The Book of Ephesians. by Chris Reeves

Transcription

1 The Book of Ephesians by Chris Reeves

2 Guardian of Truth Founda tion All rights re served. No part of this book may be repro duced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. ISBN 10: ISBN 13: Cover Photo: The cover photo shows the ancient theater at Ephesus, which would seat 25,000 people. Arcadia Street leads from the theater to the harbor. This theater is where the great riot in Acts 19:23-41 occurred, after which Paul departed from the city. Guardian of Truth Foundation P.O. Box 9670 Bowling Green, Kentucky

3 Lesson Table of Contents Lesson 1: Introduction to the Book of Ephesians...5 Lesson 2: The Wealth of Redemption...13 Lesson 3: The Wealth of Resources...18 Lesson 4: The Wealth of Regeneration...22 Lesson 5: The Wealth of Reconciliation...26 Lesson 6: The Wealth of Revelation...30 Lesson 7: The Wealth of Revitalization...34 Lesson 8: Walk in Unity...37 Lesson 9: Walk in Newness...43 Lesson 10: Walk in Love and Light...48 Lesson 11: Walk in Wisdom and the Spirit...52 Lesson 12: Walk in Subjection, Love, and Obedience...56 Lesson 13: Walk in Warfare, Closing Remarks and Benediction...61 Page

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5 Where do we read about Ephesus in the Bible? Reference is made to the city of Ephesus twenty-one times in the New Testament: Acts 18:19, 21, 24; 19:1, 17, 26, 28, 34, 35 (twice); 20:16, 17; 21:29; 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8; Eph. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:18; 4:12; Rev. 1:11; 2:1. Each scripture reference should be studied carefully. A basic review of the information found in these scriptures will be given in this introductory lesson. The City of Ephesus Where was Ephesus? The ancient city of Ephesus (meaning desirable ) was located near the upper country (Acts 19:1) on the southwest coast of Asia (Acts 19:10, 22, 26; 20:18); more specifically, Asia Minor in modern-day Turkey. Ephesus has been called the gateway to Asia because it was located about three miles from the coast of the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, opposite the island of Samos. Paul certainly chose a well-located, strategic center for his three-year preaching labors. Ephesus was located at the crossroads of two major highways running through Western Asia, making it the prominent commercial, religious, and political center of the Mediterranean world. What do we know about Ephesus? Ephesus was first occupied by Ionian Greeks from Athens, c B.C. King Croesus of Lydia captured Ephesus, c. 560 B.C. and built the first temple to the goddess Artemis (Diana). The city passed from Persian control (c. 546 B.C.) to Greek control in 334 B.C. and from Greek control to Seleucid control in 281 B.C. Finally, in 133 B.C., the city came under Roman Lesson 1 Introduction to the Book of Ephesians control. In Paul s day, it was a major city and possibly the very capital of the Roman province of Asia. It was the fourth largest city behind Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch with a population of about 250,000. Today, the village of Ayasoluk, or Seljuk as the Turks call it, lies over the ancient city of Ephesus. There are many interesting facts about Ephesus that can be learned from historians and archaeologists. 1 We will limit our study here to six facts given to us by Luke in Acts 18 and 19: (1) the synagogue; (2) the School of Tyrannus; (3) the occult; (4) the Temple of Diana; (5) the theatre; and (6) the assembly. The Synagogue. In Acts 18:19, Luke tells us that Paul entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. The evidence of Jews at Ephesus that remains today is sparse. There are a few Jewish inscriptions and menorah lamp carvings in the area where Ephesus once existed. The School of Tyrannus. Tyrannus was probably a Greek rhetorician. His school was used by Paul for three months (Acts 19:9-10). One tradition says that Paul had use of this lecture hall during Salutation Ephesians 1:1-2 the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., but we cannot be certain of this. The Occult. Among the believers at Ephesus was a group of persons who had left behind the occult (Acts 19:13-18). Ephesus was known at this time for its magical arts (Acts 19:19). There were written collections of spells composed in Ephesus called the Ephesians letters (Ephesia grammata). Luke tells us that many former magicians burned their books (Acts 19:19). The Temple of Diana. The great temple building (Artemision) was one of the seven wonders of the world. It was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 356 B.C. Measuring 360 feet long and 180 feet wide (not including its platform), the temple of Diana was the religious center of all Asia (Acts 19:27). The roof of the temple was supported by 117 columns, 60 feet high and 6 feet in diameter. In Paul s day, a crude picture of this temple appeared on Ephesian coins along with the Greek word neokoros, meaning temple-keeper or one who has charge of a temple. This is the same word Luke uses in Acts 19:35. The temple was considered 1 For further study consult the standard Bible encyclopedia and Bible dictionary articles on the city of Ephesus. Introduction to the Book of Ephesians 5

