The book is commonly dated AD 95, as suggested by clues in the visions pointing to the reign of Emperor Domitian.
According to Revelation 1:11, Jesus Christ commands John of Patmos:
“Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches.”
The churches mentioned in this context refer to a congregation or local community of Christians living in the cities, but not a proper building or a visible construction to which the word “church” refers in general.
Each of these scrolls or letters includes specific information for each city. The first letter was to the church in Ephesus. The city was famous for its temple of Artemis (or Diana). Ephesus was a center of pilgrimage for believers from all over the Mediterranean world to worship. Emperor Domitian ruled during the time that John wrote Revelation. The historian Eusebius states that the Christians in Ephesus were sorely persecuted, especially during the reign of Domitian—his reign was characterized by terror—in the latter years. Nevertheless, the message to Ephesians contains the highest praise and the lightest rebuke. And this might be considered as proof that Ephesus was the most important Christian center compared to the other seven churches.
The Ecumenical Council of Ephesus
The Council of Ephesus was the third of the Ecumenical Councils. It was held in AD 431 June and July, by the Roman Emperor Theodosius II at the Church of Mary.
The Council of Ephesus focused on three main discussions.
1. Intending to compromise consensus in the church through an assembly representing all Christendom.
2. Confirming the original Nicene Creed.
3. Condemning the teachings of Nestorius,
The archbishop of Constantinople. who held that the Virgin Mary may be called the Christotokos, “Christ-bearer”, but not the Theotokos, “God-bearer”.
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Paul lived in Ephesus for nearly 3 years (53-56 AD). St. John the Apostle spent his final years here and brought the Virgin Mary with him. Timothy was the first bishop of Ephesus.
There is no historical evidence that they met in Ephesus. Their times in the city likely did not overlap.
It is widely believed that the Gospel of John was written here. St. Paul wrote his First Letter to the Corinthians while staying in Ephesus.
St. Paul’s teachings against idolatry angered the local silversmiths, led by Demetrius, who made their living selling silver shrines of the goddess Artemis. Fearing a loss of income and a decline in the goddess’s prestige, they sparked a massive riot in the Grand Theatre.
No. St. Paul was martyred in Rome around 64-67 AD and is buried there. Only St. John the Apostle is buried in Ephesus, with his tomb located inside the Basilica of St. John on Ayasuluk Hill in modern-day Selcuk.
If you like to discover biblical sites like the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary with us and learn more about Christianity in Ephesus, Turkey, you can join our private biblical Ephesus tours by clicking the links below.
Walk in the Footsteps of the Apostles ✝️
Discover the spiritual heart of Ephesus. Visit the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Great Theatre where St. Paul preached.
