A Roaring Crowd (Ephesus Pt. 1): BP Podcast S1E5

Episode Summary

Part 1 of a two-part series on Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Brian and John cover the city's geography, history, the books of the New Testament connected to it, and what visitors see at the site. Ends with a teaser for the Temple of Diana and the riot.

Topics Covered

• Paul's three years in Ephesus — Acts 19; 20

• New Testament books connected to Ephesus: Acts, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy, 1–3 John, Revelation

• John the Apostle living in Ephesus in old age — exile to Patmos (2-hour boat ride); Revelation written there; 1–3 John likely written from Ephesus

• Connection between Acts 20 (Paul's prophecy of false teachers from the elders), 1 John (assurance of salvation), and Revelation (church that lost its first love)

• Geography: western Turkey, 5km from the ancient harbor (silted up); terminus of a major east-west trade route; third/fourth/fifth largest city in the Roman Empire (~250,000 people)

• History: Ionian Greek → Persian → Alexander the Great → Roman; city name "Asia" in NT refers only to this southwestern province

• The site: no modern city on top — walkable ancient streets; Paul walked the same road from the harbor to the theater (high degree of certainty)

• The Terrace Houses: built on the hillside; covered with modern Kevlar structure; colorful mosaics and frescoes; connection to early church meeting in homes; atrium space where church may have met; only ~10–15% excavated

• The Library of Celsus — built c.150 AD; most recognizable image of Ephesus

• The Agora — covered on four sides (like a modern strip mall)

• The baths, theater, main colonnaded street (Curetes Street / harbor road)

• The public restroom — ancient city's sewage system

• Founding myth: Androclos, the wild boar and fish; Cybele → Artemis/Diana

• Artemis/Diana: goddess of the hunt, childbirth, fertility; depicted with what may be bee larvae; bee as symbol of the queen

• The Garfield of Ephesus — cat with an Instagram page (and other cats at the site)

• Cats in Turkey generally; John accidentally filmed with a cat interrupting the scene

• Pompeii comparison — both give a real picture of ancient city life

• The Domitian Temple — remains visible near the theater; connected to Emperor worship and the Book of Revelation; Ephesus given the title neōkoros (Temple Warden) twice

Scripture References

• Acts 19 (Paul in Ephesus)

• Acts 20 (farewell to Ephesian elders)

• Ephesians; 1 & 2 Timothy

• 1–3 John; Revelation 2:1–7 (Ephesus letter)