2. Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

3. Background for the Study Ephesus

5. Background for the Study Ephesus The City of Ephesus Marketplace – Agora Amphitheater

8. Background for the Study Ephesus The City of Ephesus Marketplace – Agora Amphitheater The Temple of Diana

10. Background for the Study Paul at Ephesus Paul traveled to Ephesus on his second journey Left Priscilla and Aquila there to engage in ministry (Acts 18:18-19). On his 3rd journey, between 49-51 a.d., he found a growing Christian community (Acts 19:1-10; 20:31).

11. Background for the Study Paul at Ephesus Paul traveled to Ephesus on his second journey Left Priscilla and Aquila there to engage in ministry (Acts 18:18-19). On his 3rd journey, between 49-51 a.d., he found a growing Christian community (Acts 19:1-10; 20:31).

12. Background for the Study Paul at Ephesus He remained there for two years preaching in the synagogue (19:8, 10), in the school of Tyrannus (19:9) and in private houses (20:20).

13. Background for the Study Paul at Ephesus Paul was forced to leave after a violent uprising of the people because of loss of money for the local temple of Artemis (Diana), which was blamed on his having said that idols were nothing and ought not to be supported.

14. Background for the Study Paul at Ephesus Paul was probably not the first to bring Christianity to Ephesus, for Jews had long lived there (Acts 2:9; 6:9). He was the first to make progress against the worship of Diana. A farewell sermon is recorded in Acts 20:17-38.

15. Background for the Study Paul’s Letter Written by Paul near the end of his life while he was in prison in Rome. Circular letter to be passed on from church to church for everyone’s instruction.

16. Background for the Study His Purpose To emphasize the great central truth which he had put in the very forefront of his letter: that they may have full, clear knowledge of this purpose of God which He is working out through Christ Jesus.

18. Turning Points Eph 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Eph 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

20. Lesson Expectations Grace Our Purpose The Incredible Christ

21. Key Verse: Eph 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.