Chapter 28—Days of Toil and Trial VC

This chapter is based on Acts 19:21-41; 20:1. (AA 291) MC VC

For over three years Ephesus was the center of Paul’s work. A flourishing church was raised up here, and from this city the gospel spread throughout the province of Asia, among both Jews and Gentiles. (AA 291.1) MC VC

The apostle had now for some time been contemplating another missionary journey. He “purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” Acts 19:21. In harmony with this plan “he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus;” Acts 19:22. but feeling that the cause in Ephesus still demanded his presence, he decided to remain until after Pentecost. An event soon occurred, however, which hastened his departure. (AA 291.2) MC VC

Once a year, special ceremonies were held at Ephesus in honor of the goddess Diana. These attracted great numbers of people from all parts of the province. Throughout this period, festivities were conducted with the utmost pomp and splendor. (AA 291.3) MC VC