Division Two – The Things Which Are
The Church Age
The Seven Churches
The Church of Ephesus
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;” (Rev 2:1 KJV)
Ephesus was a pagan city in Asia Minor and was one of the most powerful cities in the Roman Empire. It was devoted to the worship of the pagan goddess Diana (also known as Artemis), the goddess of fertility.
“And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (Act 19:28 KJV)
Ephesus also worshiped the emperor of Rome, which they considered to be a god.
Paul ministered there for several years.
“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” (Act 20:31 KJV)
The Church in Ephesus was started by Paul, or possibly Priscilla and Aquila around AD 52, and was known as the backslidden Church.