Ephesus was a prosperous port city and a centre for trade and commerce. It was also a centre of pagan religion, supporting the famous Temple of Artemis. In the Ephesian world-view, spiritual power was exerted through priests, sorcerers and spells, sacrifices and evil spirits, subjecting many to endless rituals, curses and blessings. And so Pauls proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord of all completely disrupted the established order. As a result, some believed and were saved, others resisted and opposed the gospel at every opportunity. (Please note, bible study questions relating to the sermon can be accessed by clicking on the paperclip icon, found on the right).