Ephesus was the main city, capital of Ionia. In days of Revelation reception was capital of proconsular Asia and residence of the Roman governor. The word «Ephesus» means voluptuousness. As the founder of Ephesus church Kargel names Apostle Paul, referring on the book of Acts, 19:1. However in Acts.18: 24-28 it is told, that Apollos has visited there on purpose of gospel preaching still before Apostle Paul. But what for then visit was necessary of Apostle Paul in Ephesus church? It was necessary, that they have accepted the Holy Ghost, Acts.19:6. The similar history has occurred and with Samaritans which have accepted word of God, but the Holy Ghost did not descend yet on one of them, Acts.8: 14-17. Therefore to Samaritans apostles Peter and John have been sent, and in Ephesus apostle Paul has come. So it is necessary to consider as the church founder in Ephesus all the same of Apollos.
In Ephesus has spent a considerable part of the life apostle John. The author of work under the name «Timothy's Life» results the legend, accordingly which Apostle John was ship-wrecked on coast of Ephesus during Nero persecutions. In «The General message of the Ephesus cathedral», occurring in 431st year, it is said, that apostle John has gone in Ephesus later 12 years after Jesus Christ resurrection (that is in 43rd year AD - a comment of the author). The generation of Apostles quickly disappeared. All church of that time knew, that apostle John was last of twelve, survived. Soon should come day when already any person could not tell about Jesus: “I saw him”. But Apostle John still could tell it. Once presbyters of Ephesus church came to John with the request that he has stated his testimony to the world by the letter, so that he has written the Gospel. At first he through humility has evaded from so high the task, but after their persevering request has answered: « let fast with me three days and then we will inform each other any revelation which can be made to us separately » and has suddenly exclaimed, as though the inspired: « In the beginning was the Word! ». In the same night to Apostle Andrew it has been opened, that apostle John « should tell all from the own name, and that all should consider his writing ». Subsequently they told, that he has written all Gospel an impromptu and that his autograph, in gold letters has been kept in Ephesus church. This legend has remained in Muratori’s fragment and also in transfer of Geronimo (de Virr. illustr.), and also Irene which was the Asian origin and knew legends of Ephesus (see Haer.ll, 22 § 5; lll, 1 § 1; lll, 3 § 4; Y, 30 - §1; 33 - §3, 4). About it speaks and Eusebius (H. E. Y, 24) and other ancient authors. But not only has the Gospel been written by John in Ephesus. So, Eusebius says, that John's messages also have been written in Ephesus before fulfillment of the pastor’s review.
The following legend meets almost a general recognition: accordingly it when apostle John living in Ephesus, became already so old, that disciples hardly carried his even in church, and it was impossible for him, as before, to teach in meeting, - then he ordinary in various meetings limited his conversations with words: «children! Love each other». Disciples and brothers, having bored to hear from him all the same, at last, have told him: «the teacher! What for you to us repeat it constantly? ». John answered them with the following, his truly worthy words: «it is commandment of the Lord, and if observe it, then it is enough» (Jer. In Gal. Yl, 10). For the characteristic of Ephesus church expression goes very well: still true, but becoming with the cold.