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A Week in the Life
A Week In the Life of Ephesus
How should Christians live in an age of empire? As the city of Ephesus prepares for a religious festival in honor of the emperor Domitian, a Christian landowner feels increasing pressure from the city's leaders to participate. Can he perform his civic duties and remain faithful to his Lord? Or has the time come for a costly choice? In this historical novel, biblical scholar David deSilva brings to life such compelling struggles faced by the early Christians. Their insistence on the absolute lordship of their own singular deity brought them into conflict not only with the myriad religious cults of the day, but with all the crushing power of the empire itself. Meticulously researched and supplemented by historical images and explanatory sidebars, A Week in the Life of Ephesus poses anew the timeless question of Christianity and empire. Here is a vividly imaginative portrait of the Roman empire in all its beauty and might―and hanging over it, the looming sky of apocalypse.
167 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2020
42 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
David A. deSilva
83 books68 followersDavid A. deSilva (PhD, Emory University) is Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. His numerous books include Introducing the Apocrypha and An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 20, 2025
This is the second in the series of "A Week in the Life of _____." Not only are these well-written but they superbly communicate historical, archaeological, and biblical truths in a creative way. I highly recommend them. My plan is to read the others in the series soon.
October 19, 2020
This short novella illustrates the joys (and perhaps fatal) challenges early Christians would have faced in the sorcerous and demonic city of Ephesus in the first-century. It’s more than a novella, though. David DeSilva sprinkles photographs (from his work in Turkey) and New Testament background throughout. In fact, if you want to know what life was like in Asia Minor in 90 AD, read this book.
The persecution the Christians faced wasn’t simply Nero’s “throw them to the lions.” It was more subtle. It was closer to a United Nations regulation. Can your faith accommodate different allegiances? How far can you accommodate?
The echoes in Revelation are unmistakable. DeSilva holds to a late date for Revelation, but doesn’t make a big deal for it. There are some fun “arcs” that catch the reader by surprise, though you should be able to see it coming. In fact, DeSilva deliberately doesn’t make it explicit.
The persecution the Christians faced wasn’t simply Nero’s “throw them to the lions.” It was more subtle. It was closer to a United Nations regulation. Can your faith accommodate different allegiances? How far can you accommodate?
The echoes in Revelation are unmistakable. DeSilva holds to a late date for Revelation, but doesn’t make a big deal for it. There are some fun “arcs” that catch the reader by surprise, though you should be able to see it coming. In fact, DeSilva deliberately doesn’t make it explicit.
January 27, 2023
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this little novel about 90 AD Ephesus. The tension and plot was gripping, and I felt like I better understood the time period that the last book of the New Testament was written in.
April 11, 2020
"A Week In the Life of Ephesus" is partly fiction and partly nonfiction. It read like a documentary show that's primarily made up of fictional reenactments to illustrate the points. The purpose was to educate readers (in an entertaining way) about the social and cultural background of the Christians that received Revelation so that we can better understand how it would have impacted them. A lot of educational material was worked into the story, but additional information was provided in "sidebars" (which could take up whole pages) that were placed within the story. The book included some pictures of archaeological ruins or artifacts that illustrated information in the non-fiction sidebars or events in the story.
