Christian Origins in Ephesus and Asia Minor

Dr. Mark FairChild is a blessing for all of us who want to know biblical history and the demographics, archeology of where the biblical scenes took place or are being referenced in the bible. Thank you for such wonderful work!

This is the book that I will be taking with me if I am ever privileged to tour Turkey and all the Bible sites there involving Paul or the Seven Churches of the Revelation. Since I have done some solo touring in Israel, I know what I’m looking for in a book that I would want to carry with me every day of the trip, and this is that kind of book. This second edition is an attractive hardback that would still easily fit in a backpack for travels. In the meanwhile, this book will also serve as an outstanding Bible study resource.The book begins with some vivid maps of First Century Asia Minor, followed by maps of Paul’s First and Second Missionary Journeys. In fact, the maps were created by Tutku Tours. After a brief introduction, chapter 1 introduces us to Ephesus. After background information and Bible history are shared, we get wonderful pictures and a tour guide to the archaeological site. In fact, the map on pages 10 and 11 are the same sort of map you would get if you were touring the site. If you use the map, and then the text, pictures, and descriptions given, you could easily plan your trip. The armchair traveler would feel as if he or she were there too. The paper and visual quality are similar to the small books you often find at tourist sites, though much more true to Bible history.Chapters 2 and 3 spread out from Ephesus to places like Miletus, Priene, Colossae, Hierapolois, Troas, and Assos. The quality of text, pictures, and tour guide information maintains its high level. Chapter 4 looks at Peter and John’s ministry in Asia Minor while chapter 5 turns its attention to the Seven Churches of Revelation. Finally, chapter 6 continues this history for the years after the New Testament period.After a brief conclusion, the book ends with a helpful glossary as there are many terms the reader might not be familiar with, timelines for archaeological periods, and historical ones as well. The author even attaches a lengthy bibliography for important commentaries on the New Testament as well as historical and archaeological resources on all the sites studied in the volume.I’m really impressed with this book and recommended for either Bible touring or Bible study. You’ll be a winner either way!I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I am a Prof. Tour Guide living in Turkey.At the end of one of my tours,somehow I took this book and started to study it.The More I read,the more curious I get.I learnt a lot from that book and when I had 7 churches tour with my groups,they were surprised and amazed by all the information I provided for them thanks to Mark. And I was thinking I wish I could meet him to thank to him in person.And when I see the 7 churches expertmanship on social media,u cant imagine how excited I get. My wish was granted. I met him and thanked to him in person. You've been an excellent teacher and a humble friend at the same time Mark.Thank you for everything.

An excellent volume on Ephesus and numerous little-known ancient towns in western Turkey. The book reviews the past history of these cities and towns, notes the origin of Christianity at these places and offers an up to date survey of archaeological work at these sites. The volume is loaded with excellent photos and maps of the ancient cities and concisely describes the Biblical and early Christian developments at these places.

Excellent book for both tourist and/or history buff interested in ancient cities in Asia Minor in the time of the Roman empire. Over 100 gorgeous color photos of the archaeological remains in 20 cities, along with descriptions of each city's history, Christian beginnings, and current archaeological remains.What I especially appreciate are the detailed maps of each of these ancient cities: Ephesus, Miletus, Priene, Hierapolis, Tripolis, Aphrodisias, Alexander Troas, Assos, Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis, Laodicea, Magnesia, Metropolis, Nysa, and Nicaea. Very hard to find many of these and I know--I've tried!

As a professor of the New Testament who has traveled extensively throughout Turkey, Mark Fairchild is impeccably qualified to write a book such as this. The running text immerses the reader in the local contexts of the early Christian mission in the Roman province of Asia and also several key cities from neighboring provinces north and south, the story of that mission beginning in Ephesus and spreading thence through Roman Asia, and the ongoing development of the mission through the opening decades of the first century. Sections focus on Paul's mission, the mission of Paul's team (e.g., Epaphras to Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea), the world of 1 Peter and the Johannine Letters (this is admittedly a very brief section), the Apocalypse of John, and, I would say in a natural but brilliant extension of the story, to Ignatius of Antioch and the Roman governor Pliny the Younger, famous for his letter to the emperor Trajan seeking guidance and confirmation for his prosecution of residents of Bithynia denounced to him as "Christians."The book is richly illustrated with photographs, I imagine most of them taken by Fairchild himself. These include photographs of important landmarks from the sites themselves, but also well-selected inscriptions and artifacts connecting with the emerging story of Christianity and its literature. Substantial series of photographs on each site accompany sketches of the history of these cities, sketches of the beginnings of Christian (and often Jewish) presence in these cities, and descriptions of the remains available to be seen today. Photos themselves are well captioned with brief notes highlighting the significance of what is being shown. A number of archaeological site maps completes this package.This is a beautifully produced and well written book that I would commend most enthusiastically, particularly to students (formal or informal) of the New Testament and the early Christian movement.

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