Introduction to Ephesians

1. From September until last Sunday, we covered the fundamentals of Christianity for the church. During this time, we explored topics such as the meaning of salvation, baptism, God and the Trinity and so on. The concept of foundational Christianity, built upon salvation, is the cornerstone of Christian faith and life. Moving forward, from today until the end of June, we will delve deeper into the Christian life through a study of the Book of Ephesians. For twenty-first century Christians, the Book of Ephesians can be seen as challenging. It emphasizes building the church and fostering faith in Jesus Christ within the community of believers, rather than focusing solely on personal and individual salvation in Christ. In essence, the Book of Ephesians is about the church in Christ and the process of building the body of Christ. Today, we begin our exploration of the Book of Ephesians. We'll delve into its background, and then consider its significance for the Christian's journey within the church. Let's turn to Ephesians 1:1-2 to start.

Ephesians 1:1–2 (NASB 2020)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Last Names and Ancestry

Our last names often provide clues about our heritage. Take the name Holteman, for example. While variations like Holdman, Haltemanne, and Halderman exist, they likely all stem from a common Swiss German origin. Similarly, my last name, Kim, points towards Korean ancestry. In Korea, just three surnames - Kim, Lee, and Park - make up over half the population. Interestingly, even North Korea's leader shares the Kim surname. Historically, these names were reserved for royalty. However, following a social revolution before the Japanese Colony, the practice of adopting surnames became widespread. In fact, before the 1800s, most Koreans didn't have last names! This suggests that my great-great-grandfather might have chosen our Kim surname. Ultimately, our last names offer a glimpse into our nationality, origin, and background. This concept extends beyond genealogy. Just like us, the Bible has its own background, a rich tapestry woven from history, context, and the circumstances of its creation. Today, let's delve into the background of the book of Ephesians.

3. The Background of Ephesians 1:1

When reading epistles or prophets in the Bible, it can be helpful to know their background. However, if you haven't studied theology or aren't a pastor, you may not have books specifically about the background. In such cases, reading the first chapter and the first verse of each epistle or prophets provides us to speculate about the background and context. The first verse of Ephesians chapter 1 offers several clues that help us understand the book's background. The first noteworthy word is "Paul," identified as an apostle. We are likely familiar with Paul's role in spreading Christianity. However, the verse mentions he was previously known as Saul. To learn more about Saul, we can turn to Philippians 3:4-6 for further context.

Philippians 3:4–6 (NRSV)

even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

4. Saul's Background

Prior to his conversion to Christianity, Saul was a rabbi or a rabbinical candidate. Well-versed in Jewish Law and Scripture, he likely belonged to the Pharisees, a stricter sect within Judaism. This background fueled his zealous persecution of the early Jesus followers. In fact, he was present at the stoning of Stephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian movement.

Acts 7:57–58 NIV

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 7:59–60 NRSV

While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

Acts 8:1–2 (NKJV)

Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

Acts 8:3 NKJV

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

5. Saul's Transformation

This same Saul, who would later write to the Ephesians, underwent a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. There, he encountered Jesus Christ firsthand and was profoundly impacted by his power. This encounter led Saul to become a devoted follower of Jesus.

Acts 9:1–2 NLT

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

Acts 9:3–4 NLT

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

6. Paul's Conversion: A Divine Encounter

Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a dramatic turning point in his life. Far from seeking Jesus, Paul was actively persecuting Jesus' followers. However, Jesus took the initiative, appearing to Paul and bringing about his conversion. This was not a result of Paul's own desires or plans, which likely centered around achieving renown as a rabbi within the Jewish tradition.  God's will, not Paul's own ambitions, ultimately reshaped his life's trajectory.

