Ephesians 1

• Ephesians is Paul's most comprehensive writing on the church.
• The central theme is Christ and the church and God's plan to unite all things in Christ.
• The letter spans from eternity past to eternity future, addressing the believer's position in heaven and their life on earth.

The City of Ephesus

• Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor and a Roman capital.
• It was a commercial hub with a large harbor for international trade.
• The city housed the temple of Diana, one of the ancient world's seven wonders.
• The worship of Diana was a key part of the city's culture and identity.
• Paul spent three years in Ephesus, during which the Gospel spread throughout "all Asia".

The Church in Ephesus

• Paul first visited Ephesus briefly during his second missionary journey, leaving Priscilla and Aquila there.
• He returned for three years on his third journey, initially teaching in the synagogue.
• After facing rejection from the Jewish community, Paul moved to the school of Tyrannus for about two years.
• Paul's ministry led many Ephesians to convert from witchcraft, give up their books of magic, and turn to God.
• The silversmiths, whose income relied on selling shrines of Diana, saw their profits decline.
• Opposition to Paul resulted in a riot that forced him to leave Ephesus.
• Paul later met with the Ephesian elders during his journey back to Jerusalem.

The Letter to the Ephesians

• Paul wrote Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome.
• His imprisonment in Jerusalem followed false accusations.
• Paul was held for two years in Caesarea before appealing to the emperor and being sent to Rome.
• In Rome, he was under house arrest but could receive visitors, using this time to write Ephesians.
• Tychicus delivered the letter, likely also carrying the letter to Colossae with Onesimus.
• Ephesians addresses general church truths rather than specific local issues.
• It reveals the church's role in God's plan and its practical expression.

The Church in Ephesians

• Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians address the church as the body of Christ, the bride, and the temple.
• Pastoral epistles like Timothy and Titus discuss the church serving Christ as a local body.
• Both perspectives are important for balanced ministry.
• God views the church as a whole, with Christ as its head, but He ministers through local churches.
• The "church universal" is the body of Christ, into which believers are baptized by the Spirit; however, it does not substitute for the local church.
• The local church is emphasized in the New Testament and is responsible for missionary work, charity, and sacraments.
• The local church is strengthened when members recognize their role in the body of Christ.

Ephesians 1: Spiritual Blessings in Christ

• The central theme is the abundance of spiritual blessings Christians have in Christ.
• The blessings come from each person of the Godhead.
• Paul prays for understanding of these blessings and their power.

Blessings from the Father (1:1-6)

• God has chosen us in Christ.
• This is the doctrine of election, where God chooses by grace and not based on our merit.
• God adopted us, giving us full status and privileges in His family.
• Adoption means even the newest believer has everything that Christ has and is rich in grace.
• God has accepted us in Christ.
• We are made acceptable through Christ.

Blessings from the Son (1:7-12)

• Christ has redeemed us through His sacrifice on the cross.
• Redemption is present as He has delivered us from the penalty and power of sin.
• A future redemption to deliver us from the presence of sin will occur at Christ's return.
• Christ has forgiven us.
• Forgiveness means sins are sent away.
• Christ has revealed God's will to us.
• A "mystery" is a divine truth known through revelation.
• In Christ, we participate in God's plan to unite all things.
• God will create a new creation with all things united in Christ.
• Christ has made us an inheritance.
• God has given us an inheritance in Christ.
• The church is Christ's body, temple, and bride, and will share His glory.

Blessings from the Spirit (1:13-14)

• The Holy Spirit has sealed us.
• Salvation comes when a sinner hears the Word, trusts in Christ, receives the Holy Spirit, and is sealed forever.
• The Spirit enters the heart when one believes in Christ.
• Sealing signifies ownership and protection by God.
• The Holy Spirit has given us an earnest.
• The Spirit is the "down payment" guaranteeing future blessings in glory.

Praise of His Glory

• The Father, Son, and Spirit offer these blessings to the praise of His glory.
• Salvation is by God's grace and for His glory.
• Saving sinners is done for His own glory.

Prayer for Understanding (1:15-23)

• Paul prays for enlightenment and enablement.
• God gives spiritual understanding.
• Spiritual truths are discerned through the Spirit.
• We might know the hope of His calling.
• God chose us in Christ before the world's foundation, offering a blessed hope based on His grace.
• The Christian must know their high, holy, and heavenly calling to live accordingly.
• We might know the riches of His inheritance.
• We have an inheritance in Christ and are an inheritance to Christ.
• "Riches" indicates that there is nothing lacking.
• Christians mature when they realize their value to Christ and live to please Him.
• We might know His power.
• The power that raised Jesus from the dead is available for our daily lives.
• Christ has conquered sin, death, the world, and Satan.
• People of God experience victory seated with Him in heaven.
• These blessings are for living saints who have faith in Christ and experience grace and peace.
• God makes sinners into saints, and this transformation must happen during life.

Explore Paul's visits to Ephesus, the impact of his ministry, and key themes from the letter to the Ephesians. This includes Paul's imprisonment, spiritual understanding, and the riches of God's grace. Understand the historical context and theological significance.