The Church in Ephesus Departure from their First Love

The name Ephesus means "desirable". In many ways , the city of Ephesus lived up to its name. It was the capitol of Asia Minor, and a prosperous commercial center. Religious life was dominated by worship of the Greek goddess Artemis. The church of Ephesus was established by Paul on his third missionary journey as recorded in Acts 19-20. Although the church in Ephesus was doctrinally sound, the church had left its "first love." Though faithful to maintaining the teachings of Christ and the apostles, they had grown complacent in nurturing their love for God. Jesus commends them for their doctrinal purity, but confronts them to return to the place they had been of loving God and loving one another.