Introduction to Ephesians

This is a recording of Bryan's introduction to the book of Ephesians recorded during his Wednesday Night Bible study. This introduction was referenced in the message on 4/27/25. 

Message

FROM DEATH TO LIFE
“Introduction”
Ephesians 1:1-2; 6:21-24 

Introduction: Most scholars agree that excluding the book of Romans; the letter to the Ephesians is the most detailed written presentation of Christian Theology of all of the epistles.

The Location of the Letter

The City is Ephesus
--located in Asia Minor--a popular seaport
--population in the 1^st century—over 300,000
--location of the Pagan Temple of Diana

The Church at Ephesus
--Jesus addressed it (Revelation 2:1-7)
--Timothy as a pastor spent much time there correcting false teachings (1 Timothy 1:3)
--the apostle John may have served as pastor (tradition) 

The Visitor to Ephesus (Paul, the Church Planter)
--during his 2^nd missionary journey he planted the church (Acts 18:19)
--during his 3^rd missionary journey he stayed 3 years (Acts 19:1-41)

The Events at Ephesus (during Paul’s stay)
--he baptized 12 followers of John the Baptist (Acts 19:1-7)
--he taught in the synagogue and the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:8-10)
--through him God healed many people (Acts 19:11-12)
--some Jews attempted to cast out demons in his name (Acts 19:13-16)
--because of his ministry many were converted including sorcerers (Acts 19:17-20)
--he was accused of threatening to destroy Diana’s Temple (Acts 19:21-41)

The Beginning of the Letter

From Whom (Ephesians 1:1a)
--“Paul”
--“apostle”
(1 Corinthians 15:8-10)

To Whom (Ephesians 1:1b)
--“saints”
--“in Ephesus”
--“in Christ Jesus”

From Whom (Ephesians 1:2)
--“God our Father”   
--“Lord Jesus Christ”

The End of the Letter

The Encourager—Tychicus
--his message (Ephesians 6:21-22a)
--his ministry (Ephesians 6:22b)

Timeline of Paul and the Church at Ephesus:
 - Around 5 AD - Paul is born
 - Around 30 AD - Jesus is executed
 - Around 34-36 AD - Paul’s Conversion
 - Between 49-50 AD - Birth of Church at Ephesus
 - Around 52-55 AD - Paul stays in Ephesus for 3 Years
 - Between 60-62 AD - Paul writes letter to Church at Ephesus
 - Between 67-68 AD - Paul is executed by Nero
 - Around 95 AD - John writes letter for Jesus to the Church at Ephesus

The Encouragement—from Paul (Ephesians 6:23-24)

The Breakdown of the Letter

Chapters 1-3             Chapters 4-6
Positionally:  In Christ      Practically:  For Christ
Spiritual Wealth             Spiritual Walk
Discoveries of the Faith      Demonstrations of the Faith
Doctrine of Christ            Devotion to Christ
Christian Privileges          Christian Responsibilities

Application:  The letter to the Ephesians is basically telling us that we need to understand who we are in Christ and then act accordingly. 

Do you understand who you are in Christ? Do you act accordingly?

“For we are His workmanship (masterpiece) created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”                  (Ephesians 2:10)