EphesiansLesson 1

Acts 19:1-20:2 Setting• Ephesus had one of the 7 wonders of the world:

The Temple of Artemis/Diana• Ephesus was a major city in Asia (Now Turkey)• Major Seaport • Many local merchants made their living from items

related to idol worship• Ephesus was a city of magic and evil spirits

Chronology of main events• Contrast between the Holy Spirit and the evil spirits• Paul took the gospel to Ephesus and upset idolatry• Paul began at the synagogue but ended up at a

Gentile school: School of Tyrannus • Paul was there for over 2 years• ALL in Asia heard the gospel• People of Ephesus believed and their lives changed• Those who had practiced magic burned their books• Demetrius caused a disturbance• Paul left for Macedonia and then Greece• Lives were changed because of Paul’s presence

Ephesians and Paul• Written by Paul: an apostle by God’s will• To the faithful saints who are at Ephesus• Paul had heard they were faithful• Paul prayed for them• Paul was a prisoner for 2 years, probably in Rome• He had written to them previously (3:4)• Called to preach to the Gentiles (3:8)• He wanted them to understand the mystery, Jew and

Gentile in one body, both having access in one Spirit to the Father (2:18)

Ephesians and recipients• Believed the gospel and were sealed with the Holy

Spirit (1:13)• Formerly lived under the influence of the prince of

the power of the air (2:1-2)• They were Gentiles (2:11)• Formerly separate from Christ (2:12)• Now, one body with Jewish believers (2:16)• Were not to walk the way they used to (4:17)

Ephesians Chapter Themes• Chapter 1 Who we are in Christ

Blessings and riches in Him

The mystery of His will

Our Inheritance

Christ’s authority• Chapter 2 Saved by grace/not by works

Jew and Gentile in the church

Both have access to the Father• Chapter 3 Insight into the mystery of Christ

Unfathomable riches of Christ

Ephesians Chapter Themes• Chapter 4 Walk in a Manner Worthy

Spiritual Gifts• Chapter 5 Walk in love, Light, be wise

Husbands and Wives

Christ and the Church

Slaves and Masters• Chapter 6 Children/fathers,

slaves/masters

Armor of God

Pray and pray for ME (Paul)

Tychicus

Possible Book Themes• Stand Firm• Walk in a Manner Worthy• Put on God’s Armor• The Mystery of Christ• Jew and Gentile now One