Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Smyrna and Philadelphia

Matthew James Elliott

One of my favorite things about this whole series has been discovering the unique connections each of these ancient cities share with both Scripture and history. Walking through them one by one has brought new life to the biblical text and opened my eyes to details that are shaping The World of Kedoshim in ways I never expected. 

These communities were real.
They faced real pressures. 

And piecing their stories together has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

For July, we’re looking at the only two cities in Revelation that received praise in the book of Revelation—Smyrna and Philadelphia. Their stories are quite similar in many ways, but each one carried its own distinct burdens in Revelation 2 and Revelation 3. For both churches, the central theme is faithfulness under pressure. 

The goal wasn’t about performance.
The goal wasn’t about perfection. 

It was about their willingness to cling to Christ when everything around them pushed toward compromise. I also have a deeply personal connection to the church in Philadelphia. Revelation 3:8 was the last verse my mother used to encourage me before she passed away in 2009:

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (NIV)

At a time when I had no idea what I was meant to do—or how I was going to navigate the grief of losing her—she gave me this verse. It has changed my life more times than I can count. It taught me that no matter where the struggles show up, the open door is still there. Strength will come. Faithfulness will hold. And that is exactly the message I see woven through the stories of Smyrna and Philadelphia.

~ Smyrna ~

Ruins of Smyrna Agora 

Historically, Smyrna was a major port city—wealthy, influential, and fiercely loyal to Rome. Though the population was largely Jewish, the city held impressive civic power. Its skyline was filled with stadiums, theaters, temples to the gods and emperors, and even its own version of a Greek gymnasium. 

All of this created enormous pressure on believers who could have chosen conformity over conviction. If Christians refused to participate in Rome’s religious expectations, history tells us they were excluded from the trade market and slandered for their faith. Smyrna’s culture demanded emperor worship, and those who refused were branded as disloyal to the empire.

In Revelation 2:8–11, Jesus reminds them that despite their suffering, they are rich in faith (2:9). He encourages them not to fear the trials ahead (2:10). And He promises that those who remain faithful will be victorious (2:11). Smyrna’s story is one of faithfulness in suffering.

~ Philadelphia ~

Philadelphia was another city shaped by hardship—especially earthquakes. If you’ve noticed tremors appearing in more than one of my books, it’s because they were that common. After the devastating quake of AD 17, the city lived in constant fear of aftershocks. Many residents even lived outside the city walls for safety.

St John Church in Alasehir (ancient Philadelphia) 

The city was much smaller than Smyrna or Ephesus. Truthfully, it was more of a frontier outpost than a major metropolis. Its purpose was to spread Greek culture eastward, and under Vespasian, it was even renamed Flavia in honor of the emperor. Once again, believers who stepped away from Rome’s civic expectations lost their protection and had to fend for themselves.

In Revelation 3:7–13, the church is encouraged to hold fast to the promise of Christ’s return (3:11). They are reminded that even when their strength feels small, their faithfulness matters (3:8). And because they patiently endured rather than giving in to Rome, they are promised protection from the trials to come (3:10). Philadelphia’s story is one of faithfulness in weakness.

~ A Legacy Remembered ~

Learning all of this about the cities of Smyrna and Philadelphia has only made the verse my mother gave me more meaningful. It’s a promise, rooted in history, serving as a reminder that God sees us. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming, the inheritance He offers remains secure. As long as we faithfully endure the chaos the world throws at us, we will share in His victory.

Every believer lives in a “Smyrna” or a “Philadelphia.” We face pressures that expose our weaknesses. Faithfulness isn’t easy, but it is worth it. My mother lived that truth in more ways than one, and her legacy—along with the legacy of these two cities—continues to remind me that endurance is never wasted.

