Metaphysical meaning of Ephesus (mbd)
Ephesus, eph'-e-sus (Gk.)--desirable; appealing.
A city of Asia Minor, and capital of Ionia (Acts 20:17; Rev. 2:1). Ephesus was at one time a center of learning, also of commerce. It was noted for its wonderful temple that was built for worship of the goddess Diana.
Meta. The central building faculty of the consciousness called desire.
In its physical aspect Ephesus symbolizes the stomach. In its mental aspect it symbolizes the ganglionic center at the pit of the stomach, which controls and directs all the organs pertaining to digestion and assimilation.
Philosophers like Darwin and Spencer say that desire is the root of all body building. They claim that desire draws together the few protoplasmic cells that make the stomach of the most primitive life forms. Desire is but another name for constructive thought. The desire is the center from which goes forth the impetus that makes the form.
The cells that build the form are moved upon by ideas; hence the character of the form is determined by the prevailing ideas back of it. Ephesus was given up to idolatry, superstition, and general materialism. So we find in unregenerate man that the Ephesus center is given over to physical and sense ideas and must be raised to the spiritual by the impregnating power of the word; hence Paul spent three years preaching the gospel in Ephesus.
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Preceding Entry: Ephesians
Following Entry: Ephlal