6 All that remains of the marvelous Temple to Diana at Ephesus is this lone column, standing in a marshy area. sacred throughout Asia and thus became a haven for outcasts. It was also used as a museum and a banking institution. The temple was later destroyed by the Goths in A.D The Roman name of the local fertility goddess was Diana and the Greek name was Artemis. 2 Miniature silver shrines of Diana were made and sold by silversmiths (Acts 19:24-27). Her image, thought by many to have fallen from heaven (Acts 19:35), was a woman with many breasts. She was served by many priests and priestesses, and festivals (Artemisium) were held in her honor in March and April. The Theatre. When Paul returned to Ephesus after his first visit, a riot broke out and a large assembly gathered in the theater to protest Paul s ministry (Acts 19:29). Set in the side of a mountain overlooking the city, this theatre could accommodate about 24,500 people on 66 tiers of seats. Its diameter was about 495 feet, and the stage area 115 feet by 70 feet. The theatre served as the public auditorium for the city. The Assembly. Ephesus had been given free-city status by the Romans and much of the local civil authority lay in the hands of the lawful, regular assembly (Acts 19:39). The civil assembly sometimes met in the theatre and was presided over by Roman officials called Asiarchs (Acts 19:31) and the town-clerk (Acts 19:35). There were also courts arranged to settle civil disputes (Acts 19:38). The Greek word ekklesia, meaning called out, is translated assembly three times in this account (Acts 19:32, 39, 41). The same Greek word is translated church elsewhere in the New Testament. Thus, while Paul was in Ephesus, there was an unlawful ekklesia (Acts 19:32, 41), a lawful ekklesia (Acts 19:39), and the Lord s ekklesia or church (Eph. 1:22). The Church at Ephesus The local church at Ephesus was started when Paul came to Ephesus and proclaimed the gospel at the close of his second preaching tour from Antioch, c. A.D. 53. Luke tells us that Paul left Corinth and was on his way back home to Syria traveling with Priscilla and Aquila when he came to Ephesus for the first time (Acts 18:18). As was his custom, Paul reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue and soon a local church was established (Acts 18:19). The saints asked Paul to stay, but he did not stay long. He journeyed on toward Syria promising to return to Ephesus (Acts 18:20-23). He left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to build up the church. They helped Apollos and the other brethren there to grow (Acts 18:24-28). Luke tells us about Paul s stay in Antioch: And when he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and saluted the church, and went down to Antioch. And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples (Acts 18:22-23). 3 After some time, Paul left Antioch once again on a third preaching tour which lasted about three years, c. A.D or Luke also tells us about Paul s return to Ephesus: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples (Acts 19:1). Indeed, it was God s will that Paul return to Ephesus (Acts 18:21). When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he began his work with twelve disciples of John and they were soon converted to 2 Diana is found in the ASV, KJV, and NKJV in Acts 19:24, 27, 28, 34, 35. Other versions, such as NASV, NIV, RSV and NRSV, use Artemis. 3 Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations in this workbook are taken from the American Standard Version (1901). 6 The Book of Ephesians

