Miletus
Miletus is an ancient city mentioned in the New Testament, located in the region of Asia Minor in modern-day Turkey. It appears across 3 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Miletus features prominently in the New Testament as the site of one of the apostle Paul's most moving addresses. During his third missionary journey, Paul stopped at Miletus on his voyage toward Jerusalem and summoned the elders of the church at Ephesus to meet him there (Acts 20:15-17). His farewell speech to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:18-35) is one of the most poignant passages in Acts, as Paul reflects on his ministry among them, warns of coming dangers from false teachers, and declares that they would see his face no more. He commended them to God and to the word of His grace, kneeling to pray with them in a scene of deep emotion (Acts 20:36-38). Paul chose Miletus rather than Ephesus itself because he was hastening to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost and wished to avoid delay in the province of Asia (Acts 20:16). Miletus is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:20, where Paul notes that he left Trophimus sick at Miletus, indicating a later visit to the city during his final period of ministry.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Miletus was one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world, situated on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Extensive German excavations beginning in 1899 under Theodor Wiegand uncovered a magnificent ancient city including a large theater seating approximately 15,000 spectators, elaborate bath complexes, agoras, temples, and a well-planned harbor district. An inscription found in the theater reserves seating for "Jews and God-fearers," confirming the presence of a Jewish community. The city's four harbors, now silted up, once made it a major maritime center. The site of ancient Miletus lies near the modern village of Balat, several kilometers inland from the current coastline due to alluvial deposits from the Maeander River.
Verse Appearances (3)
2Tim
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →