Background of Ephesians

Paul founded the Ephesian church during his third missionary journey (Acts 18) between 49-51 a.d. Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the Roman empire. Home of a temple to the fertility goddess, worship to her was the city's largest source of income. Along with this idol worship, prostitution and other religious practices were prevalent throughout the city.

Paul's letter calls for the church to remain unified and to be a light to the spiritual darkness that envelops the city.