Ephesians
Gordon Crook, PastorGrace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas
Introduction
The letter of Paul to the Ephesians has some of the greatest instruction for God’s people. It helps us understand our position in Christ and what God’s purpose for us is.
Ephesus was a prominent port city in Asia Minor, in what is current day Turkey. It was a major religious site as the temple of Diana was there. This made it a wealthy city due to trade and religious tourism (pilgrimage). This religious aspect comes into full view as Paul evangelizes there in Acts starting in chapter 18.
He first goes to Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem but does not stay long, but he leaves Priscilla and Aquila there. When Apollos comes, they are able to help instruct him more perfectly in the gospel and he is an effective witness for the gospel.
In Acts 19 we find Paul returning to Ephesus and asking the believers if they have received the Holy Spirit. They have not yet heard about the Holy Spirit, and so Paul lays hands on them and they receive. When rejected by the Jews in the synagogue, Paul then goes to the gentiles with his message of grace.
He then stay for over two years and ministers mainly to the gentiles since the Jews had rejected his ministry. It seems that this allowed the gospel to be heard all over Asia at that time. “And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” Acts 19:10. Likely this is an effect of Ephesus being a major city with a lot of commerce and people traveling to and from there all over the known world.
In Acts 19:19 we see a great turning of people to God. They turn from their idolatry and witchcraft and burn their related books and the Word of God grows greatly.
When we study the letter that Paul wrote to the Ephesian saints, we come to realize that these were more mature saints than those at Corinth. The topics in this letter are a higher understanding of God’s purpose and work in the lives of His children. Paul wants these saints to know some important topics and have a deeper understanding. He even prays for them in this way. Ephesians 1:16-23.
Paul starts this letter the same way he starts most of his letters. With a salutation and his credentials. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 1:1. We know who wrote this and we know that Paul has been called by Jesus (apostle). He is the apostle to the gentiles (Galatians 2:7-8).
This is good, because many of the believers in Ephesus were gentiles. And, of course, we are also gentiles. Aren’t you glad God saw fit to call the gentiles to salvation through Jesus Christ as well as the Jews? This amazing fact is exactly what we find as we begin reading this letter.
“Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2.
An important reminder to us the we are here by God’s grace through Jesus. All that we are and all that we have comes to us through God’s grace. Paul uses this greeting in all of his letters. Paul understood personally the importance of God’s grace, because he had experienced it in His own life (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
As we go through this letter, we will find that Paul reminds us exactly what we are and what we have through Jesus, as well as what God desires to do through us. All through God’s grace. This letter is for those who would desire to mature in their relationship with Jesus. It provides instruction that we need and requires us to truly desire to look closely into it.
I think that we often read through some of these things quickly and enjoy something on the surface but then fail to dig deeper. God’s Word has much more than can be taken in with a cursory reading. I encourage you to take time to meditate through this letter to the Ephesians so that you can understand what God wants to work in your life. Ephesians 1:17-19.
Bible study in Ephesians will continue.