7 The theater at Ephesus and the road that leads to the harbor. This is the place where Demetrius, the silversmith, stirred a riot against Paul. Christ (Acts 19:2-7). He then went back to the Jewish synagogue where he had spoken before and preached there for three months (Acts 19:8). Because of opposition in the synagogue, he moved to the school of Tyrannus and preached there for two years (Acts 19:9-10). During this time, Paul also performed special miracles to confirm the Word and many more souls were converted to Christ (Acts 19:11-19). While Paul was in Ephesus, he made plans to travel to Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem, and Rome, but he stayed in Asia for a while before he left (Acts 19:21-22). During Paul s stay in Ephesus there was a riot started by Demetrius and the silversmiths because of his presence there (Acts 19:23-41). This riot marked the end of Paul s stay in Ephesus. Luke writes: And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia (Acts 20:1). When he left Ephesus, Paul took with him at least one Christian from there, Trophimus (Acts 20:4; 21:29). When one reads Acts 20:2-15, he finds that Paul followed his plan for travel given in Acts 19:21, but on his way back to Jerusalem he stopped at Miletus and spent a brief time with the elders of the church at Ephesus, c. A.D (Acts 20:16-17). There, Paul spoke with the elders about his responsibilities to the Lord (Acts 20:18-27) and the elders responsibilities to the Lord and to the local church (Acts 20:2835). It was an emotional moment when Paul left them (Acts 20:3638). Paul s meeting with these elders is the last mention of the Ephesian Introduction to the Book of Ephesians church in the book of Acts. Luke summarizes Paul s work in Ephesus this way: So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed (Acts 19:20). Paul s three-year work at Ephesus was very successful in the Lord even in the midst of opposition (Acts 19:8, 10; 20:31). This was the longest amount of consecutive time that he devoted to ministry in one place. He even became friends with some of the local officials (Acts 19:31). While staying at Ephesus, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. There are two references to Ephesus in 1 Corinthians that give us some insight into Paul s work at this time. We learn from 1 Corinthians 15:32 that Paul fought with beasts at Ephesus. This statement speaks of either human opposition to preaching the gospel or literal fighting with ani7

8 mals (such as being thrown to the lions in the arena). 4 Either way, Paul faced severe opposition in Ephesus. Paul was not alone in his work there, 5 but the opposition must have placed a great deal of pressure on him. A second reference to Ephesus is found in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9. Here, Paul says, But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost; for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. From this reference we learn that Paul stayed in Ephesus because a great opportunity to preach the gospel was there, and he stayed despite great opposition. Those who opposed Paul were Gentiles (Acts 19:23ff) and Jews (Acts 20:19). 6 For Paul, the opportunity in Ephesus was greater than the opposition! By God s will (Acts 18:21) and by Paul s devotion to preaching the gospel (Acts 20:24-27), a local church of Christ was started at Ephesus along side the other churches of Asia (1 Cor. 16:19; cf. Rom. 16:5; Rev. 2-3). This local congregation may have begun by meeting in the home of Priscilla and Aquila (1 Cor. 16:19-20). The Christians at Ephesus were called the brethren (Acts 18:27), the Way (19:9, 23), the disciples (Acts 19:9, 30; 20:1, 30), the church (Acts 20:17,28), and the flock (Acts 20:28-29). About five years after Paul established the local church in Ephesus, he wrote them and called them the saints and the faithful (Eph. 1:1). Paul has much to say to the Ephesians about the glorious church of Christ and how Christians are to act in the local church. The word church occurs nine times in Ephesians (1:22; 3:10, 21; 5:23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 32), and the word body (referring to the church) also occurs nine times (1:23; 2:16; 3:6; 4:4, 12, 16 [twice]; 5:23, 30). Shortly after Paul wrote the epistle to the Ephesians, he and Timothy returned to Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3). More details about the history of this local church may be found by reading 2 Timothy 1:18; 4:12; and Revelation 1:11; 2:1-7. Unfortunately, the Apostle John tells us that the Ephesian Christians had left their first love (Rev. 2:4). This is a constant danger that all local churches must guard against even today. The Epistle to the Ephesians Authorship. The epistle to the Ephesians was written by Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:1; 3:1). The name Paul in verse 1 and the first-person pronouns throughout the book (3:8, 13; 4:1; 6:20-22) point to Paul as the author. 7 Date. Many conservative scholars believe that this epistle was written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome for two years, c. A.D or A.D If this date is correct, Paul wrote this epistle from Rome about five years after he left Ephesus. The book of Ephesians is considered one of four prison epistles of Paul along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Luke tells us about Paul s journey to Rome in Acts and his Roman imprisonment in Acts 28: Statements in the epistle point to a prison setting for the letter (Eph.3:1, 13; 4:1; 6:30). Recipients. This epistle was written to the saints that are at Ephesus (1:1). 9 It was delivered to them by Tychicus (Eph. 6:21-22). It may have been delivered at the same time that Tychicus delivered Paul s letter to the Colossians (Col. 4:7-9) and Onesimus delivered Paul s letter to Philemon (Phile ). It is possible that this epistle was also circulated to other faithful brethren nearby. Occasion and Purpose. Paul did not write to the Ephesians to address any particular false doctrine or correct any specific sin. Rather, he used his time in prison to remind the Ephesian Christians of two very important truths: their 4 Mike Willis, A Commentary on First Corinthians, Paul was accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:18), Timothy and Erastus (Acts 19:22), Gaius and Aristarchus (Acts 19:29), and Onesiphorus (2 Tim.1:18). 6 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 may be another reference to opposition that Paul faced in Ephesus. 7 The authorship of Paul is assumed throughout this workbook. The arguments of critics which assert that Paul did not write the book are covered in the standard commentaries on Ephesians and in the New Testament Introductions. 8 Paul s two-year Roman imprisonment should not be confused with his two-year imprisonment in Caesarea, c. A.D (Acts 24:22-27). 9 The words at Ephesus or in Ephesus (NKJV, NIV, NRSV) are not found in some very ancient manuscripts (Aleph and B, Chester Beatty 46), which has led some scholars to believe that this epistle was not addressed to the Ephesians. However, this workbook will assume that the Ephesians were the primary recipients of the letter. For further discussion of this textual problem read the related material in the New Testament introductions and commentaries on the book of Ephesians. 8 The Book of Ephesians

