The City of Ephesus: A Short History

by Sandra L. Glahn

Cleopatra’s sister was murdered here. Cicero received a hero’s welcome here. Mark Antony caused a scandal here. And all of this happened before the apostle Paul even arrived—in Ephesus. Getting ready to teach 1 Timothy, the book of Ephesians, or about Revelation’s seven churches? Or would you simply like to enhance your own study of the Bible? Whatever your reason, check out this concise background on the city where Paul spent more than three years. Ephesus had great significance in the ancient world from its beginnings in the eighth century BCE through the fall of Rome, and *The City of A Short History* provides an overview of its entire story. But the work focuses especially on the time of interest to New Testament scholars, 100 BCE through 100 CE. Special emphasis is given to Ephesus’s prominence as a center of religious activity.

Genres: History

45 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2016

About the author

Dr. Sandra Glahn is a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. She is the author or co-author of more than twenty-five books, including Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament and her forthcoming work (August 2026), A Woman's Place Is in the Story: Seeing Women in the Biblical Narrative.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I am preparing to preach through Ephesians. The work is short, but it is packed full of helpful and interesting information. Dr. Glahn paints a great picture of the city giving special focus to what it was like during Paul's ministry there. I'll be recommending it to our whole church. It is a steal for only $1. If you're studying Ephesians, Paul's ministry, or just want to know more about some Biblical cities than you must get this book.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief introduction to Ephesus

The short book gives the background to the city of Ephesus, it’s connections to the New Testament, and a brief overview of the importance of the city first century.

[ཟླ་བ ཏ་མང · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t waste my fucking time to read the thickness and number and how deep. Is reading or writing better for those who call themselves the bet awarded writer in the world ????

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Interesting and informative. A good starting point for major events. This covers a great deal of history in a concise and entertaining way.

[Kat Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! It’s a quick read, probably like 50 pages, but gives some really helpful background on the context of Ephesus at the time Paul wrote to them!

[Aaron Carlberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and concise, but it did have a few assumptions. It read more like an essay or research paper than a book.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short history, but still very informative and interesting. It’s interesting to see how things tie together through different time periods.

[Tristan Sherwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does what it says…

Does what it says, with a good list of resources for more information. A handy digest of Ephesian history and culture.