Ephesus – Turkey

Hey Guys! I almost forgot to post my Adventure Wednesday photo for my photo a week challenge I have been trying to do. Today we are visiting Turkey in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Ephesus is such a remarkable city with tons of ruins still left standing in pristine condition. One of which is the famous Library of Celsus shown below in this photo. Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the ancient Mediterranean world with a population of around 250,000. With the ocean near by and Turkey positioned as apart of both Asia and Europe it acted as an important hub for trade during those times as well as a major hub for spreading the gospel. One of the most fascinating parts for me was to stand and walk the same streets as many of the members of the early Christian Church once did. I don’t know how many times I have read Ephesians but after walking the streets of Ephesus the words came to life for me in a whole new way. Actually one of my very favorite passages and benedictions comes from one of the letters Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church and it goes like this:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18