9 spiritual wealth in Christ (Eph. 1-3) and their spiritual walk in Christ (Eph. 4-6). Paul may have heard of the condition of the Ephesians from Epaphras and was prompted by the Holy Spirit to write to them (Col. 1:7-8; 4:12-13). Literary Style. The book of Ephesians is an epistle (letter) like the book of Romans (16:22) or Colossians (4:16). It must be studied like a letter which is written and sent from one person to another. Outline. The outline below is based upon two themes that are emphasized in the epistle: Wealth in Christ and Walk in Christ. The word riches used by Paul in the first half of the letter emphasizes the Christian s spiritual wealth or blessings in Christ (1:7, 18; 2:4, 7; 3:8, 16). The word walk used by Paul in the last half of the letter emphasizes the Christian s walk or daily life in Christ (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15). Ephesians 2:10 is a good summary of both themes: wealth and walk. The first part of Ephesians 2:10 speaks of the Christian s wealth and the last part of the verse speaks of the Christian s walk. Other words that have been used to describe the two major sections of this book are: Riches in Christ (Eph. 1-3) and Responsibilities in Christ (Eph. 4-6); also Position in Christ (Eph. 1-3) and Practice in Christ (Eph. 4-6). The Christian s Wealth and Walk in Christ I. The Christian s Wealth in Christ (1:1-3:21). A. Salutation (1:1-2). B. Wealth of redemption (1:3-14). C. Wealth of resources (1:15-23). D. Wealth of regeneration (2:1-10). E. Wealth of reconciliation (2:11-22). F. Wealth of revelation (3:1-13). G. Wealth of revitalization (3:14-21). II. The Christian s Walk in Christ (4:1-6:24). A. Walk in unity (4:1-16). B. Walk in newness (4:17-32). C. Walk in love (5:1-2). D. Walk in light (5:3-14). E. Walk in wisdom (5:15-17). F. Walk in the Spirit (5:18-21). G. Walk in subjection and love (5:22-33). H. Walk in obedience (6:1-9). I. Walk in warfare (6:10-20). J. Closing Remarks and Benediction (6:21-24). Salutation (1:1-2) Paul s letter to the Ephesians opens with a salutation. A salutation is a greeting and it was common in Paul s day to begin a letter with a salutation that contained three elements: a description of the writer, a description of the readers, and a greeting. In Paul s salutation to the Ephesians, we learn three things. We learn about the author (1:1a), the readers (1:1b), and the greeting (1:2). In Paul s opening remarks we are told that he is an apostle of Christ Jesus (v. 1; see also 2 Cor. 1:1). An apostle is one who is sent or commissioned to do a job. Paul was sent by Christ Jesus to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 26:16-20; Rom. 11:13; Gal. 2:8; 1 Tim. 2:7). Paul s apostleship was through the will of God, not his own will or the will of man (v. 1; see also 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 1:1). The Christians at Ephesus are described by Paul as saints (holy) and faithful (trustworthy) in Christ Jesus (v. 2; see also Col. 1:2). After speaking of himself and the Ephesians, Paul greets the recipients of his letter and wants them to blessed with grace (favor) and peace from God and Jesus (v. 2; see also Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4; Phile. 3). Paul refers to God as God our Father and he is the only New Testament writer to do so (v. 2; see also Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 2:16; Philemon 3). God is our Father because He begets all Christians to be His sons through the gospel (1:5; 2:18). Paul refers to Jesus as the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 2). 10 Jesus is the Christ (anointed one) and the Lord (ruler) over the lives of these Ephesian brethren. 10 References to the Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament are too numerous to list here. There are over 60 references. For the other the references in Ephesians see 1:3, 17; 5:20; and 6: Introduction to the Book of Ephesians 9