The story followed several viewpoint characters but had two main storylines: an upper-class Christian in Ephesus was being pressured to worship the emperor and other gods in addition to the Christian God and a Christian merchant was offered an opportunity to sell goods to Rome at a large profit but at the cost of others lacking those goods. The author was trying to show the different ways various Christians in Ephesus were dealing with pressures to conform and look out for self interest over following Christ wholeheartedly. Overall, I'd recommend this book to people interested in the insights gained from cultural background information.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The story followed several viewpoint characters but had two main storylines: an upper-class Christian in Ephesus was being pressured to worship the emperor and other gods in addition to the Christian God and a Christian merchant was offered an opportunity to sell goods to Rome at a large profit but at the cost of others lacking those goods. The author was trying to show the different ways various Christians in Ephesus were dealing with pressures to conform and look out for self interest over following Christ wholeheartedly. Overall, I'd recommend this book to people interested in the insights gained from cultural background information.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 25, 2020
This is the book I've been searching for, a book that helps bring the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey to life. Setting the fictionalized part of his story during the last week of September in AD 89, deSilva breathes life into historical and archaeological details through his large cast of characters representing many different groups living and working within this cosmopolitan city. This isn't a novel, although the fictional part of the book does build to a worthy climax. It's also not strictly a scholarly work, although the factual information appears to be well-researched, with ample documentation. Rather, this is an engaging mashup of fact and fiction for anyone who wants a readable glimpse of daily life and the early church in this famous city.
January 5, 2025
This book is a great fictional look into what life may have been like for the early church in Ephesus. Drawing on his expertise as a biblical scholar and historian, deSilva has written a historical fiction book that is both interesting as fiction but also informative for understanding the early church and Greco-Roman culture.
I expected this book to be historically accurate and informative, but what I didn't expect was how well the story was written and how much I would be drawn into the plot. I wanted to know what would happen to the main characters and how they would approach their dilemmas.
DeSilva includes informational sidebars where he explains different cultural aspects to inform readers and help them understand the world of the book. I found them interesting but it is easy to skip over them if you want to just focus on the plot.
The book is meant to be a glimpse into the life of Christians in Ephesus and it does that well. It's less than 200 pages so it is a quick read. The book is divided into 7 chapters, each a day of the week, yet deSilva has structured his plot well so that there is some closure by the end.
I expected this book to be historically accurate and informative, but what I didn't expect was how well the story was written and how much I would be drawn into the plot. I wanted to know what would happen to the main characters and how they would approach their dilemmas.
DeSilva includes informational sidebars where he explains different cultural aspects to inform readers and help them understand the world of the book. I found them interesting but it is easy to skip over them if you want to just focus on the plot.
The book is meant to be a glimpse into the life of Christians in Ephesus and it does that well. It's less than 200 pages so it is a quick read. The book is divided into 7 chapters, each a day of the week, yet deSilva has structured his plot well so that there is some closure by the end.
August 7, 2025
A very timely historical fiction that makes the Pax Romana and Christian persecution in Empire come alive in surprising and concrete ways. A fascinating little novella I am exciting to share with my tenth grade students this year
September 11, 2021
This wasn't as good as A week in the life of Rome, but I still found it interesting.
July 11, 2020
Stop the presses! Hold your horses! Cease fire! Power off those computers, iPads, and cellphones (after you read this review and purchase a copy of this book)! David A. deSilva, Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary and prolific author, has given pastors, professors and parishioners a delightful resource in this new 176-page softback, "A Week in the Life of Ephesus". It's the latest addition to the "A Week in the Life of" series put out by IVP Academic. And this little volume is well worth setting everything else aside and diving in!
The manuscript reads like a novella, and draws one into the social, civic and ceremonial life in Ephesus just at the time "The Apocalypse" was sent to the seven churches. This is what makes it such a uniquely valuable resource. It may not give you all the inner secrets of John's Revelation, but it will give you a believable feel for the thinking, perspectives, decisions, and cultural milieu the biblical dossier met when it arrived in that 1st Century port city. The characters are credible, the dilemmas are convincing, and the plots and ploys conceivable.
I especially appreciated three aspects of the book. First, deSilva brings out the entwining of religious, judicial, and political loyalties. Religious disloyalty was understood as political disloyalty and judicial disloyalty. In the words of the plotting pagan, Serapion, "The disappearance of piety toward the gods will eventually mean the disappearance of loyalty and unity among people and the decay of all justice. We need to cleanse our city of such pollution..." (158). In our highly specialized and dissected western ideological framework, we easily forget that this is, and was, how most of the world lives.
