The Magic Man?

So…what did Paul do this time?

So…what did Paul do this time?

Ephesians 5:1–5 ESV

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Paul wrote Ephesians while he was at Corinth

Paul wrote Ephesians while he was at Corinth

Points of contention:

Paul at Ephesus, and writing to Ephesus from Corinth.

Themes include:

Magic, sorcery and people seeing Paul as competition.

His writing and preaching about sexual purity

Idols and Idolatry.

Secondary possibilities:

Artemis Temple and association with magic

Early painting of Paul, possible sexist overtones

Ephesian theater

So what?

We are no longer the home team

We will always be considered inferior, less informed and less “with it”.

At the same time, we will still be considered competition for people’s hearts, minds and souls.

The mob still rules.

Acts 19: vs 1-7, 11-20>>>>>>>Eph. 5:vs. 1-5

Teaching about Christian baptism, Paul lays hands on them and they receive the Holy Spirit. Does this, as well as other stories

Eph. 5: vs. 1-6: Sexual purity would be contrary to Ephesian norms.

Eph. 5:vs. 22-32 >>>>>>>>>>>>1 Cor. 7 whole chapter

Nearly identical teachings about marriage issues. Was a single woman looked down upon in Ephesus?

Eph. 6:vs. 5-9 >>>>>>>>>>>>1 Cor 7: vs. 20-24

Same thoughts about slaves who had become Christians.