Mark Wilson I, II. In his recent study on Ionia, A. Greaves adopts an Annaliste approach following the pioneering work of Fernand Braudel. Greaves attempts to move beyond a text-based understanding of sites and events by also considering the related landscape and geographical data. This study adopts Greaves' methodology in examining a text in Acts related to the Ionian cities of Ephesus and Miletus. Acts a records that Paul bypassed Ephesus, but later summoned the Ephesian elders to meet him in Miletus.
This summons sets up one of Paul's most important speeches and the only one in Acts delivered to a Christian audience. This study will examine the landscape and geography related to this stage of Paul's third journey as well as the journey of the Ephesian elders to Miletus.
It will also look at how recently published Bible atlases have incorrectly illustrated this segment of Paul's journeys. An Annaliste reading will bring fresh insights into Paul's travel habits and his decision making related to ministry as depicted in this pericope in Acts.
This article 1 attempts to elucidate a text in the book of Acts - the visit of the Ephesian elders to Miletus 2 during Paul's third journey - by way of an Annaliste reading. Discussed first is the methodology underlying this reading, which is drawn from a recent book by A.
Greaves on Ionia. The primary focus is to examine the geography and history related to Paul's sea journey, the journey of the elders, and the sacred role of Miletus as a pilgrimage city. The study also reveals an important geographical lacuna in the maps of western Asia Minor found in all atlases of the Bible. The conclusion reviews the insights gained from this reading for understanding the pericope in Acts.