Further, the author gives readers a very plausible Nicholaus (the potential and imaginative founder of the Nicolaitans?). Nicholaus was the "son of Strato, of Pergamum, a Christian and junior priest of the Provincial Temple of Augustus and Roma in Pergamum" (14). This description in the list of characters in the drama, alerts readers. How could one who claimed to be a Christ-follower rationalize such conflicting roles and responsibilities. And the reader will not be left hanging and guessing. The author brings out a suitable facsimile of the character's reasoning, and how convincing it must have been, especially since "we all need to adapt if our faith is going to survive in the long term...I want to see our movement flourish rather than be swept further and further into the cracks and crevasses of society" (123). The whole rationale sounds very contemporary.
Finally, deSilva teases out what it would have cost our 1st Century brothers and sisters to remain faithful in their setting. From slaves, to manual laborers, to the wealthy, believers paid a heavy cost, and the value of John's Apocalypse for that moment is crystal clear. This volume will give thoughtful readers a greater appreciation not only for the challenges in the early years, but also the challenges many Christians face throughout the majority world, and are subtly facing us in the West.
"A Week in the Life of Ephesus" is the book to get and read immediately. Once it arrives, put aside all other chores and charges, sit down, and pour over these pages. It will take a few hours, and you will never regret it. I especially encourage pastors and bible teachers who are preparing to present sermons or lessons on the Revelation to snatch up a copy quickly. I highly recommend this book.
Much thanks goes to IVP Academic. I requested the book, and they happily sent me the copy i used for this analysis. There were no strings attached, therefore this evaluation is freely made and freely given.
The manuscript reads like a novella, and draws one into the social, civic and ceremonial life in Ephesus just at the time "The Apocalypse" was sent to the seven churches. This is what makes it such a uniquely valuable resource. It may not give you all the inner secrets of John's Revelation, but it will give you a believable feel for the thinking, perspectives, decisions, and cultural milieu the biblical dossier met when it arrived in that 1st Century port city. The characters are credible, the dilemmas are convincing, and the plots and ploys conceivable.
I especially appreciated three aspects of the book. First, deSilva brings out the entwining of religious, judicial, and political loyalties. Religious disloyalty was understood as political disloyalty and judicial disloyalty. In the words of the plotting pagan, Serapion, "The disappearance of piety toward the gods will eventually mean the disappearance of loyalty and unity among people and the decay of all justice. We need to cleanse our city of such pollution..." (158). In our highly specialized and dissected western ideological framework, we easily forget that this is, and was, how most of the world lives.
Further, the author gives readers a very plausible Nicholaus (the potential and imaginative founder of the Nicolaitans?). Nicholaus was the "son of Strato, of Pergamum, a Christian and junior priest of the Provincial Temple of Augustus and Roma in Pergamum" (14). This description in the list of characters in the drama, alerts readers. How could one who claimed to be a Christ-follower rationalize such conflicting roles and responsibilities. And the reader will not be left hanging and guessing. The author brings out a suitable facsimile of the character's reasoning, and how convincing it must have been, especially since "we all need to adapt if our faith is going to survive in the long term...I want to see our movement flourish rather than be swept further and further into the cracks and crevasses of society" (123). The whole rationale sounds very contemporary.
Finally, deSilva teases out what it would have cost our 1st Century brothers and sisters to remain faithful in their setting. From slaves, to manual laborers, to the wealthy, believers paid a heavy cost, and the value of John's Apocalypse for that moment is crystal clear. This volume will give thoughtful readers a greater appreciation not only for the challenges in the early years, but also the challenges many Christians face throughout the majority world, and are subtly facing us in the West.
"A Week in the Life of Ephesus" is the book to get and read immediately. Once it arrives, put aside all other chores and charges, sit down, and pour over these pages. It will take a few hours, and you will never regret it. I especially encourage pastors and bible teachers who are preparing to present sermons or lessons on the Revelation to snatch up a copy quickly. I highly recommend this book.
