Biblical city
Ephesus
Selçuk, Türkiye · Roman Asia Minor
The leading city of Roman Asia and home to the temple of Artemis, Ephesus was a harbor and commercial hub where Paul ministered for some three years (Acts 19). Revelation addresses its church first, commending its labor while warning that it had left its first love. The excavated ruins near modern Selçuk include the theater, the Library of Celsus, and the marble main street.
An artistic reconstruction of ancient Ephesus, showing its monumental streets, civic buildings, theatre, and harbor setting.
User-provided artwork; creator credit not supplied.
A marble street at Ephesus lined with columns, building façades, and archaeological remains.
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A broad ancient street at Ephesus with surviving columns and excavated structures.
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The Great Theatre of Ephesus, one of the city’s most prominent surviving monuments.
User-provided photograph; original photographer credit not supplied.
An aerial view showing the excavated center of Ephesus, the surrounding landscape, and nearby modern settlement.
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History in Scripture
Paul taught here for over two years, so effectively that the silversmiths rioted for Artemis (Acts 19). Timothy ministered here, John is associated with the city, and Revelation 2 commends its endurance while charging it with leaving its first love.
The ancient city
Capital of Roman Asia and guardian of the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders, Ephesus was a harbour city of perhaps a quarter of a million people, with a great theatre and a commercial agora.
The site today
Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved classical cities anywhere; the Library of Celsus, the theatre and the terrace houses are the highlights.
Key passages
Sources & notes
Description summarizes standard historical and archaeological reference works. Imagery is added separately and is labeled by type.