Jan 13 – Ephesians Discussion 1

Big Idea of Ephesians: As adopted daughters, we are rich in Christ Jesus

Opening Music:

Hallelujah, Salvation, And Glory

Discussion Questions:

  • Is there a faith community that you no longer are a part of, which you keep track of, through newsletters or online services?
  • How have you kept in touch with folks through the pandemic? What has worked well? What has been frustrating?

Background and Themes:

  • Love and unity that transcends racial, ethnic, socio-economic distinctions
  • Two main parts:
    • Ch 1-3 The Gospel Story and Doctrine
    • Ch 4-6 Personal Relationships and Ethics
  • Part of the “Prison Epistles” — Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians
  • Paul’s ministry to the church in Ephesus:
    • First: a brief visit
    • Second: he spent 2 years there during his third missionary journey
    • The second visit ended with a riot because the craftsmen had lost business when converts no longer were worshiping Artemis
  • Mary, the mother of Jesus, is thought to have spent her last years in Ephesus with Saint John. Her house and John’s tomb can be visited there today.
  • Le Sueur, Eustache; Saint Paul preaching at Ephesus;

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

History and Archeology

We are the adopted children of God:

I John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, l have called you friends, for everything l learned from my Father l have made known to you.

Closing Music:

Closing Prayer:

“You go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you there. Wherever you are, God has put you there. He has a purpose in your being there. Christ, who indwells in you, has something He wants to do through you, wherever you are. Believe this and go in His grace and love and power.“

Rev Dr Richard C Halverson’s Benediction
U.S. Senate Chaplain 1981-1994

  • References:
  • https://www.understandchristianity.com/timelines/paul-first-second-missionary-journeys/
  • http://parsoncraft.blogspot.com/2013/02/charts-and-maps-on-paul.html
  • https://www.conformingtojesus.com/charts-maps/en/paul%27s_letters-journeys_chart.htm
  • https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/ephesus