Much thanks goes to IVP Academic. I requested the book, and they happily sent me the copy i used for this analysis. There were no strings attached, therefore this evaluation is freely made and freely given.
June 10, 2021
Excellent review of life for Christians in AD 89 through a story that illuminates the background of the Letter of Revelation
July 23, 2020
Summary: A historical novel exploring the religious and cultural context of Ephesus during the reign of Domitian c. 90 AD.
The latest installment in the IVP Academic A Day in the Life Series acquaints us with the religious and cultural context during the reign of Domitian, around 90 AD. Like other books in the series, David deSilva uses a historical fiction approach centering around Amyntas, a prosperous Christian landowner in a context becoming increasingly hostile to Christians, who were considered atheists because they did not join in the worship of the pantheon of deities, from local deities to the cult of the Roman Emperor Domitian.
Amyntas hosts a gathering of Christians in his home. Some community leaders, who are also involved in the various religious cults, including that of the Emperor Domitian, for whom Ephesus has been designated a regional center, collude in a plot to trap Amyntas. They invite him to become a neopoioi for the temple of Domitian. This is a kind of caretaker or trustee position, that on the face of it is an honor and would make him an insider. But it would either compromise him, or "out" him as a Christian, leading to his being ostracized, or worse. A close friend, and then his own son, are beaten up for their Christian beliefs.
A Christian friend from Pergamum suggests that he "go along to get along." After all, "idols don't really mean anything." The contacts he would make, and the influence he would wield, could help the Christians. People from his house church disagree, and even as Amyntas' friend to leave. Amyntas struggles to decide. It becomes more complicated when a letter arrives from the John, in exile on the isle of Patmos.
Through the narrative and sidebars, we learn about the pantheon of gods, and emperor worship, and how Christians worshiped. An underlying theme is the power of imperial Rome and how that power was projected through the imperial cult, and how imperial Rome was a drain on the rest of the empire. Although set two millenia ago, the narrative raises questions about what Christian faithfulness looks like in relation to the competing claims of empire. We are forced to consider what we would do, or perhaps are doing, when faced with the conflicting claims to allegiance of empire, and the kingdom of God. David deSilva portrays the subtle guise in which the temptation may come, the allure of the inner ring, the justifications one may use, and the real consequences of Christian faithfulness many through the ages have faced.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The latest installment in the IVP Academic A Day in the Life Series acquaints us with the religious and cultural context during the reign of Domitian, around 90 AD. Like other books in the series, David deSilva uses a historical fiction approach centering around Amyntas, a prosperous Christian landowner in a context becoming increasingly hostile to Christians, who were considered atheists because they did not join in the worship of the pantheon of deities, from local deities to the cult of the Roman Emperor Domitian.
Amyntas hosts a gathering of Christians in his home. Some community leaders, who are also involved in the various religious cults, including that of the Emperor Domitian, for whom Ephesus has been designated a regional center, collude in a plot to trap Amyntas. They invite him to become a neopoioi for the temple of Domitian. This is a kind of caretaker or trustee position, that on the face of it is an honor and would make him an insider. But it would either compromise him, or "out" him as a Christian, leading to his being ostracized, or worse. A close friend, and then his own son, are beaten up for their Christian beliefs.
A Christian friend from Pergamum suggests that he "go along to get along." After all, "idols don't really mean anything." The contacts he would make, and the influence he would wield, could help the Christians. People from his house church disagree, and even as Amyntas' friend to leave. Amyntas struggles to decide. It becomes more complicated when a letter arrives from the John, in exile on the isle of Patmos.
