Ephesians

OUR CHURCHES come is all styles and shapes – secret meetings in homes; wide-open gatherings in amphitheaters; worship services packing thousands into a sanctuary while an overflow crowd watches on closed television; handfuls who kneel in urban storefronts. Buildings will vary, but the church is not confined to four walls. The church of Jesus Christ is people, his people, of every race and nation who love Christ and are committed to serving him.

The “church age” began at Pentecost (Acts 2). Born in Jerusalem, the church spread rapidly through the ministry of the apostles and the early believers. Fanned by persecution, the gospel flame then spread to other cities and nations. On three courageous journey, Paul and his associates established local assemblies in scores of Gentile citites.

One of the most prominent of those churches was at Ephesus. It was established in A.D. 53 on Paul’s homeward journey to Jerusalem. But Paul returned a year later, on his third missionary trip, and stayed there for three years, preaching and teaching with great effectiveness (Acts 19:1-20). At another time, Paul met with the Ephesians elders, and sent Timothy to serve as their leader (1 Timothy 1:3). Just a few years later, Paul was sent as a prisoner to Rome. In Rome, he was visited by messages from various churches, including Tychicus of Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter to the churches and sent it with Tychicus. Not written to counteract heresy or to confront any specific problem, Ephesians is a letter of encouragement. In it Paul describes the nation and appearance of a the church, and he challenges believers to function as the living body of Christ on earth.

After a warm greeting (1:1,2), Paul affirms the nature of the church – the glorious fact that believers in Christ have been showered with God’s kindness (1:3-8), chosen for greatness (1:9-12), marked with the Holy Spirit (1:13,14), filled with the Spirit’s power (1:15-23), freed from sin’s curse and bondage (2:1-10), and brought near to God (2:11-18). As part of God’s “household,” we stand with the prophets, apostles, Jews, Gentiles, and Christ himself (2:19 – 3:13). Then, as though overcome with emotion by remembering all that God has done, Paul challenges the Ephesians to live close to Christ, and he breaks into spontaneous praise (3:14-21).

Paul then turns his attention to the implications of being in the body of Christ, the church. Believers should have unity in their commitment to Christ and their use of spiritual gifts (4:17 – 5:20), and for the family, this means mutual submission and love (5:21 – 6:9).

Paul then reminds them that the church is in a constant battle with the forces of darkness and that they should use every spiritual weapon at their disposal (6:10-17). He concludes by asking for their prayers, commissioning Tychicus, and giving a benediction (6:18-24).

As you read this masterful description of the church, thank God for the diversity and unity in his family, pray for your brother and sisters across the world, and draw close to those in your local church.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their Christian faith by explaining the nature and purpose of the church, the body of Christ.

Author: Paul

To Whom Written: The church at Ephesus, and all believers everywhere

Date Written: About A.D.60, from Rome, during Paul’s imprisonment there

Setting: The letter was not written to confront and heresy or problem in the churches. It was sent with Tychicus to strengthen and encourage the churches in the area. Paul had spent over three year with the Ephesian church. As a result, he was very close to them. Paul met with the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus (Acts 20:17-28) – a meeting that was filled with great sadness because he was leaving them for what he thought would be the last time. Because there are no specific reference to people or problems in the Ephesian church and because the words “at Ephesus” (1:1) are not present in some early manuscripts, Paul may have intended this to be a circular letter to be read to all the churches in the area.

Key Verses: “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (4:4-6).

Key People: Paul, Tychicus

Special Features: Several pictures of the church are presented: body, temple, mystery, new man, bride, and soldier. This letter was probably distributed to many of the early churches.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
God’s purpose	According to God’s eternal, loving plan, he directs, carries out, and sustains our salvation.	When we respond to Christ’s love by trusting in him, his purpose becomes our mission. Have you committed yourself to fulfilling God’s purpose?
Christ the center	Christ is exalted as the central meaning of the universe and the focus of history. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all creation.	Because Christ is central to everything, his power must be central in us. Begin by placing your priorities under his control.
Living church	Paul describes the nature of the church. The church, under Christ control, is a living body, a family, a dwelling. God give believers specials abilities by his Holy Spirit to build the church.	We are part of Christ body, and we must live in vital union with him. Our conduct must be consistent with this living relationship. Use your God-given abilities to equip believer for service. Fulfill your role in the living church.
New family	Because God through Christ paid our penalty for sin and forgave us, we have been reconciled – brought near to him. We are a new society, a new family. Being united with Christ mean we are to treat one another as family members.	We are one family in Christ, so there should be no barriers, no division, no basis for discrimination. We all belong to him, so we should in harmony with one another.
Christian conduct	Paul encourages all Christians to wise, dynamic Christian living, for with privileges goes family responsibilities. As a new community, we are to live by Christ’s new standards.	God provides his Holy Spirit to enable us to live his way. To utilize the Spirit’s power, we must lay aside our evil desires and draw on the power of his new life. Submit your will to Christ, and seek to love others.