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An Insight to Life at Ephesus


Image credit: Choo Yut Shing - https://www.flickr.com/photos/25802865@N08/

Since moving to Dover, I have gained a little insight into what life must be like in Ephesus in the first century. How so? 

The Star Vista has been a feature of the area for anyone staying in this area. I see its presence from my room, when I walk home, when I take the train and so on. Its unique features can't be missed. 

And this must be what it must like to live in Ephesus because the Temple of Artemis (one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World) is situated there. Imagine a fixture in the city which you can view from anywhere.

Image Credit: Bill Munns

Paul when writing to the church in Ephesus reminds them strongly however that there is a greater temple. He reminds them strongly how Christians are now the "Holy of Holies" the very place where God dwells. A temple built on the foundation of the apostles which no eye can see. 

This temple is greater than the one built for Artemis.

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:14-19

The Christian is spoken of as the place "where Christ dwells". Using temple language again, Paul prays that they may have strength to comprehend with all the saints "what is the breadth and length and height and depth" - deliberately cubic in shape to remind them of the Holy of Holies so that they "may be filled with all the fullness of God".

Thats a huge reminder of what it means to be a Christian - to be the very place where God dwells.

For Christians living in Ephesus constantly under the shadow of the temple of Artemis - it is a great reminder that there is a greater temple that exists.

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