Ephesians
THE EPISTLE TO THE, a canonical epistle addressed by the Apostle Paul to the Church which he had founded at Ephesus. It was written during his first captivity at Rome, immediately after he had written the Epistle to the Colossians (A. D. 62), and was sent by the hands of Tychicus, who also bore the message to the Church at Colossæ. by
EPHESUS (ef'e-sus), a famous city of Asia Minor, now in ruins, about 38 miles S. S. E. of Smyrna. It was the ancient capital of Ionia, and had one of the seven Christian Churches founded by the apostles. Its temple, dedicated to Diana, was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its dimensions were 425 feet long and 200 broad. The roof was supported supported by 127 columns, 60 feet high, which had been placed there by as many kings. Of these, 36 were carved in the most beautiful manner, one of which was the work of the famous Scopas. This celebrated building was not completed till 220 years after its foundation. Ctesephon was its principal architect. The riches which were in the temple were immense, and the goddess who presided over it was worshiped with the most awful solemnity. It was burnt on the night that Alexander was born, again the case of Nestorius. In the proceedings of this council no opposition to the will of the president, Dioscurus, Bishop of Alexandria, was allowed; the bishops were overawed by monks, soldiers, and brawny servants, and were compelled to sign blank papers, to be filled up as the leaders chose. These lawless methods, as well as the violent measures carried through by their aid, hastened a crisis in the Eastern Church, and greatly furthered the advancing power of the Bishop of Rome, by compelling an appeal to him against oppression and wrong.