Lesson 1 Review: Paul and the Ephesians

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:9, 10, ESV).

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was motivated by a profound purpose, as is common with other writings. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, wrote his famous Gettysburg address in 1863 after the terrible devastation in the American Civil War battle, his belief was that the Civil War was the ultimate test as to whether the nation created in 1776 would endure or would perish from the earth. Paul’s profound purpose that motivates his letter to Ephesians is partly because of imprisonment and partly because of ongoing persecution and temptations of the Ephesians to lose heart. Paul writes to awaken the believers in Ephesus of their full identity and privileges as followers of Christ by stating that they have become Christ’s body (Eph. 1:19-23, Eph. 4:1-16), the building materials in the temple (Eph. 2:19-22), the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:21-33) and a well-equipped army (Eph. 6:10-20).

What kind of city is Ephesus?

One of the largest cities of the Roman Empire. A City at the crossroads of important land routes. The people there worshipped many deities. Her worship was the focus of civic ceremonies, athletic games, and annual celebrations.

What was Paul’s intention in Ephesus?

Paul’s intention in Ephesus was to firmly found Christianity there.

What strange event led to widespread reverence for “the Lord Jesus” in Ephesus?

The strange story shared by Luke of the itinerant, Jewish exorcists in the city, mingling the names of both Jesus and Paul in their incantations proved to be a misguided venture.

How did this event impact the Ephesians?

‘The event had a profound impact on some of those who had already become believers, who publicly burned their expensive handbooks of magic arts worth “fifty thousand silver coins” (Acts 19:19, NRSV).’ Believers learn that the worship of Jesus must not be diluted with the worship of anything or anyone else.

What was the nature of Paul’s witness in Ephesus?

Paul’s witness was so effective that it impacted an important economic engine for the city, Tourism focused on the Temple of Artemis.

What is the tentative chronology of Paul’s relationship to Ephesus?

AD 52: Paul’s initial, brief visit to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-21).

AD 53-56: Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20:1). He composes 1 Corinthians near the end of his stay there (1 Cor. 16:5-9).

AD 57: While at Miletus, Paul meets with the elders from Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38).

AD 62: Paul composes his letter to the Ephesians, probably from confinement in Rome.

The Household, the recipients of Paul’s letters included?

Father, Mother, children and slaves (Eph. 5:21-6:9). At the time, a household included others, as well ¾clients (free persons who depended on the householder for support) and even customers as well as members of other households.

What is the outline of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians?

I.                     Opening Greeting (Eph. 1:1, 2)

II.                   Introductory Blessing (Eph. 1:3-14)

III.                 Praying for Believers to Receive Christ-Focused Wisdom (Eph. 1:15-23)

IV.                Once Spiritually Dead; Now Exalted With Christ (Eph. 2:1-10)

V.                  Christ’s Creation of Church Out of Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 2:11-22)

VI.                Paul as Preacher of Christ to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:1-13)

VII.               Praying for Believers to Experience the Love of Christ (Eph. 3:14-21)

VIII.             Hold On to the Spirit-Inspired Unity of the Church (Eph. 4:1-16)

IX.                 Live the New, Unity-Nurturing Life (Eph. 4:17-32)

X.                   Walk in Love, Light, and Wisdom (Eph. 5:1-20)

XI.                 Practice Christ-Shaped Life in the Christian Household (Eph. 5:21-6:9)

XII.               Stand Together: The Church as the Army of God (Eph. 6:10-20)

XIII.             Closing Greeting (Eph. 6:21-24)

How does Paul worry about the effect that his imprisonment will have on believers in Ephesus?

He worries that they may lose heart at his tribulations, so he asks them not to do so.

What is the nature of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians?

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians exhibits an exalted, literary style, with long sentences, repetitive expressions, and developed metaphors. Paul’s letter features a great deal of praise, prayer, and worship language and offers carefully crafted, highly rhetorical passages.

What is the calling of Believers?

Believers are called to act in concert with this divine plan, signaling to the evil powers that God’s ultimate purpose is underway (Eph. 3:10)

The unity God has in mind is centered on?

Christ.

What is Paul’s aim with Believers in Ephesus?

Paul seeks to reignite the spiritual commitment of believers in Ephesus reminding them that they are part of the church, which is at the heart of God’s plan to unify all things in Christ.

What does it mean when Paul uses the word, “church” (Greek, ekklēsia) in the letter?

He means the “universal” church or the church at large (rather than a local congregation).

What are the four metaphors Paul developed to talk about the church?

1.       The church as a body (Eph. 1:22,23; Eph. 2:16; Eph. 3:6; Eph. 4:1-16,25; Eph. 5:23, 29, 30).

2.       The church as a building/temple (Eph. 2:19-22).

3.       The church as a bride (Eph. 5:22-27).

4.       The church as an army (Eph. 6:10-20).

In Conclusion,

The book of Ephesians helps us understand how to follow Jesus in trying times, when it seems like it’s all falling apart, our thoughts should be centered on Christ. I pray that God helps us to stay focused on Him even in trying times in Jesus’ name.