Ephesians

In 62 A. D. Paul, though hopeful of his release (Phil. 1.19, 25, and 2.24), was in prison in Rome.

The Prison Epistles For at least two years (from 60 to ), he was imprisoned here (or a similar place) and penned 5 epistles of which we know (Colossians, Philemon, the lost Laodicean letter [Col. 4.16], Philippians, and Ephesians).

The Ephesian Letter His final letter would be to the church at Ephesus (62 A. D).

Ephesus lies in ruins in what is now Turkey.

Paul passed through it on his first and secondary journeys.

It was the Roman capital of the province of Asia.

The Temple of Diana “It was famous for its trade, art, and science, but it was even more celebrated for the presence of the Temple of Diana, reckoned one of the Seven Wonders of the world. This was a building of the Ionic order of architecture, which had been burnt by Herostratus to gain immortality for himself, on the night of the birth of Alexander the Great (335 B. C.), but rebuilt in the course of the centuries at great cost. Contributions to its restoration were made throughout all Greece and western Asia. It was four hundred and twenty-five feet long and two hundred and twenty feet wide, and supported by one hundred and twenty-seven marble columns, sixty feet high, of which thirty-two were beautifully carved” (Lipscomb 9).

Today... one pillar left.

The Temple of Artemis/Diana Acts 19.23ff demonstrates the great significance this temple and goddess had in the city. A man named Demetrius (v. 24) grew fearful of Paul’s effect on his livelihood and stirred up the people of the city (vs ). This led to great public outcry (v. 28, 34) and a riot (v. 29). Also can be seen here the fear under Roman rule (v. 40).

Ancient Coin Depicting the Temple

The Agora

The Agora was on the Way to the Theater

Ancient Ephesus “Ephesus was excavated by J. T. Wood; British Museum, ; and an Austrian expedition, and Ruins of the temple of Diana were uncovered; also ruins of the Theatre in which the great Riot was held, Acts 19:29. Also they found remains of a Roman Bath, constructed of marble, with many rooms, cold rooms, lounge rooms: and evidence of the luxury of the city. They also found a temple which contained a statue of Domitian, the Emperor who called himself “god”, who had banished John to the Isle of Patmos, and who was Persecuting Christians while these visions of the book of Revelation were being given to John” (Hailey 635, 22 nd American Edition, 635).

Ruins of Celsus’ Library

Ancient Public Bathroom at Ephesus

Paul’s History in Ephesus Paul had spend considerable time in and was very active in Ephesus: His work began on his second missionary journey when, after a year and six months in Corinth (18.11), he arrived there having brought with him fellow tentmakers (v. 2) Priscilla and Aquilla (Acts 18.19). He left them at that time (v. 21) only to return later (19.1) finding twelve “disciples” who had not yet been baptized in the name of Christ (v. 3 & 5). Upon these he laid his hands and they received the Holy Spirit (6). Here began his work in Ephesus. It would span the next three years.

Through Ephesus, the Word Spread Acts records that Paul was “reasoning daily in the school Tyrannus” (Acts 19.9) before the riots and verse 10 tells us: “And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” (Act 19:10)

An Important Center for Evangelism Lipscomb explains: “Ephesus was admirably adapted as a center for evangelistic work... It was on the line of communication between Rome and the East in general. It was one of the many places where many side roads converged to feed the main route. From the north and the south coasting vessels brought travelers to the city on their way to Rome, or carried away travelers and officials who were going from Rome to their parts of the province. (Acts 19:21; 20:1, 17; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 4:12.).”

A Local Port in Modern Day

And another...

A Required Stop “...it was a regulation that the Roman governors under the Empire must land at Ephesus; and the system of roads was such as to make the city the most easily accessible from all quarters of Asia. Hence it was naturally marked out as the center where Paul should station himself in order to affect the great province; and thence Christianity radiated over the whole of the province (19:10), partly through the fact that the great number of provincials came to Ephesus for various purposes, and heard the word, and carried it back to their homes, partly through special missions on which doubtless Paul’s helpers, like timothy and others, were sent by him” (Lipscomb 9-10).

Purpose of the Letter “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called...” (Eph 4:1)

The theme of Ephesians is Christ and his church. Chapter one is about the great redemption we have in Christ (v 7) and a prayer for wisdom (v. 17). Chapter two is about the spiritual life found in Christ (4-7). Chapter three is about the great mystery of the church now revealed (8-11). Chapter four is about the unity God desires in the church (1-6). Chapter five is about our obligations as individual members of the church (1, 8, &15). Chapter six is about our responsibilities toward others (1, 4, & 5) and a final exhortation to prepare for battle (10-11).

Are You a Member? You can be a member of that church tonight. “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Act 2:40-42)