Ephesus is one of the seven congregations mentioned in the Book of Revelation and one of Türkiye's most visited destinations, standing as the largest ancient city in the country. Every year, thousands of travelers come to walk through its remarkable ruins.

​

On my tours, I take visitors through the Ephesus ancient city, the Temple of Artemis - a full experience that typically takes 3 to 4 hours. There's so much history packed into this ancient city, so here's a glimpse of what we explore together.

​

From Roman Capital to Commercial Hub

When the King of Pergamon bequeathed his kingdom to the Roman Empire, Ephesus rose to become the capital of Asia Minor. This transformed the city into a thriving commercial and cultural centre, with a population reaching approximately 200,000, an extraordinary size for its time.

​

A Congregation That Lost Its First Love

The early Christian congregation in Ephesus endured strong opposition for many years with remarkable patience. Yet over time, they were criticized for having lost the love they had at first. They were likely influenced by the materialistic, prosperous environment around them, which led to a certain spiritual apathy. Still, Jesus had good reason to commend them for their endurance and for not growing weary (Revelation 2:2–4).

​​​

What Would You Have Faced as a Christian in Ephesus?

​Paul's courage was matched by his complete trust in Jehovah. But what awaited Christians in Ephesus, one of the most influential and spiritually dangerous cities of the ancient world?

​

Artemis worship held a powerful grip on the people there, while the pressure of the imperial cult, the spread of magic, and immorality shaped their daily lives. In such a place, how could a faithful Christian stay loyal?

​

On this tour, we will walk through the ruins of Ephesus and read the Bible where you can almost hear the footsteps of Paul and the early Christians. We will try to feel what they experienced, and reflect on how their example can give us strength in our own lives. Together, we will consider what helped them endure and what the Scriptures can mean for us today. Discussing these things right where Paul and the early Christians lived and faced them will help us be encouraged and strengthened in our faith.

​

​