1. T HE N EW T ESTAMENT C HURCH T HE C HURCH AT E PHESUS

2. EPHESUS Population: 200,000 – 500,000 Had Temple of Artemis ( Diana ) one of the seven wonders of the ancient world Very opposed to Paul’s preaching (Acts 19:24-31)

3. EPHESUS One of the largest theaters in the world “Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture in to the theater” Acts 19:31 “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men” 1 Corinthians 4:9

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6. I NTRODUCTION Three Sources of Information Acts of the Apostles Book of Ephesians Letters to Churches of Asia – Acts 18:19-21; 19; 20:18-38 – Ephesians 1-6 – Revelation 2:1-7

7. I NTRODUCTION City of Ephesus in Asia Minor Wealthy and magnificent city Meeting place of oriental religions and Greek culture Famous temple of Diana — worshipped by all Asia Minor One of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

8. I NTRODUCTION If providence had allowed Paul to preach here, would have in early stages of 2 nd tour – Acts 16:6 At close of journey on the way from Corinth to Jerusalem stopped at Ephesus Preached in the synagogue and promised to return – Acts 18:19-21

9. I NTRODUCTION Three years spent in Ephesus on the 3 rd tour – Acts 20:31 and Chapter 19 From here Paul wrote to the Corinthian church – 1 Corinthians 16:8,9 Timothy labored with this church – 1 Timothy 1:3 John spent closing scenes of his life at Ephesus Aquila, Priscilla and Apollos at Ephesus.

11. I TS E STABLISHMENT Paul’s first visit found Ephesians interested and willing to learn Besought him to stay—did not tarry Promised to return if God was willing – Acts 18:19-21 “ And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent.”

12. I TS E STABLISHMENT Apollos is taught the way of the Lord more perfectly by Aquila and Priscilla Knew only John’s baptism – Acts 18:24-28 “ So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

13. I TS E STABLISHMENT Paul returns Finds disciples who have been baptized with John’s baptism – Acts 19:1-3 “… We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism.”

14. I TS E STABLISHMENT Teaches difference between John’s baptism and one in the name of Christ – Acts 19:4 “ John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

15. I TS E STABLISHMENT Teaches difference between John’s baptism and one in the name of Christ – Acts 19:5,6 “ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied."

16. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE Teaches things concerning the kingdom of God – Acts 19:8 “ And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God."

17. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE Teaches Word of the Lord and those of The Way. – Acts 19:20,23 “ So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed... And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way."

18. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE Teaches against images and idolatry. “No gods made with hands.” – Acts 19:26 “ Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands."

19. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE Taught disciples in different group – Acts 19:9 “ But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus."

20. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE Taught anything that was profitable— publicly and house to house. – Acts 20:20 “ How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house."

21. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE The kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God. – Acts 20:24,25 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

22. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE Preached and taught the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:26,27 “ Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God."

23. P AUL ’ S M ESSAGE Commended them to God and the word of God’s grace. – Acts 20:32 “ So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

24. T HE R ESULT Believed and burned their books of magic. – Acts 19:18-20 “ Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver."

25. T HE R ESULT They heard the word of truth, trusted and believed. – Ephesians 1:13 “ In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise."

26. T HE R ESULT Saved by the grace of God and through their faith. – Ephesians 2:8,9 “ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

27. T HE R ESULT Were baptized in the name of Christ. – Acts 19:4,5 “…John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

28. T HE R ESULT Means enabling Paul to do his preaching work. Sent out by the church – Romans 10:15 “ And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things ! "

29. T HE R ESULT Means enabling Paul to do his preaching work. Other churches cooperated in supporting this work – Philippians 1:3-5 “ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. "

30. I TS C HARACTER Strong conviction as to the truth of the gospel. Faith in Christ – Ephesians 1:15 “ Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. ”

31. I TS C HARACTER Strong conviction as to the truth of the gospel. Endured boldness in teaching and preaching – Acts 19:8 “ And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. ”

32. I TS C HARACTER Strong conviction as to the truth of the gospel. Tried and proved false teachers – Revelation 2:2,6 “ I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars. ”

33. I TS C HARACTER Diligent in teaching and in studying the truth. House to house – Acts 20:20 “ How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house. ”

34. I TS C HARACTER Diligent in teaching and in studying the truth. Heard Paul daily in the school of Tyrannus for 2 years – Acts 19:9,10 “... reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. ”

35. I TS C HARACTER Were not blind followers of the blind. Investigated and exposed false teachers – Acts 19:13-20 – Revelation 2:2 “…And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them. ”

36. I TS C HARACTER Did not tolerate sin and evil doers in the church. – Revelation 2:6 “ But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ”

37. I TS C HARACTER Faithful and steadfast, not only in faith but in works and service. – Revelation 2:2 “ I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars. ”

38. I TS C HARACTER Endured persecution and hardships for the Lord’s sake with patience. – Revelation 2:3 “ And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. ”

39. I TS C HARACTER Tender in their devotion and love for Paul. – Acts 20:37,38 “Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. ”

40. I TS C HARACTER A evangelistic church—taught the word of God to many! – Acts 19:10 “ And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. ”

41. I TS C HARACTER Did have some faults. “Left their first love.” Going through the motions – Revelation 2:4 “ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ”

42. I TS C HARACTER “Left their first love.” Held on to form of godliness but drifted away from real love and devotion. – Revelation 2:4 “ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ”

43. I TS C HARACTER “Left their first love.” Contrast with the Thessalonian church. – 1 Thessalonians 1:3 “ Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father. ”

44. I TS C HARACTER “Left their first love.” Must have love as a motive. – 1 Corinthians 13:3 “ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. ”

45. I TS C HARACTER “Left their first love.” Fatal flaw unless corrected! – Revelation 2:5 “ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent. ”

46. G ENERAL E XHORTATIONS To the elders Take heed to yourselves Feed the church Protect from false teachers! – Acts 20:28-31 “ Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. ”

47. G ENERAL E XHORTATIONS Help the poor and weak – Acts 20:35 “ I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive. ”

48. G ENERAL E XHORTATIONS Walk worthy of their calling. – Ephesians 4,5 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. ”

49. G ENERAL E XHORTATIONS Take up “ whole armor of God ” – Ephesians 6:10-18 “ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ”