Ephesians
CONTEXT:
The city of Ephesus is located in modern day Turkey. hosted around 250,000 residents
Ephesus was known as a city of size, wealth, and power.
The major economies of the city were rooted in trade and idol worship.
The temple of Artemis, located in the heart of the city, was prized as one of the seven wonders
of the ancient world.
The church at Ephesus was established 15-20 years after the death of Jesus Christ.
Paul planted the church. And wrote them letters which are called Ephesians
While he was in prison in Rome.
Three major roads led from the seaport:
One road went east towards Babylon via Laodicea (the rebuke was they left their first love)
Another to the north via Smyrna
A third south to the Meander Valley
On Paul’s second missionary journey (A.D. 52), he visited Ephesus after leaving Corinth, and
evidently planted the church there (Acts 18:19).
Acts 19:23-31
23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named
Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the
craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men,
you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only
in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great
many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not
only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great
goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her
magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”
28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the
Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into
the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were
Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples
would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and
were urging him not to venture into the theater.
Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7
2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in
his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those
who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them
to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and
you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love
you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works
you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you
repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will
grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of
God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic
powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the
evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of
truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having
put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of
faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet
of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the
Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance,
making supplication for all the saints,
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