A. Rev. 2:1-7 Church at Ephesus - Technology Ministries

22 REVELATION is NOT a Mystery—TEACHER’S GUIDE THE PRESENT
1) At the time of John’s writing, Ephesus was the capitol of the
Roman province of Asia. Before that, Pergamum (another
city where one of the seven churches was located) was the
capitol.
The church at Ephesus was founded by Paul on his first missionary journey.
Paul remained in Ephesus for three years of preaching and teaching and the
church became well established. Its members were known for their love of
God‟s Word, Jesus Christ and each other. After Paul left, John added
Ephesus to his group of churches and became the circuit or traveling Pastor
to seven of local churches in the Roman province of Asia.
Halley‟s Bible Handbook p. 688 “There were many churches in „Asia.‟
These… seven churches‟, must have been main centers in their respective
districts, key cities in John‟s pastoral care of the region.”
John probably went back to Ephesus to live after his release from the Isle of
Patmos. It is possible that Jesus‟ Mother, Mary lived there with John for a
time before He was exiled because John was told by the Lord (from the cross)
to take care of her. (JOHN 19:26, 27)
2) Ephesus, located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, was a
crossroads city much like Atlanta to us. People traveling
from one place to another were very nearly forced to go
through Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the oldest, largest
and most important cities in that area.
3) Ephesus was noted for its great library, its great wealth and
its great religious temple to the pagan goddess, Diana
(Artemis). ACTS 19:35 This Temple was one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world.
c. Ephesus was a cultural center, an amusement center, a
commercial center, a political center and a religious center.
The City of Ephesus was a city of worldliness and evil.
1) Worldliness is thinking like the world thinks and is
promoted by Satan.