In the time of the apostles the western portion of Asia Minor was known as the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus, the capital, was a great commercial center. Its harbor was crowded with shipping, and its streets were thronged with people from every country. Like Corinth, it presented a promising field for missionary effort.

På apostlenes tid var den vestlige del af Lilleasien kendt under navn af provinsen Asien. Hovedstaden Efesus var et vigtigt handelscenter. Dens havn myldrede med skibe og i dens gader var der trængsel af folk fra alverdens lande. Ligesom Korint frembød den rige muligheder for missionsvirksomhed.