When the Apostle Paul brought the gospel to Ephesus in the first century (Acts 18–20), he entered a city of great wealth, deep spirituality, and powerful cultural influence. Understanding the culture of Ephesus helps us see why the gospel took root there with such force—and why it also met with such opposition.
A Strategic City of Trade and Power
Ephesus was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Located along the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), it sat at the mouth of the Cayster River, making it a hub for commerce and travel. Merchants, sailors, philosophers, and pilgrims from across the Mediterranean world passed through its streets. This made Ephesus not just wealthy, but also cosmopolitan—a melting pot of ideas, religions, and traditions.
With an estimated population of around 200,000–250,000, Ephesus was among the largest cities of the empire. It enjoyed the status of a “free city” within Rome, meaning it largely governed itself without the presence of a permanent Roman military garrison. This civic freedom allowed for vibrant trade, active politics, and a lively cultural scene.
The Shadow of Artemis
The cultural and religious heartbeat of Ephesus was the Temple of Artemis (also called Diana by the Romans). This magnificent structure, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, drew pilgrims and tourists from across the empire. The temple was not only a religious sanctuary but also a major financial institution, functioning almost like a bank.
The worship of Artemis shaped Ephesian identity. She was revered as a mother goddess of fertility, protection, and prosperity. Her cult involved festivals, processions, sacrifices, and sacred prostitution. Artisans crafted silver shrines of Artemis, which became a thriving industry—so much so that Paul’s preaching against idolatry threatened their business, leading to the riot described in Acts 19.
To be an Ephesian meant, in part, to be proud of Artemis. The gospel challenged not only personal beliefs but also the city’s economic and civic pride.
Magic, Mystery, and Philosophy
Beyond Artemis, Ephesus was known as a center of magic and spirituality. Inscriptions and writings found in the region refer to the “Ephesian letters,” words thought to have supernatural power when used in spells or amulets. Sorcery, astrology, and magical practices were widespread. This explains why, in Acts 19:19, new believers brought their costly books of magic and burned them publicly as a testimony of their faith in Christ.
Ephesus was also a city of ideas. Philosophers, teachers, and orators often gathered in public spaces to debate and teach. Paul himself used the lecture hall of Tyrannus as a base for teaching daily for two years (Acts 19:9–10), reaching both Jews and Greeks with the gospel message.
Wealth, Social Class, and Daily Life
Ephesus reflected the typical Roman social hierarchy. Wealthy elites lived in lavish terrace houses with mosaic floors, running water, and painted walls—some of which archaeologists have uncovered. At the same time, slaves, freedmen, and the poor filled the lower rungs of society.
Public life revolved around the grand theater, which could seat around 24,000 people. There, dramas, speeches, and even political assemblies took place. The city also had baths, gymnasiums, and marketplaces, offering spaces where social, political, and cultural life blended together.
The Early Church in Ephesus
It was into this vibrant, complex, and spiritually charged environment that Christianity came. Paul spent more time in Ephesus than in almost any other city, nurturing a strong church that later became a central hub for Christian mission in Asia Minor. The presence of Priscilla and Aquila, Timothy, and later the Apostle John and Mary (according to early tradition) shows how influential Ephesus was to the spread of the gospel.
Yet, the culture of Ephesus also posed challenges. Believers had to resist the idolatry of Artemis worship, the temptations of wealth, and the allure of magical practices. Paul’s letters—particularly Ephesians—emphasize unity, holiness, and spiritual strength against unseen powers (Ephesians 6:10–12), words that would have deeply resonated in a city obsessed with magic and spiritual forces.
Conclusion
Ephesus during the early church was a city of contrast—wealthy and influential, yet spiritually dark and captive to idolatry. Into this world, the gospel proclaimed Christ as the true Lord, greater than Artemis, stronger than magic, and offering hope beyond the material wealth of the city.
The Ephesian church reminds us that Christianity has always been called to shine in the midst of cultural complexity, calling people away from false gods and into the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.