See you in the pages, 

MJE

PS (Next month, we head to Pergamum and Thyatira)

~ 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 ~

If you're curious about The Hope of Inheritance or any of my books, you can keep up with me on REAMStories or Facebook. The Hope of Inheritance was selected as the book of the month for my Biblical Fiction Facebook Authors Group, so keep your eyes on my Facebook for some fun things this month. You can also read Mysteries in Ephesus, Season 2 of The Ephesus Pages on REAM Right Now!

~~~

In the aftermath of the Great Fire of 64 AD, Rome lies in ruins. Emperor Nero and his ruthless Prefect of the City, Lysias, unleash a wave of persecution that threatens the very existence of the early church.

Nathaniel, a seasoned scribe and longtime companion of Luke, records the journeys that will shape the future of the faith as it was taught by those who walked with Christ. They are known as The Founders.

From the destruction of Colossae to the tribulations in Ephesus… From the Council of Corinth to the shattered streets of Rome… Nathaniel and his brother Zadok witness courage, betrayal, and the final days of two of the greatest founders — Peter and Paul.

Four men are chosen.

Their message will change everything.

Hope will rise again.

Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Laodicea and a Mini Arc

Matthew James Elliott

Bibleinfo.com

In the Bible, there are seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Have you ever wondered why they were the churches mentioned and how they came into existence? I know that was one of the biggest questions on my mind when I was in college earning my degree in Biblical Studies.

I was so fixated on those seven churches that I missed some important discussion about the different beliefs about the end times and had to go back and study those on my own. There was something about those churches that just seemed important. Otherwise, why would they have been mentioned? For the next few posts, I intend to dive into the history of those seven churches. First on this deeper dive is the city of Laodicea.

It may be the last church mentioned in the book of Revelation, but its history merited being one of the first three I researched for this series. Why? Well, because its history lies hand in hand with Colossae, the city I wrote about last month. Truthfully, once I knew I was going to write that article, I knew I was going to do this one too. After all, Colossae is only one of three cities that are part of the Tri-City network I talked about last month. Let's not forget Ephesus from a few months ago either.

Laodicea was a wealthy and strategically placed city. Its position along the major trade routes from the east and west meant it played a huge role in several industries. Financially, it was one of the wealthiest cities of its time. Medically, it produced several industry-moving discoveries because it was home to a thriving medical school. Commodity, the black wool industry contributed significantly to its reputation for prosperity.

When we hear about the city in Revelation 3:14-20, verses 15-16 talk about a lukewarm church. That's not just a spiritual statement; aqueducts positioned miles away from the city walls brought their water in. By the time it found its way there, it was tepid and lukewarm. Hierapolis had hot, mineral-rich springs. People knew Colossae for its cool and refreshing water. Laodicea had neither, and its water tasted horrible.

Around 60 AD, Laodicea was hit with a devastating earthquake, and not the one that destroyed Colossae approximately four years later. This is a critical event because the city was wealthy enough to rebuild itself without any assistance from Rome. Historians consider this an important historical fact. If we take another look at 3:17-18, scripture calls them out on this sentiment.

One of the more well-known passages from Revelation comes from 3:20. “Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in…” It reminds us, or at least me, that I’m a work in progress, just as much as this church was. Paul expresses his concern for the church in Laodicea when he writes to the Colossian church, and he encourages them to share his letter with the Laodiceans.

Painting of Epaphras from safequardyoursoul.com

There is also a rumored letter that was written to the church by Paul, but that has been lost. Even just the mention of Laodicea and Hierapolis in Colossians 4:13-16 means that it had value to the ministry of Paul and his companions. Scripture doesn’t actually tell us who founded the church in Laodicea, but the most historically grounded explanation is Epaphras, based on the scripture I just provided. This means that between 50 AD and 60 AD, Laodicea was an active community recognized by the early church.

When Revelation was written in the 90s AD, the city failed to meet this calling. During Domitian's reign, the city had temples dedicated to the imperial cult. Archeology confirms that builders constructed temples, which likely honored Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, and even emperor worship. This stands to show that there was a diverse group of people living in Laodicea, and echoes that lukewarm spirit mentioned in Revelation.

All of this history makes for a good story, doesn't it? It also reminds us that history is shaped by more than just the people who lived it. History can be shaped by the industries of the past as well. What are some places you have learned about that echo this?

See you in the pages, 

MJE

PS, (Next Time we get to visit two cities, Smyrna and Philadelphia)

~ 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 ~

If you're curious about The Hope of Inheritance or any of my books. Right now, my followers on my REAMStories Author Page are being entered into a drawing for some fun gifts. To check it out, just follow me there. You can also read Mysteries in Ephesus, Season 2 of The Ephesus Pages, while you're at it.

~~~

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors.

Together, their Message will speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. 

