Intro to Ephesians

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The apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to the churches around Ephesus (Acts 19) to display the scope of God’s eternal plan for all humanity—for Jews and Gentiles alike. This is the mystery of God, hidden for ages but now made known in Jesus Christ.

Home Work Acts 19

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Introduction

Paul’s first visit to Ephesus (on the seacoast of Lydia, near the river Cayster) is related in

Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians § 1. The Situation of Ephesus, and the Character of Its People

The city was most celebrated for the Temple of Diana also known as

It was dedicated to the Anatolian/Greek goddess Artemis (later associated with the Roman Diana), who was worshipped as a goddess of fertility, childbirth, and the wilderness.

The original temple was among the Seven Wonders of the World and was burnt down in 356 BCE on the eve of the birth of Alexander the Great.

Here are some of the things we can expect from our Study into Ephesians

Ephesians outlines the spiritual blessings and responsibilities of Christians, emphasizing unity in Christ, the call to holiness, and the impact of faith on relationships and daily living.

Our identity and unity in Christ empowering us to live out our faith in our communities and in the world, reflecting God's grace and truth.

The first three chapters focus on what Christians should believe, unfolding the glorious riches of God’s grace in Christ. Dead sinners are made alive and gain eternal salvation “by grace... through faith” (2:8).

The last three chapters explain the implications of God’s grace for the church, for individuals, and for families. This second section comes to a climax with a command to stand with the armor of God against the devil. Paul wrote this letter while in prison, probably in Rome about A.D. 60.

Acts 18:24–26 ESV

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Look at how God worked in this man’s life.

By the providential hand of God Paul left this couple behind who later discovered Apollos.

No matter how elegant and powerful you can preach or teach there is always someone who can impart new and deeper truths into you.

Acts 19:1 ESV

1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.

Acts 19:7 ESV

7 There were about twelve men in all.

They may have started small but realize this it did not stay that way.

The church in Ephesus is also one of seven who received letters in the book of Revelation, in which they are praised for being discerning, working for the name of Christ, and standing against the heretical Nicolaitans. But they are reprimanded for abandoning their first love for Christ (Rev. 2:1).

Nicolaitans who were charged with holding the error of Balaam, casting a stumbling block before the church of God by upholding the liberty of eating things sacrificed to idols as well as committing fornication

Balaam: He was driven by a desire for riches and status, willfully ignoring God's commands for personal profit.

It is possible that in their works and zeal for doctrine they had reduced Christianity to mere intellectual pursuit.

One of the traps of deep studies is you put more confidence in knowledge then you do faith that works with love.

"faith which worketh by love."

1. Begin with Blessings of Belonging

Ephesians 1:1-23

Ephesians 1 sets the stage for understanding our identity in Christ with spiritual blessings and how believers are chosen and predestined for unity in Christ. Highlighting the themes of redemption and inheritance through Jesus, and encouraging the saints to find their identity and purpose in this grace. Emphasizing how this foundational passage has called Christians to live in gratitude and hope, empowered by the same power that raised Christ from the dead.

Homework Read Ephesians 1