Paul saw that "a great door and effectual" was opening before him, although there were "many adversaries." 1 Corinthians 16:9. Ephesus was not only the most magnificent, but the most corrupt, of the cities of Asia. Superstition and sensual pleasure held sway over her teeming population. Under the shadow of her temples, criminals of every grade found shelter, and the most degrading vices flourished.

Paulus så, at "der var åbne døre for ham ind til et stort og virkningsfuldt arbejde," skønt der var "mange modstandere." Efesus var ikke blot den prægtigste, men også den mest fordærvede af provinsen Asiens byer. Overtro og sanselige fornøjelser beherskede dens myldrende befolkning. Forbrydere af alle slags fandt ly i dens templer og de mest nedværdigende laster florerede.