The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.

Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Colossae

Matthew James Elliott

Welcome to Colossae

The first story I released, which began The World of Kedoshim, was Finding Philemon. There is a lot of history with that story; some of it good, some of it bad, but it became the foundation of everything I do in biblical fiction. The city of Colossae plays a major role in it, and it continues to be a place I return to in my other stories as well.

When I picked up with The Hope of Inheritance in 2025, I expected to revisit Colossae with familiarity. Instead, I found myself standing at the edge of its destruction. As I researched the city during 64 AD, I realized I was writing about its final days. I will never forget what it felt like to describe the devastation of the great earthquake. It felt as though a home had been taken from me simply because history had decided the city had lived its life.

But before I get too far into that, I have to take you back to the beginning.

If Ephesus fascinated me when I was growing up, Colossae wins the gold medal among the cities Paul wrote to. There is the letter to the Colossians, of course, but also the letter to Philemon that was sent along with it. Both have become two of my favorite books in the Bible. So naturally, I was going to research the city for my books. If I ever had the chance to live in an ancient biblical city, I would choose Colossae.

Bible Atlas Map of Location

Geographically, Colossae sat in a valley alongside Laodicea (more on that city next month) and Hierapolis. These three cities were surrounded by mountains, connected by trade routes, and fed by the waters of the Lycus River Valley. Colossae rested at the foot of Mount Cadmus, and as far as we know, it has only recently started being excavated. This only adds to its mystery.

Surveys of the area reveal the remains of the Colossian acropolis, a defensive wall around the outskirts of the ruins, and a theater on the eastern side. These discoveries point to a significant military presence and a thriving cultural life that lasted until the city’s destruction, which I believe occurred in 64 AD.

There is some debate about that date. Tacitus, a Roman historian, places the earthquake in 60–61 AD, while Eusebius, a church historian, dates it to 64 AD. For The Hope of Inheritance, I found the later date more believable because Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (where he wrote the letters to the Colossians and to Philemon) is dated around 61 AD. If the earthquake had already happened, the city would have been gone.

Speaking of Paul, did you know he never actually visited Colossae before writing to them? I was stunned when I learned this. The founder of the church is usually attributed to Epaphras, a native who likely heard Paul preach while he was in Ephesus during the events of Acts 19. (I didn’t expect this article to connect to my newest episode of The Ephesus Pages, but here we are.)

While Epaphras founded the church, another man, Philemon, became the leader of the house church. In The Cyprus Journal, my 2024 release, I share my ideas about how he may have been converted. What matters most is that this Philemon is the man Paul wrote to about the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus fled after some unknown conflict, found Paul in Rome, and returned home carrying a letter about reconciliation. Because of that moment, Colossae became a place forever tied to forgiveness and restoration.

Painting of Archangel and Archippus

One of the more unexpected discoveries I made about this city was the evidence that locals blended Christianity with the worship of angels for protection from mountain spirits. It’s clear in Colossians 2:16–20 that this was a real struggle for the church. Later art even depicts the Archangel Michael opening a chasm to save the community from a flood after the city was rebuilt at Chonnae; an event connected to the prayers of Archippus, whom some believe was related to Philemon.

Researching the martyrdom of Philemon brought its own challenges. Tradition places his death near the end of Nero’s reign in 68 AD, but the evidence I found about the Colossian community suggests an earlier date. When Paul writes his charge to Archippus in Colossians 4:17, it hints at a leadership crisis—one that may indicate Philemon was no longer around. Other traditions say Philemon and his wife were martyred during a pagan festival. If the city fell in 64 AD, their deaths would have occurred before the earthquake.

All of this paints a picture of a community shaped by reconciliation, tested by disaster, and ultimately forced to relocate to survive. Their story is one of faith under pressure, the blending and unblending of beliefs, and the resilience of a remnant determined to endure.

History is never just a page in a book. It is the people behind the pages—their choices, their losses, their courage. Colossae reminds me of that every time I return to it.

