Joyce's Photos of Ephesus

Both the Apostles Paul and John wrote to the church at Ephesus.

Paul wrote his famous epistle to the Ephesians to the church there, around 60 A.D. Also, since Timothy was in Ephesus, 1 & 2 Timothy also were sent to Ephesus around 62 and 67 A.D. respectively.

The Apostle John, at Jesus' direction, addressed the last book of the Bible to the seven churches of Asia Minor (around 95 A.D.), the first of which was Ephesus. The Apostle John, with possibly Mary (Jesus' mother), moved to Ephesus. The Christian leader Polycrates lived in Ephesus, and he wrote that the Apostle John died there.

The following links are to photographs taken and/or directed by Joyce Thiel. All materials are copyrighted and all photographs are copyrighted by Joyce Thiel (c) 2005, All Rights Reserved:

Mary's House - Two pictures are two different angles of this famous house. This house, according to the Roman Catholic Church is located where Mary once lived. Includes a picture of Joyce.

Mary's Newer Construction - This photo shows the older and the newer portions of Mary's house. Neither were apparently there when Mary may have lived here. Includes a picture of COGwriter.

Prayers to Mary - Many who visit the site of Mary's house leave scrolls of paper that apparently are prayers to Mary to intercede for them. This appears similar to what Buddhists, Jews, and others of non-Christian faiths do at some of their religious sites.

Ancient Ephesus - Two pictures of Ancient Ephesus.

More Ancient Ephesus - Two more pictures of Ancient Ephesus.

Even More Ancient Ephesus - Two more pictures of Ancient Ephesus.

Ancient Ephesus - Another photo of the ancient city.

Library - Photo of an ancient library. This is one of the best preserved buildings in Ephesus.

Amphitheater of Ancient Ephesus - This is the full version of the picture on the top of this page. This is an amphitheater where it is believed that the Apostle Paul spoke to the Ephesians.

Road into Ancient Ephesus - This is a road where it is said Christians walked into Ancient Ephesus. There are one or two symbols carved into rocks (which are not clear in this photo) which supposedly told Christians that it was relatively safe for them to come into Ephesus.

View of What Once Was The Aegean Sea - Jesus warned Ephesus, "repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent" (Revelation 2:5). Apparently those in Ephesus did not repent, as the town was moved 4-5 miles away from the sea (it was originally an important port city) by silt from a local river.

Here is some of what the Apostle Paul wrote in the Epistle to the Ephesians:

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

2:1 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2:11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands--

2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Here is what Revelation 2:1-7 teaches about Ephesus:

1 "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.

6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." '

Much more information about Ephesus can be found in the articles The Ephesus Church and Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome.

COGwriter 2006 2007

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