4. the Place Where This Epistle Was Written
The sermon explores the significance of Ephesus as a major center of influence and trade in the ancient world, and its importance in the context of early Christianity.
Daniel Steele discusses the historical significance of John's residence in Ephesus, a major center of influence in the Orient during the early days of Christianity. The city was vital for trade and attracted significant Christian presence, including the Apostle Paul and other early Christian leaders. John likely resided in Ephesus before and after his exile on Patmos, drawing inspiration from the city's bustling markets for his vivid descriptions in Revelation. Despite the lack of direct evidence, subsequent writers like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus confirm John's connection to Ephesus, highlighting the strong Christian community that thrived there.
Text
There is in the New Testament no hint of John' s residence in Ephesus, but there is ample indirect proof of this fact. Christianity from the beginning of its conquest of the world entrenched itself in those great centres of influence, the great cities of the Orient, Antioch, Alexandria, Ephesus, Thessalonica, Corinth and Rome. Paul found a small society of Christians in Ephesus, and by his years of labor greatly enlarged and strengthened it. The place was of sufficient importance to attract one of the Twelve to succeed the apostle to the Gentiles. The trade of the Aegean Sea was concentrated in its port.
Since Patmos, the place of John's exile, is only a day's sail from Ephesus, "the metropolis of Asia," it is quite probable that this city was the place of his abode both before and after his sojourn on that rugged island; and doubtless he was recalling the scenes he had looked upon in the Ephesian markets when he gave that gorgeous description of the merchandise of Babylon in Rev. xviii. 12, 13, "of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and of brass, and iron, and marble; and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves, and souls of men." The last two items intimate the terrible wickedness of the times, especially in great commercial cities.
While no contemporary writer testifies to John's residence in Ephesus, there is testimony to this fact by a number of subsequent writers, such as Justin Martyr, probably within fifty years of John's death, Irenaeus, Polycrates, Polycarp find Apollonius. We will not multiply witnesses to prove what few, if any, deny.
The church in Ephesus in John's day must have been quite large, since it had enjoyed the labor of Apollos, Paul, Aquila and Priscilla, Trophimus, Timothy and the family of Onesiphorus. Paul left it well organized under presbyters, whom he afterwards addressed at Miletus. Such was the environment of John in his last days. For the splendor and magnificence of idolatry in Ephesus see our note on the last words of this Epistle, "Guard yourselves from idols."
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to Ephesus
- A. Importance of Ephesus in the New Testament
- B. Indirect proof of John's residence in Ephesus
- II. The Church in Ephesus
- A. Size and influence of the church
- B. Notable figures who labored in Ephesus
- III. The Environment of John's Last Days
- A. The splendor and magnificence of idolatry in Ephesus
- B. The importance of guarding against idols
Key Quotes
“The metropolis of Asia” — Daniel Steele
“of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and of brass, and iron, and marble; and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves, and souls of men” — Daniel Steele
“Guard yourselves from idols” — Daniel Steele
Application Points
- As followers of Christ, we must be aware of the influence of idolatry in our own lives and communities.
- The church in Ephesus serves as an example of the importance of laboring in the harvest and building up the body of Christ.
- We must be mindful of the cultural and societal influences that surround us, and strive to live out our faith in a way that is authentic and relevant.