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G2181 · Greek · New Testament
Ἔφεσος
Ephesos
Proper Noun, Feminine
Ephesus — major city of Asia Minor

Definition

The Greek noun Ephesos (Ἔφεσος) is the name of Ephesus, the principal city of the Roman province of Asia (modern western Turkey). It appears about 16 times in Acts and the epistles. Ephesus was home to the temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders), a major harbor, and one of the most important early Christian communities.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul spent over two years in Ephesos (Acts 19:10), longer than in any other city during his missionary journeys, resulting in 'all the residents of Asia' hearing the word of the Lord. The church at Ephesus received Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Timothy was stationed there (1 Tim 1:3), and the risen Christ addressed the church at Ephesus first among the seven churches of Revelation (Rev 2:1–7), commending their endurance but warning that they had 'abandoned the love you had at first.'

Key Bible Verses

Acts 19:10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

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