Chapter 14—Trials and Victories of Paul
For upwards of three years, Ephesus was the center of Paul’s work.
A flourishing church was raised up here, and from this city the gospel
spread throughout the province of Asia, among both Jews and Gentiles.
The apostle had for some time contemplated another missionary
journey. He desired again to visit the churches in Macedonia and
Achaia, and after spending some time at Corinth, to go to Jerusalem,
after which he hoped to preach the gospel at Rome. In pursuance of
his plan, he sent Timothy and Erastus before him into Macedonia;
but feeling that the cause in Ephesus still demanded his presence,
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he decided to remain till after Pentecost. An event soon occurred,
however, which hastened his departure.
The month of May was specially devoted to the worship of the
goddess of Ephesus. The universal honor in which this deity was held,
the magnificence of her temple and her worship, attracted an immense
concourse of people from all parts of the province of Asia. Throughout
the entire month the festivities were conducted with the utmost pomp
and splendor. The gods were represented by persons chosen for the
purpose, who were regarded as objects of worship, and were honored
by processions, sacrifices, and libations. Musical contests, the feats
of athletes, and the fierce combats of men and beasts, drew admiring
crowds to the vast theaters. The officers chosen to conduct this grand
celebration were the men of highest distinction in the chief cities of
Asia. They were also persons of vast wealth, for in return for the honor
of their position, they were expected to defray the entire expense of
the occasion. The whole city was a scene of brilliant display and wild
revelry. Imposing processions swept to the grand temple. The air
rung with sounds of joy. The people gave themselves up to feasting,
drunkenness, and the vilest debauchery.
This gala season was a trying occasion to the disciples who had
newly come to the faith. The company of believers who met in the
school of Tyrannus were an inharmonious note in the festive chorus.
Ridicule, reproach, and insult were freely heaped upon them. By the
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