10 Text Questions 1. Ephesus is located in what region (Acts 19:10, 22, 26-27)? 2. Where did Paul teach while he was in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-9)? 3. Who were among the converts at Ephesus (Acts 19:18-19)? 4. What temple was a well-known feature of the city of Ephesus (Acts 19:27)? 5. How did many of the citizens of Ephesus react to Paul s preaching (Acts 19:23)? 6. Where did the citizens of Ephesus gather to discuss Paul s work among them (Acts 19:29)? 7. Who wrote the epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 1:1) 8. How does Paul describe himself in the letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 1:1)? 9. How was Paul made an apostle (Eph. 1:1)? 10. To whom was this epistle written and what two words describe the recipients of the letter (Eph. 1:1-2)? 11. What is Paul s two-fold greeting (Eph. 1:2)? 12. How are God and Jesus described in the opening greeting (Eph. 1:2)? Digging Deeper 1. What does apostle mean (1:1)? 2. Who was a saint in the New Testament (1:1)? 3. What does faithful mean (1:1)? 4. What does Christ mean (1:2)? 5. Where was the author when he wrote this letter and when did he write it (6:20)? 10 The Book of Ephesians

11 6. Who helped the Ephesian church after Paul left (1 Cor. 16:10-12, 19-20; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:16-18; 2 Tim. 4:12)? 7. Read Acts 18:18 20:2; 20:17-38; 21:29 and answer the following questions: a. Who established the church in Ephesus, when did he do this, how long was he there, and who helped him while he was there? b. In what region is Ephesus located? c. Where was the gospel preached in Ephesus? d. What were the social and physical conditions for preaching the gospel at Ephesus? e. What kind of converts were made in Ephesus? What was their background? f. What temple was a well-known feature of Ephesus? g. How did the citizens of Ephesus react to the gospel preaching? h. Where did the citizens of Ephesus gather? i. What do we know about the church at Ephesus? 8. Read Revelation 2:1-7 and tell about the positive and negative characteristics of the church at Ephesus. Applications for Today 1. Preaching the gospel and converting souls in a new area may involve great obstacles, great oppositions, and great opportunities (1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8; 2 Cor. 1:8-10). What kind of obstacles, oppositions, and opportunities do Christians face today while trying to preach the gospel? 2. Christians are not apostles, but they are still commissioned by God to preach the gospel today. How are Christians commissioned by God to do the Lord s work today? 3. Christians in the local church are to live as saints (holy, set apart from the world) and faithful (trustworthy, dependable) Christians. How can Christians demonstrate to God and to others that they are saints and faithful? 4. In what way are grace and peace a part of the Christian life today? Introduction to the Book of Ephesians 11

12 5. God is your heavenly Father and provides for you. What does God provide for you as your Father? 6. Jesus Christ is your Lord and rules over you. What responsibilities do you have to Jesus Christ as your Lord? 7. Like Ephesus, a local church can start out faithful and then lose its first love (Rev. 2:4). Are you in a local church that is gradually losing its first love? How do you know if a local church is losing its first love? Cruise ships visiting Ephesus sail into Kusadasi harbor and travel by bus to Ephesus. The photo of the harbor shows the island of Samos in the background. 12 The Book of Ephesians

