Introduction to EphesiansJOHN R. WIBLE, EDITOR

SUMMER, 2015

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Author Facts• Based on the BE Series by Warren Wiersbe

• Education: Northern Baptist Seminary

• Former Pastor, the Moody Church, Chicago

• Fundamental, evangelical, Calvinist orientation

• Worked with Youth for Christ, Back to the Bible Radio

• Taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

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Course Facts• Workbook provided: Ephesians – BE Rich

• Commentary optional, recommended, not provided

• Time frame: 9-13 weeks May 10 – early August

• Light homework suggested

• No “death by PowerPoint®” or extensive notes

• Emphasis on the practical rather than theoretical

• Next Week Carmen’s lesson

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Destination Ephesus?• “At Ephesus”

• Perhaps a circular letter

• “Asia” – Modern Turkey or “Asia Minor”

• Ephesus, a central city

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Pauls’ Journey•6-4 B.C. Jesus born

•27-29 A.D. Jesus’ Passion

•31-36 Paul’s Conversion

•36 Damascus

•36-39 Paul’s Desert

•39 Jerusalem, Peter

•39-49 Years of Ministry

•46 1st Mission

•49 Second Missionary Trip

•52 Third Missionary Trip

•52-55 Ephesus

•61-63 First Roman Prison

•62 Ephesians written

•63-68 2nd imprisonment?

•68 Beheading

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Writing Ephesians• During first Roman Imprisonment about 62 A.D.

• Four letters: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians

• Onesimus took Philemon home

• Tychicus took Colossians and Ephesians

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The City of Ephesus• Greek with sizeable Jewish population

• Center of Artemis worship – temple

• Capitol and Trade center – key to Asia

• Magic flourished

• Home of heresy, Apostle John

• Paul’s trouble there

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The Genuine Article

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• Recognized by church fathers

• Recognized by Martin Luther

• Recognized by modern scholars

• The real question is whether it was “solely” to the Ephesians

Comparison with Colossians• Twins but different, alike in structure and wording

• Ephesians 5 unique sections

• “The Heavenlies”

• Old Testament allusions

• Poetic comparisons

• Fundamental themes – Christhood and Churchhood

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Purpose• Encouragement

• Combats heresies

• Unity of the church – Jews and Gentiles

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General Outline1. Believer’s position in Christ 1:1 – 3:21

2. Believer’s Conduct in the World 4:1-6:21

3. Final Words

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Doctrine and Practicality• Like Colossians, first part is doctrinal

• Second part is practical

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Lasting Effects on Ephesus• Paul loved the Ephesians

• Apostle John lived and taught there

• However, the effects of his letter were not permanent

• They lost their first love (Revelation 2:4)

• Their “candlestick was removed.”

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