35-Extraordinary Christianity (Acts 19:1-20)

Paul was a man of his word!  In Acts 18:21 he promised the Ephesians that he would return after visiting the churches of Galatia and Phrygia, and in Acts 19 we find Paul fulfilling his promise.

Fast facts about Ephesus:

1. It was once one of the jewels of the Roman Empire
2. It was the most important city in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) in Paul’s day
3. It was one of the foremost urban centers in the empire with the largest population
4. It had numerous impressive civic monuments
5. It was the home of the temple of Artemis (Diana) - One of the 7 wonders of the world

The spiritual significance of Ephesus:

1. It was the launching place for the evangelization of Asia (Acts 18:18-19).
2. It was the place where Paul fought the “wild beasts” (1 Cor 15:32).
3. I was the location where Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (1Cor 16:8) and Ephesians (Eph 1:1)
4. It was one of the “seven churches of Asia” mentioned in Revelation 1:4.
5. It was first pastorate of Paul’s disciple, Timothy (1 Tim 1:3).

 

 

9/2/2007