Chapter 13—Paul at Ephesus
While Apollos was preaching at Corinth, Paul fulfilled his promise
to return to Ephesus. He had made a brief visit to Jerusalem, and had
spent some time at Antioch, the scene of his early labors. Thence he
had traveled through Asia Minor, visiting the churches which he had
himself established, and strengthening the faith of the disciples.
The city of Ephesus was the capital of the province of Asia, [
As
used in the New Testament, the word Asia does not apply to the conti-
nent of Asia, but to a Roman province which embraced the western
part of Asia Minor, and of which Ephesus was the capital.
] and the
great commercial center of Asia Minor. Its harbor was crowded with
shipping from all parts of the known world, and its streets thronged
[129]
with the people of every country. It therefore presented, like Corinth,
a favorable missionary field.
The Jews, now widely dispersed in all civilized lands, were gen-
erally expecting the speedy advent of the Messiah. In their visits to
Jerusalem at the annual feasts, many had gone out to the banks of the
Jordan to listen to the preaching of John the Baptist. From him they
had heard the proclamation of Christ as the Promised One, and on
their return home they had carried the tidings to all parts of the world.
Thus had Providence prepared the way for the apostle’s labors.
On his arrival at Ephesus, Paul found twelve brethren, who, like
Apollos, had been disciples of John the Baptist, and like him had
gained an imperfect knowledge of the life and mission of Christ. They
had not the ability of Apollos, but with the same sincerity and faith
they were seeking to spread the light which they had received.
These disciples were ignorant of the mission of the Holy Spirit,
that Jesus promised to his believing people, to be the life and power of
the church. When asked by Paul if they had received the Holy Ghost,
they answered, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any
Holy Ghost.” Paul inquired, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” and
they said, “Unto John’s baptism.” The apostle then proceeded to set
90