Lexical Summary Ephesinos: Ephesian Original Word: Ἐφεσῖνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of Ephesus. From Ephesos; Ephesine, or situated at Ephesus -- of Ephesus. see GREEK Ephesos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originvariant reading for Ephesos, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2179: ἘφεσινοςἘφεσινος, Ἐφεσινη, Ἐφεσινον, Ephesian: Revelation 2:1 Rec. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Ἐφεσῖνος denotes an inhabitant of, or something pertaining to, the city of Ephesus. While this exact adjective is not found in the Greek New Testament, the concept of “Ephesians” is central to several New Testament narratives and epistles through the closely related Ἐφέσιος (Acts 19:28; Acts 21:29). Therefore, discussion of Ἐφεσῖνος naturally overlaps with every biblical reference to the people, church, or culture of Ephesus. Ephesus in the New Testament Era Ephesus was the leading city of Roman Asia, situated at the mouth of the Cayster River and famed for its harbor, the temple of Artemis, and a vigorous commercial life that drew pilgrims, sailors, magicians, and merchants. This strategic location made it a natural hub for gospel expansion. The city housed a sizable Jewish population (Acts 19:8) and a thriving Gentile culture steeped in idolatry and the occult (Acts 19:18-19). Apostolic Ministry at Ephesus • Paul’s extended stay (Acts 19:1-20; Acts 20:31) resulted in a flourishing church and the spread of the gospel “so that all who lived in the province of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). Representative Biblical Passages Acts 21:29 mentions “Trophimus the Ephesian,” a Gentile believer whose mere presence in Jerusalem stirred accusations against Paul. Ephesians 1:1 underscores the spiritual identity of Ephesian believers: “To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” Revelation 2:1-7 records Christ’s evaluation of the Ephesian church, commending labor and discernment yet reproving the loss of first love: “Remember then how far you have fallen” (Revelation 2:5). Doctrinal Importance 1. Union with Christ: The Epistle to the Ephesians unfolds believers’ position “in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Prophetic Word and Continuing Challenge Revelation 2 shows that even a doctrinally sound church can wane in devotion. The summons to repent and do the works done at first remains relevant to every generation. Later Church History Early tradition associates the Apostle John with Ephesus, where he shepherded the churches of Asia and possibly compiled his Gospel. By the second century, the city hosted significant Christian leaders and, in the fifth century, the Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431) affirmed the full deity and humanity of Christ. Practical Applications for Today • Guard the heart: Orthodoxy must never eclipse love for Christ. See Also Ephesios (Strong’s 2180); Ephesus; Trophimus; Artemis; Timothy; Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance εὐχόμεθα — 2 Occ.Εὐξαίμην — 1 Occ. εὔχρηστον — 2 Occ. εὔχρηστος — 1 Occ. εὐψυχῶ — 1 Occ. εὐωδία — 1 Occ. εὐωδίας — 2 Occ. εὐωνύμων — 7 Occ. εὐώνυμον — 2 Occ. ἐφαλόμενος — 1 Occ. Ἐφεσίων — 3 Occ. Ἐφέσιοι — 1 Occ. Ἐφέσιον — 1 Occ. Ἐφέσῳ — 6 Occ. Ἔφεσον — 8 Occ. Ἐφέσου — 2 Occ. ἐφευρετὰς — 1 Occ. ἐφημερίας — 2 Occ. ἐφημέρου — 1 Occ. ἐφικέσθαι — 1 Occ. |
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