1 John 4:4 Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
Paul spent at least two years in Corinth evangelizing the city, and a great church was established in that place. Two of the Chief Rulers of the Jewish synagogue were converted to Christianity during that time: Crispus and Sosthenes. In addition, the Jew’s attempt to have Paul imprisoned was thrown out of court by the Proconsul, Gallio. Of course, all this caused the Jews to hate Paul even more, but all in all, his visit to Corinth was extremely beneficial to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and many people gave their hearts to the Lord.
From Corinth, Paul traveled some 300 miles across the Aegean Sea to Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila went with Paul on this trip. Ephesus was a large city situated at the mouth of the Cayster River. It had a huge harbor which was used for import and export purposes. Ephesus was one of the most beautiful Roman cities at that time with a population of approximately 300,000 people.
Archaeologists have uncovered much of the original city ruins and it is quite a sight to see. Ephesus is situated on the west coast of what is now Asiatic Turkey. I had the opportunity to visit Ephesus with my husband in 1978. We walked the original granite-paved streets which were lined with Roman columns and scared with deep ruts caused by chariot wheels. We also visited the huge Roman amphitheater which could easily seat more than 100,000 people. I understand that much more of that great city has been uncovered since I was there so if you ever get to the Middle East, Ephesus is a must-see on your tourism itinerary.
Anyway, during Paul’s time (approximately 60 A.D.) the city was under Roman rule and was the center of the emperor cult. There were three huge satanic temples there which caused the city to become known as the “Temple Warden.” The people worshiped many gods and goddesses in these satanic temples making Ephesus a pit of pure evil and satanic worship.
In addition to the many Satan-worshipers, Ephesus had a large colony of Jews who got along well with the Roman rulers. Paul’s visit to Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila would cause a bit of an uprising as they preached the Message of Jesus Christ. Needless to say, the enemy didn’t like that at all!
Anytime we attempt to preach the Truth of the Gospel of Christ to people in cults, we will encounter great opposition. Satan is the god of all cults and he doesn’t give up easily. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Paul knew what he was up against and we should expect no less. The spiritual war that rages in the heavenlies is fierce and if we could see it, we would be amazed and probably terrified at the same time. However, we must forever remember the Words of John, Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Never lose sight of the fact that the enemy and all his minions are no match for the Holy Spirit of God! So, have no fear. The war may still be going on, but the Victory has already been won and we are on the winning side! Hallelujah!
It won’t be long! God will soon…...….turn the tide
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait! Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
