The apostle Paul's work at Ephesus is recorded in Acts 18:18-20:38. Ephesus was the capitol city of Asia minor and had a population of about 300,000 people. Thanks to its large harbor Ephesus grew very wealthy on trade; and, thanks to the Temple of Diana it attracted many visitors who wanted to come see one of the seven wonders of the world. The temple was 418' x 239' and had 100 columns that stood 50 feet high. It housed an image of Diana (goddess of fertility) that supposedly fell from heaven. Like the temple of Aphrodite in Corinth, the temple of Diana had hundreds of temple prostitutes.
In spite of much opposition the Lord gave Paul a great ministry at Ephesus that spanned over two years. In that short time the book of Acts records that “all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:10). We cannot make people believe the word, but are responsible to make sure that everyone in our area at least hear it! His ministry was so influential it caused a riot because the idol-makers were losing money.
Ephesians is the second of the great text-books of doctrinal instruction for believers in this present age of grace. In Romans is set forth the truth concerning the standing of the sinner in Christ, as having died and risen with Him. Now we are taken a further stage and taught that the sinner not only died and rose again in Christ, but that he is now in God’s sight and purpose seated with Christ in heavenly places. Romans ends with a reference to the revelation of the mystery (16:25); Ephesians takes up that subject and unfolds it to us. It is therefore, the pinnacle of divine revelation for the Body of Christ, like the Book of Revelation is for Israel.
The Book of Revelation is known for its sevens but did you know that Ephesians is also marked by that divine number of perfection? It opens with seven spiritual blessings, it closes with seven pieces of the spiritual armor, and in the middle we find the sevenfold unity of the Spirit.
The Trinity is in every chapter:
Salvation (1:3-14)
Access (2:18)
Prayer (3:14-17)
Unity (4:4-6)
Fulness (5:18-21)
Prayer (6:18; 3:14; 5:20)
Emphasis on the Holy Spirit (He worked in other ages but not like now, Num. 11:29; 1 Sam. 16:14):
1) Sealed (1:13)
2) Earnest (1:14)
3) Access (2:18)
4) Temple (2:22)
5) Revelation (3:5)
6) Might in the inner man (3:16)
7) Unity of (4:3)
8) Grieve not (4:30)
9) Fruit (5:9)
10) Filled (5:18)
11) Sword (6:17)
12) Praying (6:18)
The 6 chapters of Ephesians are naturally divided in half into two main sections (Eph. 1:3; 4:1):
Ephesians 1-3 Ephesians 4-6
Wealth Walk
Standing State
Calling Conduct
Blessings Behavior
Riches Responsibilities
Practical application must be based on the foundation sound doctrine in order for it to be effectual in our lives (Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-11; Titus 2:1, 10). Paul always begins with doctrine and then makes the proper applications.
Contrast Law and Grace (1:3; Deut. 28). Most think they are God’s earthly people in a covenant relationship! They claim the blessings of Deut. 28 (vs.1-14) but conveniently forget about all the curses (vs.15-68).
Israel Body of Christ
Material Blessings Spiritual Blessings
On Earth In Heavenly Places
Based on Performance Based on Position
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