St. Paul’s Prison in Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus was undoubtedly a significant location for early Christianity. St. Paul’s three-year stay in Ephesus, his letters to the Ephesians, his sermons in the Ephesus Great Theater, and Demetrius, the Silversmith’s large protest against St. Paul organized in the Great Theater all play important roles during this Roman and Hellenistic period. 

St Paul’s Significance in Ephesus

We know that St. Paul was employed as a tent maker in the Commercial Agora, a large shopping center located near Celsus Library. From the city of Korint, he welcomed Agrippa and Pricilla. This couple worked alongside St. Paul, sewing tents and preaching in churches to spread Christianity.

Both the Ephesus Amphitheatre and the Commercial Agora bear the name of St. Paul. However, the recently discovered Grotto of St. Paul is also important. The Fresco of St. Paul, which dates from the fifth century AD and is unique in Ephesus, can be found in this Grotto. St. Paul is a saint. He is depicted with books and preaching in this fresco. There are two women near him, one of whom is thought to be Virgin Mary, and the other is believed to be St. Tecla.

In Ephesus, there is one more location affiliated with St Paul. It is the “Watch Tower” of St Paul’s jail, which was designed to control the city’s seaside. In Roman times, this location was on a small hill by the sea, and it was most likely a peninsula surrounded by the sea.

Why was St Paul in prison in Ephesus?

Any of the remains of the “Watch Tower” can still be seen today. However, this location is not included in the Ephesus tours. Since it isn’t open to the general public. However, it can be seen from afar on the Kusadasi-Selcuk road and during your Ephesus visit.

 It is unknown if this location was used as a prison or whether St. Paul was arrested in the “Watch tower.” But is it possible to ask this question? Why was St. Paul imprisoned? He is believed to have been imprisoned in order to defend himself from anti-government protests held in the Great Theatre.

St. Paul was a Roman citizen who was born in Tarsus, Turkey. That is why he was not punished and was allowed to leave Ephesus.