Does your city know the gospel?

Had the gospel of Jesus Christ not taken root in Ephesus and spread from there across the Roman Empire, on the trade routes and beyond, Christianity as we know it might not exist today.

When you think of important cities in the United States of America, what cities come to mind? New York City? Los Angeles? Atlanta? Washington, DC?

Cities are important. They influence what goes on throughout the rest of a country, from business and politics to finance and fashion. Even if we don’t live in cities, they still play a big part in our lives. Paul spent a lot of time in the ancient city of Ephesus. If ancient Rome was like New York City or London, then Ephesus was like Los Angeles or Chicago. It was large, wealthy, and influential. In Bible times, the city became a hub for Christian missions.

Many early church leaders were trained and sent out from Ephesus. The city also served as the headquarters of Jesus’ youngest disciple, John, who had a level of authority over the seven leading churches of Asia named in the opening three chapters of Revelation. The presence of Christianity in Ephesus was able to influence the surrounding areas. This is why it’s not an overstatement to say that had the gospel of Jesus Christ not taken root in Ephesus and spread from there across the Roman Empire, on the trade routes and beyond, Christianity as we know it might not exist today.

Read

1 Corinthians 16:8–12

Why did Paul choose to stay in Ephesus? (A wide door of effective service in the city was open to him.)
Paul said that a great and effective door had opened to him in Ephesus. Even though God blessed his efforts, does this mean that Paul had it easy? (Not at all. Paul mentioned that he had many adversaries in the area, some who may have even threatened his life.)
Where you live is no accident. God himself determined where and even when you would live (see Acts 17:26). This week, begin to pray for your city and how you can influence your local community for Jesus.