Through the narrative and sidebars, we learn about the pantheon of gods, and emperor worship, and how Christians worshiped. An underlying theme is the power of imperial Rome and how that power was projected through the imperial cult, and how imperial Rome was a drain on the rest of the empire. Although set two millenia ago, the narrative raises questions about what Christian faithfulness looks like in relation to the competing claims of empire. We are forced to consider what we would do, or perhaps are doing, when faced with the conflicting claims to allegiance of empire, and the kingdom of God. David deSilva portrays the subtle guise in which the temptation may come, the allure of the inner ring, the justifications one may use, and the real consequences of Christian faithfulness many through the ages have faced.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 11, 2020
What was it like to live in the Roman Empire? A Week in the Life of Ephesus by David A. DeSilva is a historical novel that will transport you to the life and times of the interesting Biblical city of Ephesus.
Early Christianity
The narrative follows several characters as they live their daily life in the last week of September in the year AD 89. The characters in this story are connected to each other, allowing you to see the different viewpoints of what it was like to be an early Christian. And in some chapters, you get to see what it was like to be opposed to early Christians.
The story shifts while looking at various occupations and settings. You meet Amyntas, a Christian and wealthy landowner. Demetrius is a Christian merchant and host to a house church. Euplus is a Christian slave. Throughout the course of the book, the reader visits a townhouse, the harbor, the temple, the great theatre, the gymnasium, and the council chamber.
New Life and Understanding
The book also presents historical images and explanatory sidebars to supplement the story. Musical instruments, the Jewish community of Ephesus, and the Games of Neapolis are standout sections. And familiar characters are often alluded to or even interacted with, including John the Apostle.
This book breathed new life into my understanding of the context of the Biblical world. I was moved by the disrespect and dangers that came from following Jesus. And I was challenged to live courageously, like our older brothers and sisters of the faith, as we long and look for Christ to come again.
I received a media copy of A Week in the Life of Ephesus and this is my honest review.
Early Christianity
The narrative follows several characters as they live their daily life in the last week of September in the year AD 89. The characters in this story are connected to each other, allowing you to see the different viewpoints of what it was like to be an early Christian. And in some chapters, you get to see what it was like to be opposed to early Christians.
The story shifts while looking at various occupations and settings. You meet Amyntas, a Christian and wealthy landowner. Demetrius is a Christian merchant and host to a house church. Euplus is a Christian slave. Throughout the course of the book, the reader visits a townhouse, the harbor, the temple, the great theatre, the gymnasium, and the council chamber.
New Life and Understanding
The book also presents historical images and explanatory sidebars to supplement the story. Musical instruments, the Jewish community of Ephesus, and the Games of Neapolis are standout sections. And familiar characters are often alluded to or even interacted with, including John the Apostle.
This book breathed new life into my understanding of the context of the Biblical world. I was moved by the disrespect and dangers that came from following Jesus. And I was challenged to live courageously, like our older brothers and sisters of the faith, as we long and look for Christ to come again.
I received a media copy of A Week in the Life of Ephesus and this is my honest review.
September 25, 2023
The book explores the experiences of Christians from AD 89 onwards, set against the
vibrant backdrop of Ephesus, a city appointed as the "provincial temple of the imperial cult
of Roma" (page 84). This prestigious title brought honor and pride to its citizens. The book
examines the political climate, culture, and various interests of Roman citizens—ranging
from temple cult worship and a fondness for olive oil and wine (to the detriment of the
poorer citizens, who lacked grains), to the ownership of slaves, engagement in sports, and
pursuit of philosophy, secular piety, and religiosity, among others. The interactions
between Ephesus and neighboring nations during that era are also covered.
The book also highlights the real threats, challenges, and persecutions faced by Christians
residing in Ephesus. Central to the narrative is Amyntas, a Christ follower navigating life
in the midst of an idolatrous city while striving to be faithful to the Lord in loving and
serving Him more than anything else and loving his neighbors well, Christians or not.
