1st Century AD (Early Christian Church)
Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was a hub of commerce and pagan worship.
The Roman Empire was the dominant political force, with local governance often influenced by Roman law and customs. Ephesus was a free city, meaning it had a degree of self-governance under the Roman Empire.
Ephesus, located on the western coast of modern-day Turkey, was a significant port city and a center for trade and religion.
Ephesus was deeply entrenched in the worship of Artemis, and the economy was significantly tied to the production of religious artifacts. The introduction of Christianity challenged these economic and religious norms.
Paul
Demetrius
A silversmith who incited a riot against Paul due to the threat Christianity posed to the trade of Artemis idols.
- Acts Chapter 18 (Paul's earlier travels and ministry)
- 1 Corinthians (Paul's letters to the church in Corinth, written during his time in Ephesus)