13 The Apostle Paul wants the Ephesian Christians to know that God has provided for the spiritual welfare of mankind, so he begins the body of his letter by reminding them of their spiritual wealth and blessings in Christ. Paul will list several spiritual blessings in chapters 1 through 3. He begins his list of blessings with the blessing of redemption (1:3-14). In one long sentence with twelve verses containing over 200 words, Paul discusses the role that the Father (1:3-6), the Son (1:7-12), and the Holy Spirit (1:13-14) have played in redeeming mankind from sin. Each person in the Godhead has done something to bring about man s redemption. Redemption: the Role and Blessings of the Father (1:3-6) Paul begins this section of the epistle by blessing and praising God for what He has done to save mankind ( Praise be to God, NIV). God bestows every spiritual blessing to mankind necessary for redemption. These spiritual blessings are found in Christ (v. 3). That is, when one enters into a relationship with Christ by being baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27), he will receive every spiritual blessing that God has to offer. Paul blesses the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3; see also Rom. 15;6; 2 Cor. 1:3; Col. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:3). God takes the authoritative role as Father and Jesus takes the subordinate role of a son (1 Cor. 11:3). Paul continues to review Lesson 2 The Wealth of Redemption what God has done to save mankind in the next few verses. God chose mankind (v. 4), He foreordained ( predestinated, KJV, NASV) mankind (v. 5; see also Eph. 1:11; Rom. 8:29-30), and He bestowed upon mankind his grace (v. 6; see also v. 7). God wanted lost mankind to be redeemed and have the adoption as sons (v. 5; see also Gal. 4:5) and He desired this even before the foundation of the world or before the creation of the world (NIV) (v. 4; see also Matt. 25:34; 1 Pet. 1:20; Rev. 17:8). All this was done by the good pleasure of his will or the kind intention of his will (NASV) (v. 5; see also Eph. 1:9; Phil. 2:13). However, these activities were not done by God unconditionally and apart from man s freewill as is often taught in religions today. The divine activities of choosing, foreordaining, and bestowing grace were done with respect to man s freewill choice to obey Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:3-14 They were done in him (v. 4), through Jesus Christ (v. 5), and in the Beloved (v. 6). God chose in advance that a man who would obey Jesus Christ and be found in him would be blessed with every spiritual blessing. Man enters into union with Christ when he, of his own free-will, chooses to believe in Christ and be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). 1 The spiritual blessings that Paul speaks of in this section are found in the heavenly places or the heavenly realms (NIV) (v. 3). The phrase the heavenly places (lit. in the heavenlies ) is not found in any other book in the New Testament. It is used exclusively by Paul throughout Ephesians to refer to the non-physical, spiritual realm of God s work. This spiritual realm includes both good and evil forces, and it is located both in heaven and on earth (Eph. 1:3; 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). God s blessings come to man from heaven, they lead man 1 Ephesians 1:3-14 is considered by many followers of John Calvin to be the foundation of the doctrine of God s election in the New Testament. This doctrine of Calvinism says that God, in His supreme sovereignty, unconditionally chooses some individuals to be saved and other individuals to be lost. It is called the doctrine of Unconditional Election and Reprobation. This doctrine says that God chooses who will be saved and who will be lost by His sovereignty alone, apart from the free-will choice of each person. However, in Ephesians 1:3-13, Paul writes that God chose the plan by which all mankind could be saved. God s plan for man to be saved requires man to be in union with Christ or in Christ. Note that each time Paul speaks of God s election (vv. 4, 5, 9, and 11), he also speaks of being in Christ. This union is accomplished by faith and baptism (Gal. 3:26-27). Man must choose for himself whether or not he will believe and be baptized into Christ in order to be saved. 2 The wealth of blessings in Christ is seen especially in the wording of the NASV and the NIV in verses 7 and 8: according The Wealth of Redemption 13

