Ephesians

Ephesians


What are the strengths and weaknesses in this church? Ephesians was the worst pagan city in which Paul ministered. It goes without saying that many of these new Gentile converts would be challenged in coming out of such a corrupt way of life into a Christ-like one. Many relational issues regarding family life come into focus as Paul addresses them as well as loose morals, loose conversations and lack of respect for one another. It was as if their behavior was not catching up very fast with their acknowledgment of God. Paul sees these problems and addresses their new identity in Christ. The church at Ephesus is mentioned several times in Acts; 18:19; 19:1-20 and 19:23-20:20.

What is the main idea of this epistle? "So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself." Eph. 2: 19-21. Identity is the key word in this epistle. Unity in the spirit is emphasized throughout.

What does this epistle show of the nature and character of God. Again, I must say, these epistles from Paul show the patient understanding God and Paul gives to these fledgling Gentiles as they learn the very basics of a godly life. God’s faithfulness to these churches is very touching. Using Paul like He does shows me his love for not only the church from these earliest times, but for us as well.