Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Ephesus

Matthew J. Elliott

Roads in Ephesus - Britannica

As many of those who read this blog know, the stories I write are Biblical Fiction. One of the best parts of being that type of storyteller is the research that I do that makes it possible to write the stories that I do. I have always enjoyed the challenge of taking something like the Early Church, the figures who lived during that period, and tying it all together into one of my stories. 

The city of Ephesus is by far the one I have done the most research on since I started writing these stories, and it’s not because I am writing an episodic series set there. While that is partly why I began my research into the city, the reason I wanted to write a story about that city was because it has always fascinated me. There is something about the city that has truly captured my curiosity. 

Why? Well… because there have always been more connections in that city throughout scripture than almost any other city in the New Testament. Even as a child, I was drawn to the letter to the Ephesians because something stayed with me every time I had to read the letter. In all honesty, I own more devotionals about that letter than any of the others. The first bible study I remember teaching used that letter as the study material. 

Port of Ephesus - theephesus.com

Ephesus was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire (only Rome and Alexandria were bigger) and was a major port city. The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was the crown jewel of the city. Multiple figures from the early church spent time ministering to those living within the city gates. It was a city where spiritual hunger, economic power, and political tension led every aspect of the day-to-day lives of its residents. 

Paul journeyed there multiple times throughout his missionary journeys. Historical records indicate that John the Beloved, Onesimus the slave, and Timothy the protégé, all held the position of church bishop in Ephesus sometime after Paul and Peter were martyred in Rome. Many of Paul's traveling companions have ties to the city as well; Aristarchus and Gaius were arrested there. Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, and possibly John Mark all ministered in the city.

Riots broke out when Paul's teachings threatened the idol-making industry. Silversmiths, like Demetrius, wage war against anyone who would not bow down and worship Artemis. The Sons of Sceva were religious priests who pretended to have special abilities that led people to believe they had magical powers that cast out demons. When those attempts failed, the city burned many of the religious artifacts and magical scrolls. 

These examples and more led to what became a blended community filled with false teaching. Economic hostility, internal disputes over leadership and doctrine, cultural pressure to participate in civic religion, and acts of unbridled worship all lead toward Ephesus becoming a melting pot of struggle and disaster. Through it all, though, the church became a crossroads in history. 

Burning Books in Ephesus - Fine Art America

History is filled with stories like this that almost seem to be hidden from the world we live in today. There was just too much for me not to be fascinated by it all. When you add in the letter to the Ephesians and the fact that Paul had multiple letters sent out from the city, there was no way I was not going to spend a lot of time in the city with my Biblical Fiction series. One of the questions I was asked at the Mid-Month Madness event that took place on 2/15/25 was what the story behind the story was for my books. 

While I planned to write this month's article from a different perspective, something seemed right about sharing more about the reason I chose to write The Ephesus Pages. Seasons One through Three may focus on the events I have been able to research about the riots that took place in Acts 19 around 55 AD; there is more to the history of Ephesus than the events of that time. 

Eventually, there will be more to tell, but for the moment, I chose to write The Ephesus Pages because the city means more to me than just the words on the digital page I am writing. The city was the foundation of a story I felt needed to be told. I think we all have those stories that have a deeper meaning to us, and I would love to hear about yours. So feel free to take the opportunity to share something about a story that has that kind of meaning for you. 

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins: (Part 1; Episodes 1-10) is available now for .99 cents. Grab it while you can.

One Man. His Continued Journey. Working to Build the Early Church. 

Part One: A Journey Begins

John Mark carries the weight of his past on his shoulders, and there is one person he has never reconciled with. In an epic story surrounding the city of Ephesus and the ministry of Paul during his three-year ministry there, life as we know it will change. Join John Mark as he embarks on a new journey seeking reconciliation. As he leaves all that he knows behind on the shores of Cyprus, John Mark will begin a new three-part journey that will test his faith, build him up, and reveal much about his past.