Though the story is fictional, the backdrop is based on well-researched historical facts, and
is illustrated with images of documented relics from this civilization. The book breathes
life into the Bible as characters recite scriptures, heard God’s word: the Revelation of Jesus
Christ through the visions of Apostle John, and recite early creeds—or at least a form of
them—which fuel their hope and resilience amidst slander and persecution.
vibrant backdrop of Ephesus, a city appointed as the "provincial temple of the imperial cult
of Roma" (page 84). This prestigious title brought honor and pride to its citizens. The book
examines the political climate, culture, and various interests of Roman citizens—ranging
from temple cult worship and a fondness for olive oil and wine (to the detriment of the
poorer citizens, who lacked grains), to the ownership of slaves, engagement in sports, and
pursuit of philosophy, secular piety, and religiosity, among others. The interactions
between Ephesus and neighboring nations during that era are also covered.
The book also highlights the real threats, challenges, and persecutions faced by Christians
residing in Ephesus. Central to the narrative is Amyntas, a Christ follower navigating life
in the midst of an idolatrous city while striving to be faithful to the Lord in loving and
serving Him more than anything else and loving his neighbors well, Christians or not.
Though the story is fictional, the backdrop is based on well-researched historical facts, and
is illustrated with images of documented relics from this civilization. The book breathes
life into the Bible as characters recite scriptures, heard God’s word: the Revelation of Jesus
Christ through the visions of Apostle John, and recite early creeds—or at least a form of
them—which fuel their hope and resilience amidst slander and persecution.
July 9, 2020
A Week In the Life of Ephesus
by David A. deSilva
InterVarsity Press
IVP Academic
Christian
Pub Date 09 Jun 2020
I am reviewing a copy of A Week in the Life of Ephesus through InterVarsity Press and Netgalley:
A Week in the Life of Ephesus attempts to answer the question “How should Christians live in the age of Empire?
As the book opens Ephesus is preparing for a religious festival in honor of the emperor Domitian, a Christian landowner feels increasing pressure from the city's leaders to participate. The question is can he remain Faithful to his God, while still performing his civic duty. Or will he have to make a choice that could cost him a lot?
David DeSilva brings to life the struggle that early Christians faced Their insistence on the absolute lordship of their own singular deity brought them into conflict not only with the myriad religious cults of the day, but with all the crushing power of the empire itself.
The effort DeSilva pur in the meticulous research of this historical novel is evident from start to finish. Allowing for the readers to feel as if they had been transported back to the early days of Christianity in effort, as well as the very real struggles they faced, simply trying to live their lives, and live their faith.
I give A Week in the Life of Ephesus five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 28, 2020
Students of the NT, and in particular Revelation, will find that this novel grounds biblical characters and places in their ancient settings. deSilva captures well the stresses and tensions from many sources for those who sought to follow Jesus in a polytheistic society where the religion of the state impacted so much of daily life. Roman traditionalists, observant Jews, and those who tried to blend Christian faith with everyday social practices all served as a backdrop against which Jesus’ followers carved out the practical implications of their relationship with the Lord. The story line condenses and yet faithfully captures the tone of Revelation’s message as it relates to daily affairs. Those already familiar with the geography, architecture, and religion of first-century Asia Minor will find this account easier to read, but even those with little exposure to Revelation will have no difficulty in following along. The text is peppered with photos and insets which allow the modern reader to imagine these locales as they were when vibrant with life. I found A Week in the Life of Ephesus to be an imaginative and uplifting story of faith and a call to faithful service in the Lord’s kingdom.
October 3, 2021
This novella covers a week in late September, AD 89, beginning on the birthday of Augustus, which had become the first day of the year in a calendar used in Asia Minor.
Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum were engaged in a kind of competition over which city could do the most to honor Rome's "divine" emperors. Jews were exempt from emperor worship, but the Christians, who were now distinct from synagogue communities, faced persecution for refusing to take part.
Some Christians favored going through the motions of pagan worship, rationalizing that if they fit in better, the gospel might receive a more favorable hearing among the elite. Others, following the apostle John, rejected a path of compromise.
Christian merchants faced challenges as well. Great profits could be made by trading with Rome, but at the possible cost of depriving local people of essential commodities.
