Scholars do not agree about the authorship of Ephesians. You will need to decide what you believe. I believe the letter is clearly written by Paul -he entrusted Tychicus to deliver to the church. Many feel that Paul wrote Eph. from Rome in the early 60's of the 1st century when Nero was the Roman emperor.
The converted Jews in the early churches were inclined to be exclusive and separate themselves from their Gentile brethren. That may have played a role in this letter being written by Paul. He yearned for Christian unity especially of the Jews and Gentiles.
This epistle may have been a circular letter intended for a number of churches. It is quite likely that this letter was intended for a large group of churches in the general geographical area of Ephesus. AND CERTAINLY FOR US TODAY!!!
1ST Century Ephesus lay at the mouth of the Cayster River on the western coast of Asia Minor. It stood between the Koressos Range of mountains and the sea. The river was an entry to the interior, and the city was established to provide access to the trade and resources of the interior.
Residents knew and practiced little of the principles of soil conservation. The cutting of timber and the overgrazing of the land by hungry goats removed lush forests and exposed precious topsoil to wind and water. Earth washed away from the hills. Streams became swamps. The harbor choked with silt. The city of Ephesus was greatly effected.
Ephesus was important in 3 primary sources:
1. It had commercial importance...trade flowed down the Cayster River. Trade came from the river and from the land from nearby cities. A main road poured trade in from Asian Minor. It was a seaport anchor point for the great East-West trade route.
2. It had political importance. It was viewed as a free city - the right of self-government with certain limits. They elected their own leaders; did not have Roman troops quartered without permission. When the Roman governor visited to try important judicial case...added to the pomp and pagenatry.
3. The city had religious importance. Home of temple of Diana - one of the 7 wonders of the world. Worship of Diana -- weird, hysterical affair...burning incense, shouting, wailing, flute-playing...emotional frenzy and probably religious prostitution. The temple attracted tradesmen and hucksters who suppliet visitors with food, lodgin, and images of Diana. Functioned as a bank. Carried the right of asylum; criminals and others were assured safety if they could reach the temple area before they were arrested. Became a crowded place with many immoral people.
Paul made a great impact on the commercial life of the city...the manufacturers of the Diana images complained of a sharp decline in sales. Books were burned dealing with magic and the occult.
WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY TODAY which is filled with cultic movements as was Ephesus during this time.
Ephesus disappeared...the silt silently and non-violently began to fill up the harbor and interfere with the trade without the Ephesians noticing. Just in the same manner, little evil practices, little acts of disobedience may seem harmless in our lives. But the silt of sin can gradually accumulate and we will find ourselves far from the Lord. Life will become a spiritual ruin. God forbid that we let the silt of sin accumulate in our lives!!!
Rev. 2:1-6 ...the Lord speaks to the church, "I know thy work!" This little church had thrown the city into confusion and chaos and overturned its system of religion. They were like an island of purity in a sea of wretchedness.
1. They worked hard. They were patient and endured the tough times. Not an easy place to live. But Paul's preaching disrupted everything and resulted in a riot.
2. They hated sin (v.2) The hated the behavior!
3. They dealt with false teachers. Biblical standard...a statement of faith...doctrinally solid.
4. They glorified God (v.3) That is the greatest motive...serving in Christ's name.
But the Lord found a flaw "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy 1st love. Love died...orthodoxy and activity without love. No one can be effective for God apart from loving the Lord with all the heart, soul, mind and strength.
The greateest church in history; yet the Lord' penetrating eyes found one fatal flaw. The people exchanged their hot hearts for cold orthodoxy. Biblical ministry without passion. If U ever have orthodox performance without love, you have alloweed Satan to accomplish the 1st step in his plan...a foothold in the church. Don't live your life without an overwhelming love for Jesus. What about your enthusiasm for Christ...is the thrill gone? If you love ANYTHING more than you love Christ then you have lost your 1st love! If you have to say yes to that question:
1. REMEMBER your initial relationship with Him. Remember what He did for you, in you and wants to do through you.
2. REPENT from your falling away from Him and putting something or someone above your love for Him.
3. REPEAT your first works once more. Go back to where you started, down on your knees, reading the Bible, witnessing, and praising...having fellowship with Him.
The church did not remember, repent and repeat...it died! They lost their first love!
Even tho you are not called to serve as an apostle, U are called to a committed life of service to Christ Rom. 12:1-2.
The word SAINT does not refer to a privileged Christian class. It is a reference to all believers. It describes persons who have been made right with God and He has purified. God did not choose them because of their personal merit, but because of His grace. A saint was a sinner who trust Christ as his Savior and has been placed IN CHRIST. The believer is IN the world physically but not OF the world spiritually. Scuba diver...exists in an alien envioronment because he possesses special equipment. A saint is equipped...the indwelling Holy Spirit. Every believer possesses the Holy Spirit and it is through His power that the saint can function.
IN CHRIST - key words...used over 27 times in Ephesians. IN CHRIST describes the spiritual position of the believer; he is identified with Christ, he is IN CHRIST.
Peace does not mean the absence of trouble, hardship, or distress. It describes a state of balance and wisdom which comes only to a person who is deeply rooted in his commitment to Jesus Christ. "He is our Peace!" Because your peace is rooted in Him (is HIM), you can enjoy peace with God even tho you have trouble or distress. Nothing can shake your relationship with the Lord.
SAINT = WAS a sinner who has been saveD - now IN CHRIST (to be continued)
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