14 to heaven, and they await man in heaven (Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1-3; Heb. 12:23). Additionally, the spiritual blessings provided in Christ demand that a Christian live a certain way. Paul writes that a Christian should be holy and without blemish before him in love (v. 4). God has a purpose for His election. His election carries with it a great responsibility. Not only does God want man to be redeemed, but He wants man to live a life that is holy or separated from sin and without blemish ( without blame, KJV). He will live without spot or without blame before God (Phil. 2:15). Paul repeats this point in Ephesians 5:27 (see also Col. 1:22). The Christian is to live a holy life and without blemish in love (v. 4). His love for God will cause him to live a holy life (3:17; 4:2, 16; 5:2). Redemption: the Role and Blessings of the Son (1:7-12) Having discussed the role of God in redemption in verses 3 through 6, Paul now turns his attention to the role of Jesus Christ in the redemption of mankind in verses 7 through 12. Redemption is the theme of this section of the epistle (v. 7; see also Luke 1:68; 2:38; Rom. 3;24; 8:23; 1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:14; 4:30; Col. 1;14; Heb. 9:12, 15). The word redemption means to deliver, to release, or to liberate. What did Jesus do to redeem mankind from sin? Jesus offered Not only does God want man to be redeemed, but He wants man to live a life that is holy or separated from sin. Himself through his blood (v. 7). The shedding of Jesus blood on the cross allows all mankind to have redemption (v. 7), forgiveness of our trespasses (v. 7; see also Col. 1:14), and to be made a heritage (v. 11). The loving and sacrificial act of Jesus shedding His blood on the cross was a result of God s rich grace or favor (v. 7; see also Eph. 2:7), 2 God s wisdom and prudence understanding, NIV (v. 8; see also Col. 1:28; 3:16), God s will and good pleasure (v. 9; see also v. 11), and God s foreordained purpose (v. 11; see v. 5 above). Through the blood of Jesus, mankind can have forgiveness of trespasses, meaning sins committed by stepping beside God s law rather than walking within God law (v. 7; Matt. 6:14-15; Rom. 4:25; 5:16; 2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13). We are introduced to some important phrases in verses 9 through 12. The mystery of his will refers to the New Testament gospel that was hid in times past but is now revealed through Jesus and His apostles (Mark 4:11; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:3, 9; 6:19; Col. 1:26; 2:2; 4:3; 1 Tim. 3:9, 16). It is the same as the good pleasure of his will (v. 5), the counsel of his will (v. 11), and the knowledge of his will (Col. 1:9). A dispensation of the fullness of the times refers to the dispensing, the stewardship or the administration (NASV) of ministry and preaching the gospel among the apostles (Eph. 3:2, 9; Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4). The things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth refer to all things heavenly and earthly that are redeemed and brought under the control of Jesus Christ (John 3:31; Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:10; Col. 1:16; 2:20). A heritage refers to the spiritual inheritance that is given by God to all His adopted sons (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Eph. 1:14, 18; 5:5; Col. 1:12; 3:24; Heb. 9:15; 11:8; 1 Pet. 1:4). The praise of his glory is the goal of redemption. The act of redeeming sinful mankind brings praise and glory to God (verses 6, 12, 14). Redemption: the Role and Blessings of the Holy Spirit (1:13-14) Paul concludes this section of his epistle with a mention of the role of the Holy Spirit in the redemption of mankind. The Ephesians were redeemed after they heard and believed the gospel message revealed through the Holy Spirit (v. 13; see also Acts 4:4; 13:48; 15:7; 18:8; Rom. 10:14). The word of the truth refers to the true words of the gospel (v. 13; see also John 17:17; Acts 26:25; 2 Cor. 4:2; 6:7; Col. 1:5; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:18). The gospel is called the gospel of your salvation (v. 13) because it is God s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). The Holy Spirit not only did the work of revealing the truth of the gospel (John 16:13), but also the work of sealing. The Holy Spirit sealed each Christian upon his obedience to Jesus Christ (v. 13). The word sealed (Gr. sphragizo) refers to a seal, signet, or stamp that is used to mark an object ( you were marked in him with a seal, NIV). to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us. 14 The Book of Ephesians