The novella explores what life was like for Christians from various walks of life in Ephesus. The narrative is interspersed with sidebars presenting the historical data upon which the story is based. There are also a number of photographs of artifacts and ruins from the region. The book gives valuable insight into the background and meaning of the book of Revelation.
Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum were engaged in a kind of competition over which city could do the most to honor Rome's "divine" emperors. Jews were exempt from emperor worship, but the Christians, who were now distinct from synagogue communities, faced persecution for refusing to take part.
Some Christians favored going through the motions of pagan worship, rationalizing that if they fit in better, the gospel might receive a more favorable hearing among the elite. Others, following the apostle John, rejected a path of compromise.
Christian merchants faced challenges as well. Great profits could be made by trading with Rome, but at the possible cost of depriving local people of essential commodities.
The novella explores what life was like for Christians from various walks of life in Ephesus. The narrative is interspersed with sidebars presenting the historical data upon which the story is based. There are also a number of photographs of artifacts and ruins from the region. The book gives valuable insight into the background and meaning of the book of Revelation.
May 9, 2020
A Week in the Life of Ephesus, by David A. deSilva, has an engaging story but it works better as an insight into the cultural background behind the some of the writings you will read in various books of the Bible (Acts, Ephesians, Revelation). Admittedly, going into my reading I was more interested in the cultural background than I was the narrative so this may be why I didn’t find the narrative all that engaging. I still really liked the book, and I would definitely suggest it to anyone who is interested in finding out the cultural context of what life was like for Christians in Ephesus when Paul and John were interacting with this community. I’m bouncing between a 3 star review and a 4 star review and I’d be happier with a 3.5. But, since you can’t do that, and since 3.5 gets rounded up, I think we’ll go with a 4 star review! If you’re interested in cultural backgrounds to the Bible, and you’d like a narrative backbone to help you learn more context, this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and InterVarsty Press for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and InterVarsty Press for my honest opinion.
July 21, 2020
The newest book in InterVarsity Press' "Week in the Life" series, "A Week in the Life of Ephesus" by David DeSilva, is an exciting trip into the first century world of Greco-Roman culture, imperial cult worship, and the emerging new movement of the Christian church. DeSilva builds an authentic historical world based on the latest scholarship and introduces the reader to the conversations and conflicts of the young Christian movement as it faced pressures to conform to the Greco-Roman society around it. DeSilva's characters struggle over whether participation in cultic worship was acceptable, and how should such participation be weighed against the economy of honor and social benefits (struggles which might inspire reflection for the reader and their own social context). The story also models how the book of Revelation's apocalyptic commentary shifted the way Revelation's first audience understood their own world anew after encountering Jesus' perspective in Revelation's powerful imagery. Highly recommended!
July 30, 2023
Our bible study this quarter is on Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. I enjoy reading Bible fiction to get a an idea of the culture, politics etc of the time period, so when I saw this title I was intrigued.
Sadly, I was disappointed. Nearly halfway through the book the characters were still being identified. The conversations meant to introduce readers to each character and their place in the story, seemed written for that very prose, rather than naturally flowing to let the reader determine things. And there seemed to be a lot of extraneous conversation - again for the same purpose but it failed in the effort. Very little relating to Christianity had happened by the 40% point and I was growing bored but forced myself to push through - hoping things would get more exciting (or exciting at all) so I would not have wasted my money as well as my time. It did get a bit more exciting but more time was spent setting the foundation than went into the the point of the story.
Sadly, I was disappointed. Nearly halfway through the book the characters were still being identified. The conversations meant to introduce readers to each character and their place in the story, seemed written for that very prose, rather than naturally flowing to let the reader determine things. And there seemed to be a lot of extraneous conversation - again for the same purpose but it failed in the effort. Very little relating to Christianity had happened by the 40% point and I was growing bored but forced myself to push through - hoping things would get more exciting (or exciting at all) so I would not have wasted my money as well as my time. It did get a bit more exciting but more time was spent setting the foundation than went into the the point of the story.
