Ephesians Introduction
INTRODUCTION
I. EPHESUS.
1. Greek city in Asia minor.
2. Roman capital of Asia.
3. Due east of Athens.
4. Commercial city on a plain at the edge of the sea.
5. Temple of Diana( Acts 19:27 ), one of the 7 ancient wonders.
6. Great theater( Acts 19:29 ).
II. THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS.
1. Started by Paul( Acts 18:19-21 ).
2. Third journey, stayed 3 years( Acts 19; 20:31 )
3. Heathen reaction( Acts 19:17-20; 23-41 ).
4. No return. Met with elders in Miletus( 20:17-39 ).
III. THE LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS.
1. Paul in prison at Rome( Eph. 6:20 ).
2. Sent by the hand of Tychecus along with Colossians( Col. 4:7 ).
3. Purpose: to extol the church in God's plan.
4. Method: Discusses their past, contrasting it to the better present state.
OUTLINE
I. CHRIST IN GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE(
Chapter 1 ).II. THE CHURCH IN GOD'S PURPOSE(
Chapters 2-4a ).A. ALIVE IN CHRIST.
B. MADE NIGH IN CHRIST.
C. GOD'S BUILDING.
D. THE CHURCH'S PLACE IN THE REVELATION OF GOD'S PLAN.
E. GOD GLORIFIED IN THE CHURCH.
F. UNITY OF THE BODY.
III. OUR BEHAVIOR IN THE CHURCH.
A. MORAL LIVES.
B. LIGHT AND DARK.
C. RELATIONSHIPS.
IV. THE WHOLE ARMOR.