The Ephesus Artemis was a goddess of fertility and was often pictured as draped with eggs, or multiple breasts, symbols of fertility, from her waist to her shoulders.

This goddess, who symbolised the soil and its fruitfulness and the fertility of nature, was worshipped under various names at various times and in various places.

Thousands of women died in childbirth or in illnesses following childbirth. A goddess that promised protection had a very loyal following. Men were attracted to this religion of a multi-breasted goddess because sex was a part of the worship of Artemis. They believed sexual intercourse in the temple linked them with the gods. There were so many young female priestesses serving in the temple that they were called bees. A bee adorned one of their coins, and blatantly advertised their city's main attraction!

In Ephesus prostitution was an accepted way of life. Ephesus was a sort of place where you do whatever you feel your flesh wants to do.

So what do you think of the culture and moral teachings in Ephesus?

What do you think are the struggles of the Christian there?

Read Acts 18 –19 to find out what happen when Paul first visited Ephesus.

Paul wrote this letter to Ephesians 3 to 4 years after leaving Ephesus while he was under home arrest in Rome.

Ephesians please read through the Chinese worksheet given by Yilin teacher for more information and details. Note that there is a mini test this sat on the previous lesson.

Homework is to memorise
Ephesian 1:7 in the Chinese version

我 们 在 他 爱 子 里， 借 着 他 的 血 蒙 了 救 赎 ，
过 犯 得 到 赦 免 ， 都 是 按 着 他 丰 盛 的 恩 典 。