How about 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 ~

If you're curious about The Hope of Inheritance or any of my books. Right now, my followers on my REAMStories Author Page are being entered into a drawing for some fun gifts. To check it out, just follow me there. You can also read Mysteries in Ephesus, Season 2 of The Ephesus Pages, while you're at it.

~~~

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors.

Together, their Message will speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. 

The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.

Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Corinth

Matthew James Elliott

Ruins of Corinth

One of the most surprising aspects of writing for Heroes, Heroines, and History has been the opportunities it has given me to dive deep into research mode and discover fascinating stories that have been woven together throughout history. Has something you discovered when you were in research mode ever surprised you?

A great example of this is the city of Corinth. Being a Biblical Studies major, I already knew a lot about the city, but the focus of my knowledge was, “What does scripture say about the city?” In preparing to write The Hope of Inheritance, I needed a central location to host the council gathering that led Paul and his companions to Rome. Since I also needed to send characters to other locations, Corinth seemed like the logical place. 

In scripture, Corinth was a place where multiple cultures found safety from the tyranny of Rome. It became a melting pot of faith, political tension, and opportunity. The city was a crossroads for so many things, and the ideal place for believers to gather in secret to figure out what their priorities in mission were. As a bonus, it had two harbors that experienced constant movement. It meant that I could plausibly use it to move the story to Rome. 

Here is where things became interesting for me. As my research continued, I discovered this ancient ship road called the Diolkos. I am sure you’re wondering what that actually is, so I’ll tell you. The Diolkos is a stone road that enabled ships to be moved from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea on land. It was built on the Isthmus of Corinth and was even used during times of war to speed up naval campaigns.  

Rendering of Priscilla and Aquilla for my Stories

While this made for an interesting opportunity to use as an arc point in the Hope of Inheritance, I ended up using it in another story entirely. I am building an entire world for my historical fiction stories, after all. The Diolkos became a connective link between stories. This alone gave me reason to use Corinth, but the research continued. The city was a place where a fountain of ideas, religions, and yes, even temptations collided. 

Knowing all this only confirmed what I already knew: Corinth had value, and it was worth it to research more. These ideas had already shaped a good portion of Paul’s purpose in writing 1st and 2nd Corinthians, and there is relative proof that he wrote to them more than twice throughout his ministry. When you add in the stories of figures like Priscilla and Aquilla, Apollos, and others, the connective ideas for The World of Kedoshim become something more. 

Some historical records and scriptures already clearly document stories about these figures and others, but these stories also reveal that Corinth became a city of refugees. Those coming from Rome after Emperor Claudius banished them found a renowned purpose and opportunity to live their desired lives again. But you are probably asking yourself, "When is he going to get to the historical aspects?”

How about Nero’s attempt to build a canal in 67 AD? It was meant to be built along the Isthmus of Corinth. Yep, that historical marvel I was talking about earlier could have been destroyed completely. I’ll save you the wait; his project failed less than a year after Nero struck the first rock with his personal pickaxe. Why? 

Well, Nero killed himself shortly after the project began, and when his successor took the throne, the project never got picked back up. It was a good thing, too, because Nero had already shipped around 6,000 Judean prisoners of war to the city to build the canal.  

Map of the Isthmus of Corinth

Access to the Isthmus of Corinth positioned the city as a towering connection to the rest of the world. It was a beacon of power and wealth in a world overshadowed by fear of Rome. The city was renowned for its luxury and prestige. Nero knew this and wanted the power to build his canal there. When Nero abandoned the project, its failure significantly contributed to the rebellion that followed during the Great Jewish Revolt, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Now, I don’t capture all of this in my stories, but the history is there, and it matters. Corinth’s history teaches us that empires rise, but they also crumble and fall. It teaches us that even during global tribulation, victories don’t always happen in big and flashy ways. Sometimes, they come in failed attempts to build a canal or a stone path that carries ships from one sea to another. 

In a fractured world, Corinth stood as a safe harbor for those Rome tried to destroy. It was a city saturated in darkness, but hope still rises in places with broken histories. I do my best to illustrate that in my stories, not because it’s a great plot point, but because history matters, and so does what it struggles to teach us all. 

Other cities teach us similar lessons, and next month we are heading to Colossae, a city that holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my stories began. But what about you? Is there a place in history that has that honor for you? Where does your story begin?

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 ~

