Ephesians: An Introduction
Opening Remarks:
As we embark on this study of a marvelous portion of God’s Word, it
is both good and necessary to look at who wrote it, to whom it was
written and the circumstances under which it was written.
Background:
A.
The
Author
The first word of the letter identifies Paul. Ephesians was written
by inspiration. This letter is very similar to the one he wrote to
the church at Colosse. He uses many of the same type of phrases and
wording. Many writers who lived back in the early years of the
Christian age quote from this book and attest to Paul’s authorship.
There is no doubt that Paul wrote this great New Testament book.
B.
When Written
Paul wrote Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome probably AD 60
+/- two years. Other letters written during this time include
Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
C.
To Whom Written
It was written to the saints in Ephesus, the church of Christ which
was meeting in Ephesus. The church there was probably established as
Paul returned from his second missionary trip, which was about ten
years before this letter was written. (Acts 18:18-21)
Apollos, along with Aquila and Priscilla, did much work getting the
church going there. (Acts 18:24-28)
Then on Paul’s third missionary journey, he stayed in Ephesus more
than two years. (Acts 19:8-10,20-31)
The city of Ephesus in the first century served as the capital of
the Roman province of Asia. It was located on the sea and surrounded
by mountains on the other three sides. It was the political and
religious center for the region. [Population:
200,000-250,000] The main religion involved the worship of Diana
[Artemis]. The city boasted a great temple dedicated to her. It is
one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Quite a prosperous
good trade existed in the city from selling images of Diana to
worshippers and tourists.
D.
Theme of the Book
It emphasizes the supremacy of the Lord’s church with Christ as the
head. Every spiritual blessing is in Christ, His body, the church of
Christ.
Introduction:
Read Ephesians 1:1-2.
Verse 1
An “apostle of Jesus Christ” is one sent [as on a mission]; one of
those specially selected men who were empowered to act as
ambassadors. (II Corinthians 5:20)
There are, of course, no living apostles on earth today. “by the
will of God” This sending out on a mission was at the direction of
God. He was called to be the apostle to the Gentiles. His power and
authority came from God Himself. “saints at Ephesus” Saints are the
holy ones who are separated from the life of sin and are consecrated
[dedicated] to God. They are set apart for God’s service. Members of
the church are called saints more than by any other descriptive
name! When one is immersed for forgiveness of sins, he is set apart,
sanctified, made holy because his sins are washed away. (I
Corinthians 6:11)
“faithful in Christ Jesus” The recipients of the letter were also
called this. A true Christian is both holy and faithful. Note their
location – “in Christ Jesus.” There are no saints [Christians]
outside Christ. God’s Word informs us that there is only one way
[thing] that puts us “into” Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
Verse 2
Grace and peace were a usual greeting in the first century. Paul
desired that these saints in Ephesus would continue to receive grace
and peace from God. “Lord Jesus Christ” Lord: He is the one with
authority. (Matthew 28:18)
This authority included the power to forgive sins, state terms for
that pardon, and to decide the eternal destiny of all people
according to what he has done whether good of bad. (II
Corinthians 5:10)
Jesus means “Savior.” He came to offer forgiveness to the world. (Matthew
1:21)
“And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call His name
Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Christ
means “Anointed one.” This corresponds with the Old Testament
concept of “Messiah.” He was anointed by God to deliver mankind from
the bondage of sin. (I Peter 1:18-21, I Peter 2:21-25)
Invitation:
He can become your Lord, your Savior, and your deliverer this very
day. Will you come to Him as He desires and submit to Him? Are you
ready to be baptized “into” Christ and become part of that body of
Christ?
Bobby Stafford
March 23, 201
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