Ephesus was the capital of the largest city in the Roman province of Asia, along major trade routes. It was filled with temples, theatres, gymnasiums, bathhouses and brothels. Also well known for magical practices an arts, immorality and superstition.
Nevertheless, the most influential Christian Church in the province was in Ephesus.
The situation in the Ephesus Church corresponds to the spiritual condition of the Church from AD31 to AD100.
It was characterized by love and faithfulness to the gospel; but by the end of the first century, it began losing the fire of its first love, thus departing from the simplicity and purity of the gospel. Its love for Christ and fellow members began to wane.
Source reference: SDA 1Q19 Quarterly