Acts 9:13–14 ESV

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”

Acts 9:15–16 ESV

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

7. Called by God: Parallels Between Paul and Us

In the opening of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul identifies himself as an apostle "chosen by the will of God" (Ephesians 1:1). This emphasis on God's initiative reflects the transformative power of faith. Just as Paul's life was radically altered by his encounter with Jesus, our own journeys of faith often follow unexpected paths. Some of us are raised in Christian families, while others come to faith later in life. In my case, I wasn't born into a Christian household. My parents practiced Buddhism, and initially, they showed no interest in Christianity. However, as I mentioned earlier, an event involving noodles led me to church. This wasn't my decision, but rather God's work in my life. My parents simply wanted to teach me good values when they sent me in Sunday School at the church. Ultimately, it wasn't their plan or mine that made me a Christian; it was God's grand design. Just as my journey began unexpectedly, so too did my family's faith story. I became the first Christian in our family, and later, both my father and mother followed suit. It seems God, in His will, desired to save our entire family, and He used my experience to initiate that process.

8. Our Unique Journeys to Faith

This passage about Paul reminds us that God works in our lives in unexpected ways. Just as Paul's conversion wasn't part of his original plan, many of us come to faith through surprising circumstances. Now, take a moment to reflect on your own journey to Christianity.  Perhaps we were raised in a Christian household, or maybe we came to faith later in life. Maybe a specific event or person sparked our interest, or perhaps a gradual growing awareness of God's presence led us here. The Bible offers countless stories of people encountering God in unique ways. Reflecting on these stories, like Paul's conversion, can deepen our understanding of our own faith journey. Whether we’re a lifelong believer or someone curious about Christianity, this passage serves as an encouragement.  Seek out God, and be open to the possibility of encountering Him in unexpected ways.

9. Understanding "Saints" and the Ephesian Recipients

In his opening verse, Paul addresses the recipients of his letter as "the saints in Ephesus" (Ephesians 1:1). Here, "saint" doesn't denote someone exceptionally holy, as some churches define sainthood. Instead, it refers to all believers in Jesus Christ, emphasizing their set-apart status for God's purposes.

10. Textual Variations and Early Christian Communication

Interestingly, some original Greek manuscripts lack the phrase "in Ephesus." This likely reflects the practice of circulating letters among early Christian communities. Recipients might have omitted the specific location when passing the letter on or making copies, potentially adding their own community's name. This highlights the mobile nature of Christian communication in the first century.

"Paul, an apostle of Christ by the will of God to the saint in “Yorkton,” and faithful in Jesus Christ.

11. The Enduring Relevance of Ephesians

The presence or absence of "Ephesus" in the manuscript variations highlights the interesting practice of letter circulation in the early church. However, this doesn't diminish the message's relevance for us today. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, even though written in the first century, transcends its original recipients.  The term "saints" refers to all believers in Jesus Christ, set apart for God's purposes. This includes us, the faithful in Yorkton, whether affiliated with Yorkton Alliance Church or not.  The teachings in Ephesians hold value for all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of location or specific denomination.

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 HCSB

Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or anyone practicing homosexuality, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

12. Transformed in Christ: A New Identity and Purpose

When we come to faith in Christ, we undergo a profound transformation.  Through his sacrifice, we are washed clean of sin (washed), made holy (sanctified), and declared righteous (justified) in God's eyes.  This transformation alters our core identity.  Our primary allegiance shifts from worldly values and standards to living according to God's will and direction (faithful). Being faithful isn't about past actions but about an ongoing commitment to live as a follower of Christ.  We are no longer defined by the world but by our relationship with God.  The metaphor of crucifixion signifies that we have died to our old way of life and been reborn anew in Christ's resurrection. Therefore, faithfulness expresses itself in living a life dedicated to God's kingdom and glorifying His name.  We strive to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God's purposes.

Galatians 2:19–20 NASB 2020

For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

13. Our Journey with Ephesians Begins

Today marks the exciting beginning of our exploration of the book of Ephesians. Through its pages, we have the opportunity to discover God's grand plan for our lives. We can learn what it means to live as a saint, set apart for God's purposes, and a person of faith, guided by His principles. Most importantly, Ephesians can equip us to be living testaments to God's love and grace in the world. By aligning our lives with His teachings, we can radiate His message to others. Let us focus on seeking God's guidance and following His plan for us.  Remember, we are not accidents; we were born according to His will and became His followers through His divine purpose.