The Cave Church of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus (AD 400s)
The Cave Church of the Apostle Paul is located in Ephesus high on the northern slope of Mount Coressus. Because the cave is closed to the public, most of the annual two million visitors to Ephesus are unaware that it even exists. The cave was likely a gathering place for Christians as early as the first and second centuries, with it’s present condition originating in the 400s. The cave has over five hundred inscriptions and graffiti (drawings). On the walls of two niches are inscriptions containing prayers such as “Lord, help your servant Timothy” and others that appeal to Paul for help. In the cave are frescoes of Paul and Thecla. This is perhaps the earliest fresco of Paul anywhere and reflects the description of Paul given in the Acts of Paul and Thecla.