Day 05 - Ephesus

The thing about blogs is that it comes from one persons perspective. What touched my heart and mind is only just a touch of what was covered. I encourage you to ask your friend, family or loved one who participated in this trip their takeaway!

Ephesus, so much history, so much to see! Looking through the lens of history truly coming to life as we have the gift of walking through the ruins and reconstruction. At first glance one is amazed at what’s here… and to think only 7% has been uncovered!! It was a city known for its celebrities, philosophers, business which is compared to today’s NY or LA. Approximately 250,000 called this home.

How blessed we were to see a bouletorium, where once the finest scholars, philosophers and apostles sat as ideas were shared and the salvation if Christ was heard and accepted by many. This went on for two years! Acts 19 tells us that miracles were performed, lives were changed and Jews were filled with fear because many believed, confessed and repented. Ephesus was filled with black magic, people who were bound by these spirits began to give them up… creating quite the stir. Acts 19 tells us Artemis created a riot in Ephesus because his income of making idols had been effected! And I love how this verse gives us insight into the Christians in that area!! Our differences don’t have to cause division to show the love of Christ to the world around us, just as in Ephesus. “You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess” (Acts 19:37).

We caught a glimpse into what was once extravagant homes, and even by today’s standards they are beautiful! 1 Timothy 6:17-19 wasn’t just a reminder for those with financial influence then, but for us as well. The pictures of what once represented wealth should hopefully remind us that we are all to be generous with what God has given us!!

The agora here is one of the largest in Turkey! Trade was everywhere, especially from the port, including slavery where they took the strongest and smartest people from places they’ve conquered. Infanticide was a part of life until Christians began to save the discarded infants. People were turning from their pagan gods and turning to Jesus. Lives in Ephesus were being changed, and they left here to go throughout the world to tell even more.

So much more to digest, so many thoughts to consider! I love the following scripture how it simply guides us today.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2

The day was finished up by a beautiful boat ride on the Aegean Sea! This has been an amazing week of discovering the history, and the beauty of the country of Turkey! Can’t wait for tomorrow!!

- Launa