Ephesus Theater

Ephesus Theater

Ephesus Theater was built into a hillside facing Ephesus harbor, originally half mile away. Even though the Ephesus Theater seated 25,000 - a sizeable number even today - Ephesus Theater neither had nor needed a sound system, thanks to the breeze from the Cayster River that carried voices up the seats.

Even today, Ephesus Theater is still so sturdy that it held a Sting concert in 1993 as one local boasted about having attended. Worthy of less pride is what took place in this theater 2,000 years ago:

“So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.” (Acts 19:29-41)

The Bible says Paul left Ephesus after this incident but not before issuing a warning to the church.