My Newest Biblical Fiction Novel, The Hope of Inheritance, came out on Father's Day and has received a ChristLit Book Award for excellence in Christian Literature. Grab it via Amazon. If you enjoy it, please let me know by posting a review.

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors.

Together, their Message will speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. 

The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.

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 I get to do, which makes it possible for me to write the stories 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 it 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 this city, and in Corinth. Corinth will be the next stop on our ancient tour.

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, but 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.

Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Thessalonica

Matthew James Elliott

Ancient Ruins in Thessalonica

One of my favorite parts about being an author who writes historical fiction from a biblical foundation is learning the facts about what actually took place in history and how those details connect to the scriptural narrative. Thessalonica is one of those cities that have always stood out to me.

As one of only two cities that received multiple surviving letters from Paul, Thessalonica holds a significant place in early Christian history. Paul’s connection with the Thessalonian believers was deeply pastoral. His letters reveal a community of great importance to him, set within a city that was a crossroads of culture, politics, and faith.

Thessalonica held special status within the Roman Empire as a “free city,” one of the few places Rome allowed to govern itself. This privilege meant that Rome stationed no garrison within its walls. As long as Thessalonica remained loyal and honored the imperial power of Rome, troops in the region would never establish a permanent base inside the city.

Local magistrates, known as politarchs, handled civic affairs. This is why Acts 17 shows Jason and members of his household being taken to city officials rather than Roman authorities. Soldiers certainly passed through Thessalonica; it sat on the Via Egnatia, after all. However, they did not control the vibrant center of trade, culture, and commerce that the city became.

The Via Egnatia was the road Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled from Philippi. As they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they shared the gospel in the synagogues and among the people. Though they were only in Thessalonica for three weeks before being forced out, the gospel took root quickly. That rapid growth also brought rapid opposition.

The community was receptive to the message, yet cautious because of their commitment to Rome. Many found faith, but they also felt the weight of Roman scrutiny. Historically, Paul’s arrival in Thessalonica likely occurred around the same time Claudius expelled Jews from Rome because of unrest throughout the empire.

Painting from Acts 17 from Bible Encyclopedia

This tension helps explain the retaliation from certain Jewish citizens in Thessalonica. When Paul preached the gospel, they gathered a mob and raided Jason’s home. To maintain peace, Jason had to guarantee that the new community of believers would not cause further disturbance. Without that assurance, he risked losing everything, and the lives of those with him could have been in danger.

Another Thessalonian appears in Scripture, though he is often overlooked. Aristarchus, one of the main characters in my biblical fiction series, was born in the city and became one of Paul’s closest companions. His presence during the Ephesian riot, less than five years after the events involving Jason, marks one of the most dramatic moments in that city’s history.

Aristarchus traveled with Paul multiple times and even journeyed with Paul and Luke to Rome. Paul refers to him as a fellow prisoner and coworker in his letter to the church in Colossae. The courage we see in Aristarchus reflects the character of a church built on loyalty, endurance, and faithfulness.

The book of Acts highlights the Thessalonian church’s foundation in diversity, generosity, and perseverance. Paul’s brief stay is evidence of that. Despite the turmoil of the Roman world, one thing is certain: they endured immediate suffering. Paul’s letters show a church that stood firm under pressure, placing its hope in something greater than the empire surrounding them.

Those letters also reveal Paul’s deep appreciation for their love toward those in need. Their example became a model for other churches. In October, I discovered a biblical fiction novel that beautifully echoes this message: Worn Sandals by Sean Lyon. You can read my review here.

Though fictional, the novel is rooted in the story of Acts 17–18. I believe the author says it best with this quote from his introduction:

“I wrote Worn Sandals with one foot in Acts and the other in the dust of ordinary life. The spine is real… Around those bones, I set living flesh. House churches in workshops and courtyards. Oil lamps, agape meals, the kiss of peace that can feel holy and a little awkward… That is the life of the early church as I imagine it.” — Sean Lyon

My experience reading his novel reflects this vision and aligns with what my own research suggests Thessalonica may have felt like during the early church era: a community marked by courage and faithfulness in the shadow of Rome’s influence, even within the “free cities” of the empire.

While Thessalonica’s unique place in history will stay with me for some time, next month we begin exploring Ephesus, a city that has become the focus of my own stories. We follow the path many early believers walked as they carried the gospel from one great city to the next. The legacy of the early church continues to unfold, and I look forward to taking you there.

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 $1.29. 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.