What was Ephesians?

The term “Ephesians” refers to the people of Ephesus, a prominent Greco-Roman city located in Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey), mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, especially in Acts 19 and the Epistle to the Ephesians. The Greek term is Ἐφέσιοι (Ephesioi), meaning “inhabitants of Ephesus.”

Ephesus was a major city known for its commerce, culture, and religious activity, especially the worship of Artemis (Diana). It was a key location for Paul’s missionary work and a strategic hub for spreading the gospel throughout Asia. The city’s encounter with the gospel brought both revival and resistance, vividly captured in Acts 19.

Biblical References

• Acts 18:19-21; 19:1-41 – Paul’s missionary work in Ephesus

• Acts 20:17-38 – Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders

• Ephesians 1:1 – Paul‘s letter addressed to the saints in Ephesus

• 1 Timothy 1:3 – Timothy’s charge to remain in Ephesus

• Revelation 2:1–7 – The letter to the church in Ephesus from Christ

What Happened in the Bible?

Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19)

Paul arrived in Ephesus during his third missionary journey and found disciples who had not received the Holy Spirit but were baptized only into John’s baptism. After explaining the full gospel and laying hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, marking a spiritual awakening in the city (Acts 19:1–7).

Paul stayed in Ephesus for over two years, teaching daily in the hall of Tyrannus, so that “all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). Miracles confirmed Paul’s ministry—handkerchiefs and aprons that touched him brought healing to the sick and deliverance from evil spirits (Acts 19:11-12).

Conflict with Idol Worship

The preaching of the gospel threatened the idol-making industry, particularly the craftsmen who made silver shrines of Artemis. This led to a riot instigated by Demetrius the silversmith, who feared the loss of both income and honor for the goddess (Acts 19:23-41). The mob seized Paul‘s companions and filled the theater shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for hours.

Despite the chaos, the gospel penetrated deep into Ephesian society, leading many to publicly burn their sorcery scrolls (Acts 19:18-19), symbolizing repentance and new life in Christ.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

The Ephesians in Acts 19 exemplify both the transforming power of the gospel and the opposition it can provoke in cultures rooted in idolatry, materialism, and spiritual deception. Paul’s time in Ephesus reveals that:

• Evangelism must be accompanied by teaching, discipleship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

• Cultural strongholds, like idolatry and superstition, will resist the truth but can be overcome.

• Repentance is visible and costly—it leads to burning former sources of sin and turning fully to Christ.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

The story of the Ephesians ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the true Lord, in contrast to false gods like Artemis. While the people of Ephesus had built a magnificent temple to a lifeless deity, the gospel brought them into the living temple of God’s Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). Christ alone offers salvation, freedom from bondage, and new identity for both Jew and Gentile alike.

Through Paul, the Ephesians heard the gospel that Jesus is King over all powers, both spiritual and earthly (Ephesians 1:20-22). The clash between Jesus and Artemis was not merely cultural but spiritual warfare, revealing that Christ triumphs over darkness.

Broader Biblical Themes

Spiritual Warfare

Ephesus was steeped in occult practices and idolatry. Paul‘s epistle later to the Ephesians emphasizes spiritual warfare, urging believers to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18), reflecting the demonic opposition he encountered in Acts 19.

The Power of the Word

Paul’s ministry emphasized the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, which led to widespread transformation. The Word of the Lord “grew mightily and prevailed” (Acts 19:20), showing its enduring and overcoming power.

Repentance and Revival

True revival involves conviction, repentance, and visible acts of turning from sin—burning magic books, forsaking idols, and embracing Jesus as Lord.

Church Planting and Leadership

Paul not only evangelized Ephesus but established strong leadership, as seen when he later called for the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38). The church in Ephesus became a model for others, with Timothy later sent to shepherd it (1 Timothy 1:3).

Reflection Questions

1. What idols—whether physical, emotional, or cultural—compete for your heart’s loyalty today?

2. How can the example of the Ephesian believers’ repentance encourage modern believers to renounce sin publicly and boldly?

3. Are we willing to confront spiritual darkness with the truth of Christ, even when it leads to opposition?

4. What does the burning of the sorcery scrolls teach us about costly discipleship?

5. In what ways can the church today reflect the gospel-centered transformation that occurred in Ephesus?

The story of the Ephesians in Acts 19 reminds believers that the power of the gospel is not merely informational—it is transformational, calling all people to turn from darkness to light, from idols to the living God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.