15 In New Testament times, a cylindershaped seal or ring seal was pressed into clay or wax in order to (1) keep something secure or secret, (2) ratify or authenticate a document, or (3) demonstrate ownership. In this verse, and in Ephesians 4:30, Paul uses the word sealed to show that Gentile Christians belong to God just as Jewish Christians do. The Holy Spirit is a promise to the Christian (v. 14; see also Gal. 3:14) and the Christian s seal of divine ownership (Rom. 8:9, 15-16; Gal. 4:6). The Holy Spirit s work of sealing is also an earnest of our inheritance (v. 14). 3 In Paul s day, earnest (Gr. arrabon) was used as a legal and commercial term for earnest-money, deposit (NIV), pledge (NASV), down payment, or guarantee (NKJV). Today, Christians have an inheritance (Gr. kleronomia) from God (v. 14) and the assurance or guarantee of the inheritance from God is the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5). God s earnest or pledge to the Christian is the presence of the Holy Spirit. 4 The inheritance that Christians have is to be God s own possession the purchased possession, KJV (v. 14; see also Tit. 2:14; Heb. 10:34; 1 Pet. 2:9) All three members of the Godhead have played an important role in redeeming mankind. God the Father plans who can be redeemed in Christ. God the Son provides the blood sacrifice for their redemption. God the Holy Spirit reveals and seals those who are redeemed. The plan of redemption as a whole and the individual work of each member of the Godhead brings glory to God. Each section above concludes with this refrain: to the praise of his glory (vv. 6, 12, 14). Text Questions 1. Can you list the different spiritual blessings Paul talks about in Ephesians 1:3-14? 2. What are the different ways Paul writes the phrase in Christ in Ephesians 1:3-14? 3. Christians have been blessed with what in Christ (v. 3)? 4. When and how did God choose who would be saved (vv. 4-5)? 5. Why has God done the work of election (v.6), why has the Son done the work of redemption (v.12), and why has the Holy Spirit done the work of sealing (v.14)? 6. God s redemption is through what and according to what (v. 7)? 7. What can all mankind know (vv. 8-9)? 3 Which in v. 14 can also be translated who (Gr. hos) a reference to the Holy Spirit. 4 Some have read Ephesians 1:13-14 and assumed that a Christian cannot fall from grace and be eternally lost because a Christian has been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Yet, Paul does not say that eternal security is a consequence of being sealed. In fact, elsewhere in Ephesians (5:3-5) and in the New Testament (Gal.5:4, 19-21), Paul says a Christian can fall away. Others have read Ephesians 1:13-14 and assumed that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian personally because the Christian has been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Note carefully that Paul does not state in Ephesians 1:13-14 the manner in which the Holy Spirit is a seal and an earnest. Paul simply states the fact that the Holy Spirit is a seal and earnest. One must turn elsewhere in the New Testament to learn the manner or mode in which the Holy Spirit dwells in a Christian. We learn from such passages as Romans 8:4-17 that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian as the Spirit s word dwells in the Christian. The Wealth of Redemption 15

16 8. What things are summed up in Christ (v. 10)? 9. What are we made in Christ (v. 11)? 10. What is the goal of being in Christ (v. 12)? 11. What is the word of truth (v. 13)? 12. What is the Christian s seal (v. 13)? 13. Can you sum up in your own words what each member of the Godhead has done to redeem mankind: the Father (vv. 3-6), the Son (vv. 7-12), and the Holy Spirit (vv )? Digging Deeper 1. What does Paul mean by heavenly places in Ephesians 1:3 (see 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12)? 2. Define the following words in this lesson taken from the King James Version: holy and without blame (1:4) predestined (1:5,11) adoption (1:5) grace (1:6,7) redemption (1:7,14) wisdom and prudence (1:8) dispensation (1:10) sealed (1:13) earnest (1:14) inheritance (1:11,14) Applications for Today 1. Paul prayed, praised, and preached in times of trial (in prison in Rome). How can we do the same? Why should we do the same? 2. How can we show our thankfulness to God for our spiritual riches? 3. What are some spiritual blessings that we have in Christ that are not mentioned in Ephesians 1:3-14? 16 The Book of Ephesians

17 4. How does recalling our spiritual blessings in Christ help us to be more holy and faithful Christians? 5. Why is it good to thank God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your prayers for what they have done to redeem you? 6. Have you entered into Christ through repentance and baptism (Gal. 3:27) in order to receive all spiritual blessings? If not, what is holding you back? The Wealth of Redemption 17