SEASON ONE • EPHESUS
EPISODE 01 • 52 AD
The Stop That Began a Church
ACTS 18:18-28
Paul in Ephesus wasn’t supposed to last long. One brief stop would quietly set in motion a story that would unfold across the next forty years.
Listen to episode 01
The Stop That Began a Church
the story
Paul in Ephesus: A Stop That Wasn’t Supposed to Matter
Ephesus was one of the great cities of the Roman world—a center of trade, religion, wealth, and devotion to Artemis.
Into that city came Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla.
Paul entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jewish community. They asked him to stay longer.
He refused.
But before sailing away, Paul left behind a promise:
“I will return to you again, God willing.”
What looked like a brief stop would become the opening chapter of one of the most remarkable church stories in the New Testament.
read the text
Scripture From This Episode
acts 18:18-28
You will see:
• Paul’s first visit to Ephesus
• Paul’s first visit to the synagogue of Ephesus
• Paul’s swift departure and promise to return
• Aquila & Priscilla staying in Ephesus after Paul’s departure
• Apollos’ arrival, mentorship, and departure
episode companion
Explore Episode One
Continue beyond the episode with free resources designed to help you study the biblical text, visualize the world of Ephesus, and share what you are learning with others.
Episode 1 Devotional
When God Interrupts the Itinerary
Reflect on what happens when God’s direction interrupts our plans and how seemingly small moments can become part of something much larger.
Episode 1 Teaching Guide
The Stop That Began a Church
A ready to use guide for personal teaching, small groups, Bible studies, Sunday school, and church settings.
Explore the world
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
Trace Paul’s route from Corinth through Cenchreae to Ephesus and see where his brief stop fits within his second missionary journey.
Apollos’ Ministry Journey
See the journey of Apollos as he traveled being mentored and doing ministry from Alexandria (Egypt) through Ephesus (Turkey) to Corinth (Greece).
infographic
Ephesus: A City of Excess
An infographic that makes Ephesus’ spiritual, political, geographic, and economic situation easy to understand. This will help you apply historical context of 52AD to Acts 18.
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Behind the story
Why Ephesus Mattered
A City Built for Influence
Ephesus stood at the intersection of trade, travel, religion, and imperial power. Ideas that took root here could travel far beyond the city itself.
The Shadow of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis dominated more than the city’s skyline. Religion, civic identity, commerce, and culture were deeply intertwined.
An Unexpected Beginning
Nothing about Paul’s first visit looked like the beginning of a decades-long story. He stayed only briefly. Yet Priscilla and Aquila remained, and another gifted teacher was about to arrive. What began as a short stop would eventually become one of the most significant centers of Christian ministry in the New Testament.
the people
Meet the People in the Story
The Apostle Paul
He is a missionary, apostle, and tentmaker. He is also the man whose brief visit begins the story.
Priscilla & Aquila
A Christian couple that travels with Paul that chose to remain in Ephesus, even after Paul leaves to continue his missionary journey.
Apollos
An eloquent teacher from Alexandria whose arrival changes what happens next.
season one
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