We are on our way to Turkey and Italy to film our next DVD Apostolic Fathers: Handing on the Faith. In honor of the major cities we will visit, I am posting my articles on Acts for the city of Antioch, Ephesians for the city of Ephesus, and Romans for the city of Rome.
It was in Ephesus that the Temple of Artemis stood — one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was standing with beauty and prominence when Paul was preaching there, when Mary visited Ephesus with St. John, and when Justin Martyr, Polycarp and Ignatius were there. In nearby Smyrna, Polycarp was bishop and was written to by the Apostle John.
Ignatius and Justin were both killed there, following the example of Peter and Paul. Justin beheaded, Ignatius eaten by lions.
We have a lot of work to do — Antioch (Antakya Turkey) is our first stop. It is just a 10 minute drive from the Syrian border. So, we better get going. I can't wait to share with the world these courageous Apostolic Fathers — Ignatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome, Polycarp of Smyrna, Irenaeus of Lyons, and Justin Martyr. Apostolic Fathers — pray for us!