July 30, 2021
De Silva wrote an amazing historical narrative around the city of Ephesus during the period of the book of revelation, bringing historical facts, materials, thinking, drawing a picture of the life through many characters in their context.
Love the main line, the characters are really well written and we want to follow them in their aventure.
My first book in this genre and I felt in love with it, wanting to read the whole collection!
Enjoyed to read this one and that changed of the more “academic-style”
If you want to breath and want to continue in your theme, this genre is perfect!
Love the main line, the characters are really well written and we want to follow them in their aventure.
My first book in this genre and I felt in love with it, wanting to read the whole collection!
Enjoyed to read this one and that changed of the more “academic-style”
If you want to breath and want to continue in your theme, this genre is perfect!
March 18, 2024
An insightful look into the dilemma facing ancient Christians to conform into the Roman Empire while also attempting to follow Christ. Starts out slow and information heavy but gradually turns into a relatable, somewhat interesting drama. The book does a great job of illustrating the social pressures they faced and thoughtfully articulates arguments for and against conformity. This book definitely enriched my knowledge of what types of Christians 1 & 2 Peter and Revelations were addressed to. Not life changing, but definitely helpful.
July 26, 2021
An enjoyable read with a powerful informative effect. Like any good historical fiction it takes you into the life of the people, but this series and author draws from archeological finds and sound historical data to inform readers in a way that enriches their reading of scripture. Readers walk away better informed about the world of the New Testament (and shortly after) and what it may have been like for Christians living in Ephesus.
December 5, 2023
I started this book on pg 95 and read until the end…don’t ask why lol. But I wish I read the whole thing because I really enjoyed it! It really brought the 1st century Roman world to life, highlighting the difficulties new Christians faced during this time. I really enjoyed the beautiful, vivid descriptive language too! It ended with the great message of hope that comes through Jesus, and I always love a good ending!
May 11, 2021
An easy read that teaches you little somethings as well as gives you a tiny glimpse of another time. I disagree with some of the decisions of how an early house church might be, but overall it’s simple fun.
The plots resolve in very “modern evangelical Christian movie” ways, but one should just cringe and bear it.
I was kind of hoping for a John appearance.
The plots resolve in very “modern evangelical Christian movie” ways, but one should just cringe and bear it.
I was kind of hoping for a John appearance.
August 31, 2021
A story of the imagined life of a Christian in Roman Ephesus around 100 AD. It includes lots of photos of ruins and artifacts and notes about the city, the empire, and the religious atmosphere. The story isn't great, just a means to facilitate telling what Christians faced at that time, and it did a good job of that.
December 24, 2023
I read this in anticipation of seeing Ephesus in 2024. As an informational book, if was very good at describing life in the Roman Empire. As a novel, it was didactic and not very gripping. If you're interested in historical novels of the same time period, try out Lindsey Davis's series. They won't give you much of a Christian perspective, but they will draw you into life in those times.
April 3, 2020
This is book wasn’t what I thought it was. I thought it was more like a study book but sadly it wasn’t. Others may have enjoyed much more than I did.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and InterVarsty Press for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and InterVarsty Press for my honest opinion.
August 21, 2023
This was a great read with a unique perspective on the historical world Scripture was written in. The characters felt real and were compelling, and the historical inserts were also helpful for understanding.
December 11, 2025
I learned things about ancient Ephesus!
I reconsidered old thoughts- about theology and what it was like to stand up as a Christian -and was introduced to new things, too.
The author lists his references throughout, and has a page of suggestions for further study at the end.
I reconsidered old thoughts- about theology and what it was like to stand up as a Christian -and was introduced to new things, too.
The author lists his references throughout, and has a page of suggestions for further study at the end.
June 19, 2020
Fascinating story. Read this in conjunction with studies of the book of Revelation!
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