Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
Introduction: The Apostle Paul was writing from prison in Rome. This prison was actually a house where Paul was kept under close guard at all times. He was probably chained to a Roman soldier but given certain privileges that were not offered to most prisoners. You see, although Paul had been a Pharisee by training and chosen vocation before becoming a follower of Christ, he was also a Roman citizen. Roman citizens were given special privileges and must have given him some favor while he was confined. The Prison Epistles include Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
Date Written: A.D. 60
Author: Paul sent letter with Tychicus (Chapter 6: 21-22)
Purpose: To strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their Christian faith by explaining the nature and purpose of the church, the body of Christ.
Today: Ephesus is located near the western shores of modern day Turkey. There is no longer a Christian church in Ephesus. The city of Ephesus is now an archaeological site.
Date Written: A.D. 60
Author: Paul sent letter with Tychicus (Chapter 6: 21-22)
Purpose: To strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their Christian faith by explaining the nature and purpose of the church, the body of Christ.
Today: Ephesus is located near the western shores of modern day Turkey. There is no longer a Christian church in Ephesus. The city of Ephesus is now an archaeological site.
Acts References to visiting Ephesians:
1st visit: Acts 18:19-21 (Paul was on his 2nd Missionary Journey)
During Paul’s second missionary journey, he briefly stopped at Ephesus and “went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will”
1st visit: Acts 18:19-21 (Paul was on his 2nd Missionary Journey)
During Paul’s second missionary journey, he briefly stopped at Ephesus and “went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will”
2nd visit: Acts 19 Paul is on his 3rd Missionary Journey and stays 3 years in Ephesus. The challenge in Ephesus was that it was home to pagan worship and sorcery. Particularly, the temple of the goddess Artemis (also referred to as Diana by the Romans) was located here. But the gospel began to change lives, and “a number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. . . . In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” As the followers of Artemis noticed the difference Paul’s preaching was having in their city, “there arose a great disturbance about the Way” (Acts 19:23) Most upset were those who had profited off the selling of miniature replicas of the temple. They realized that the spread of Christianity would be “bad for business” so they rioted. They were only quieted when the city clerk gained an audience and reminded the mob they were breaking Roman law in disturbing the peace (verse 40). But a church had been born and could not be stopped. Paul soon left Ephesus to continue his third missionary journey and decided to go to Jerusalem [interestingly...Paul said he must also visit Rome] (Acts 19:21).
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As a result of Paul's 2nd visit, the church was firmly established. In the center of Artemis worship, in a city known for paganism, immorality, and greed, the light of Jesus Christ shone brightly.
Despite the enemy’s intimidations, the church thrived. |
Visit with Ephesian Elders: Acts 20: 16-38 On his way to Jerusalem, Paul did not stop back through Ephesus (Acts 20: 16) but asked that the Ephesian church elders meet with him at Miletus. Paul expects that he will not see these people again (vs 25). He reminds them of their responsibility as overseers and to work hard to ensure that no one distorts the truth.
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Paul concludes his 3rd missionary trip by meeting with the Ephesian elders prior to going to Jerusalem by saying “Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (vs 32)
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In 60 AD, about 4 years after his last visit with the Ephesians, Paul finds himself imprisoned in Rome. Because he is a Roman citizen, he is given special privileges and is allowed to live by himself with a Roman soldier to guard him (Acts 28:16).
It is from this Roman prison that Paul reaches out to the Ephesians and writes his letter. |
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