Ephesus was one of the largest and most influential cities in the Roman Empire. It served as the chief city of the Roman province of Asia. The city was also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the colossal Temple of Artemis. Many notable figures from history passed through the city, thus Ephesus often found itself in the middle of regional disputes and political conflicts.It was this same city that also served as a base of operations for the Apostle Paul's ministry to the province of Asia. Paul spend two to three years calling this city home, engaging the people and the surrounding pagan culture. So when Paul wrote his Biblical letter to the Ephesian church he founded, he wrote to a city that he was familiar with and knew held influence over the entire region. What can be learned when not only the book of Ephesians is studied, but the history of the city is considered, along with insights from both Roman and Greek culture, both of which shaped the city? Can we begin to see allusions to this city in Paul's letter to Ephesus? What is to be made of some present-day assertions that Ephesians was not written to the city of Ephesus, nor even written by the Apostle Paul? A Journey Through Ephesus begins with the history of Ephesus, then provides a narrative commentary on Ephesians, and concludes with an examination of what happened to the church Paul founded. The entire context of The Greco-Roman culture of the city begins to emerge when we understand Paul's purpose and audience in this comprehensive study of the book of Ephesians.
In this historical novel, David deSilva paints a vivid portrait of Ephesus and brings to life the compelling struggles faced by early Christians. Supplemented by historical images and explanatory sidebars, this imaginative novel digs into the early Christians' conflict with the religious cults of the day as well as the Roman empire.
This book will review Luke's two volume historical narrative concerning Jesus' life and ministry as well the beginning and spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire as he experienced it.
Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. It describes how the 12 apostles, formerly Jesus's disciples, spread the message of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean against a background of persecution. With an introduction by P.D. James
What does Paul mean when he says, to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called? God says to the readers of Ephesians and to each of us, Here, my child. This is your identity, your position; stand in your rights! Pauls great letter to the church located in a city full of idols and paganism is quite appropriate for study in our day. It could be called Pauls masterpiece because of its depth and vastness. Ephesians could be considered a theology course for every believer, or perhaps a treatise on the church. Paul desires every reader to mature in faith, love, character, and revelation. He celebrates in a basic theme of redemption by God and describes how the redeemed person should live. Pauls revelation on many subjects is our Scripture and guide for life. He expounds on: existence in Christ; the spiritual blessings of every believer; the role of The Holy Spirit in the Christians life; the transformation of grace; election, predestination and adoption of Gods children; redemption through Christs blood; family life; and spiritual warfare and Gods mighty armor. I encourage you to make a journey with me through Ephesians. I believe it will change your life.
Ephesians was written to remind us who we are. It's about refamiliarizing ourselves with our identities in Christ so that we don't have to live under the crushing weight of heartache and disappointment. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul gives us beautiful insight into the Lord's redemptive power. In this six-session video Bible study (video streaming included), Lori Wilhite draws on her experience as the pastor's wife of a large congregation to share the truth of what Paul tells the Ephesians about identity, unity, and the impact these things have on our hearts, our focus, and our love for God. Too often, our shoulders slump under the weight of family struggles, financial stress, and feelings of insecurity. We are pushed down by insignificance, insecurity, and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness and discouragement. You are not meant to be under that burden any longer. You are a chosen child of God, saved by His grace, forgiven and free. In the Ephesians Study Guide, you'll learn how the book of Ephesians reveals what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do—so that you can walk confidently in him with head held high. —Beautiful Word Bible Study Series— What book of the Bible do you turn to for wisdom about the situation you find yourself in? Where do you go for words of comfort when you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, or frustrated in life? The Beautiful Word Bible Study series makes the Bible come alive in such a way that you know where to turn no matter where you find yourself on your spiritual journey. Featuring celebrated authors and teachers, like Margaret Feinberg and Jada Edwards, each guide is a creative and illumination journey through one book of the Bible. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself—with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). Scripture memory cards and coloring pages. Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.
This books looks at the launch of the church in Ephesus as it became a movement grounded in God's mission and led by those who multiplied generations of disciples. Michael T. Cooper focuses on Paul and John as missiological theologians who successfully connected Jesus's teaching with the cultural context and narrative of the people in Ephesus.
This is a commentary of the New Testament book of Ephesians. It explains every major idea presented in the book of Ephesians and gives contemporary and practical examples for how to apply truths in this book about the church being a strong church and our individual walks with God being as strong as possible. It would work perfectly as a reference book, a book to read all the way through, or for a group Bible Study such as Sunday School or Small Group Ministry.
Many travellers dream of visiting an ancient city that has been preserved not only in the form of modest ruins. Would it not be so much more exciting the see such a city in its glory or at least in the state that would echo the magnificent past of the place? While many experienced tourists can point to Pompeii in Italy as such a city, there is also another great location where history is still alive. Ephesus, the pearl of eastern Mediterranean, is a perfect demonstration of the ostentatious wealth of the Greek settlements on the shores of Asia Minor. While Pompeii was erected mainly of bricks, Ephesus shocks the visitors even today with the generous application of the best and most expensive construction materials, including many variations of marble.Naturally, such a splendid archaeological site as Ephesus receives thousands of visitors daily, and it may seem that it does not hold any secrets from them. Millions of photos are taken there every year and then appear in books, leaflets, websites, and social media channels. Can we hope to discover something not published on Facebook or Instagram there? Is it possible to find a peaceful and quiet corner or see the grand theatre and the lavishly decorated Library of Celsus without the crowds? This book has been prepared with the hope to assist all of the readers ready to find out more than can be learned about Ephesus from popular guidebooks and information boards.The aim of this book is not only to take the visitors from one location to another, but also to provide them with more information and question the truth of some commonly repeated statements. Was the small building on Curetes Street really the Temple of Hadrian? Did St. John write the Book of Revelation during his stay in Ephesus? Are the statues adorning the Library of Celsus the portraits of the four virtues of the founder? Who lived in the famous Terrace Houses? Finally, did Mary, the mother of Jesus, live her final years in the city? This book will provide the answers to these and many more questions.During the journey that this guidebook has planned for its readers, they will visit not only the archaeological site of Ephesus, but also other sights situated nearby. The necropoles of the city have been presented here, including the famous Grotto of Seven Sleepers and the cemetery of gladiators that revealed many details about the lives and deaths of these ancient entertainers. The travellers will also join the pilgrims who have arrived at Ephesus since the times unknown, first to worship the Anatolian Mother Goddess, and then her Hellenised version known as Artemis Ephesia whose sanctuary at Ephesus used to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The religious aura of Ephesus did not vanish with the end of antiquity, but has attracted Christian pilgrims for almost two millennia.The final part of this guidebook is devoted to the modest town of Selçuk that has inherited the rich history of ancient Ephesus. The treasures from the past are displayed in the Ephesus Museum located in the town, but it has its share of tourists attractions, too. Towering about the town, there is a hill called Ayasuluk with the imposing fortress that once protected the Basilica of St. John and the grave of this saint. Finally, the book will show you the Eastern Roman heritage of the town and its monuments from the first century of the Turkish rule. This period of history -- the 14th century -- was the last era of the city's great prosperity. Now, it is high time to re-discover Ephesus and walk off the beaten tourist trail, and this guidebook will assist you in this quest.
In first-century Ephesus, life is not easy for women. In this gripping novel, Holly Beers introduces us to the first-century setting where Paul first proclaimed the gospel. Illuminated by historical images and explanatory sidebars, this lively story not only shows us the rich tapestry of life in a Greco-Roman city, it also foregrounds the interior life of one woman—and the radical new freedom the gospel promised her.
