Ephesians Overview
This is not a typical Paul letter, it will not have your typical greeting, nor does it deal with a particular problem inside or outside the church. It reads more like a sermon than a letter, focussing on the character of the church. Yesterday we read about Jesus as the Head of the Church (Colossians), well in Ephesians we will read about the Body of the Church (Believers).
Paul will state that there is a oneness between all believers, even Jews and Gentiles. By no means does Jesus intend there to be a separate church for Judaism or Christianity. We are fully intended to be one Church. The word Church in Greek is Ecclesia, meaning the assembly of the called out ones. In other words, the body of believers.
The city of Ephesus was a rich port to the Mediterranean Sea. This huge city contained an enormous theater (holding 25,000 at a time), a town square, a marketplace, public baths, libraries and a number of enormous temples (mostly to the fertility goddess, Diana).
Many of you know Ephesians for the “Spiritual Armor” sequence in the last chapter but I challenge you to carve out an hour of your day today, that’s right I said an hour (uhhhh turn off the TV or the computer??) and read it and really think about this book. You will hear cool verses like “learn what pleases the Lord” and you will read action words that we are to do as Christians like “put off…and put on”. Not things that we ask the Lord to change in us, but things we are to do ourselves FOR the Lord. Anyway, this might just be your new favorite book!
Here are some pictures of Ephesus. Enjoy.
Colossians and Philemon
Colossians: Seriously, one of the best reads ever. This book is 4 incredible chapters that describes
- What Christ has done
- What Christians should do
I am not going to pull apart scripture because honestly I think it is one of the clearest letters Paul writes. I know your pen did some underlining! The only thing I do want to point out is the word Mystery was used 4 times in Colossians. It makes me think about the difference between a Christian and the rest of the world and why the rest of the world does not “get” the Christian. It’s a mystery isn’t it. The one thing that is different in our world vs theirs (besides eternity) is the Holy Spirit. The fact that God actually lives inside each and every one of us to help guide, comfort, and lead us.
the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. (Col 1:26)
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col 1:17)
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, (Col 2:2)
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (Col 4:3)
Philemon (by the way, last year in front of Jeff Lovingood I said Phil uh mon….it is Phil eeee men). When you think about the purpose of the letter don’t think of the people but think of God’s charater What is the purpose of this book?
- Respect
- Love
- Forgiveness
- Care
- Protection
Reading the Bible in 365 