Finding Grace In Ephesians: A 6-Day Bible StudyНамуна

An Introduction to Ephesians

The book of Ephesians, written by the apostle Paul, beckons us to seek God first.

If you know a thing or two about Paul, you might know he was radically transformed from persecutor of the church to their pastor when he encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.

Paul penned this letter from prison in about AD 60, which places it historically near the end of the book of Acts. It was written to his dear son in the faith, Timothy, whom he left in charge of the church in Ephesus.

The Bible contains more words written to Timothy than to any other person. Their correspondence records Paul’s heart to equip this young disciple, and we have the blessing of watching this relationship unfold through in Ephesians, and 1 and 2 Timothy.

Ephesus was a world-class city you might compare to New York or Paris today. A seaport town, Ephesus was open to the religious influences of several cultures that arrived on her doorstep every day. The Ephesians worshiped most of the Greek and Roman gods, but especially the goddess Artemis. They built a massive temple in her honor, which is commonly listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The people of Ephesus were enthusiastically and financially invested in every area of pagan religion.

Still, the young church of Christ thrived here even amid great evil and severe persecution.

The church in Ephesus was made up of ordinary people like you and me. They were leaders, shopkeepers, fathers, mothers, and tradesmen. They were married, widowed, and single. Some of them were even slaves.

Paul had spent three years in Ephesus, his ministry having a profound impact on the city. He knew the church in Ephesus was strategically positioned. We learn from Acts 19 that the gospel spread from Ephesus to all of Asia, probably because the world came to her doorstep to trade.

It’s no wonder Paul wrote to this group of believers. He wanted them to know and remember the truth, and since he couldn’t be with them, he put that truth down on paper. He also wrote passionately because he cared deeply for the believers in Ephesus.

In Acts 20, we witness the emotional scene from the last few moments Paul spent with his beloved Ephesian friends. He had left Ephesus for Macedonia and on his way to Jerusalem by way of Miletus, he sent for the elders of the church from Ephesus to join him.

Paul knew he would never see this group of believers again. And from the emotions displayed, we know they knew it too. Luke, the author of the book Acts, described the scene in Acts 20:36-38.

Does it grip your heart like it does mine?

These men were saying a last good-bye with weeping on the part of all. Their hearts were broken with love for one another and the knowledge this was their final face-to-face. Paul had to leave his friends and his role in their everyday story behind. It was like turning to the last page of a truly good book.

While their stories in Ephesus would keep going, his was coming to a bittersweet end.