Located in modern-day Turkey, Ephesus was the cradle of the early church. Covering current research in the cities of Priene and Tripolis, this second edition of Mark R. Fairchild's respected study gathers a wealth of information, original photographs, and detailed maps to provide context for the biblical account of the developing Christian community as it struggled to find its way in a hostile world. This volume provides crucial context for the biblical account with historical information gathered from ancient literary sources, archaeological discoveries, and a variety of early Christians, charting the growth and development of the early Christian church as ministry from the community at Ephesus produced Christian congregations throughout Asia Minor.