“For the Perfecting of the Saints”

All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “For the Perfecting of the Saints” CFMCorner Oct 1, 2023 20 min read Updated: Oct 3, 2023 CFM: October 2–8 Ephesians Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central Ephesians Study Guide Follow Him Ephesians Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line Ephesians ​FHE Lesson Teaching with Power Ephesians ​ Don't Miss This Ephesians ​ ​CFM New Testament Ephesians ​Unshaken Ephesians ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation Ephesians ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton Ephesians ​ ​Ponderfun Ephesians ( not yet posted ) ​Talking Scripture Ephesians Show Notes ​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , New Testament The Epistles of Paul, Colossians & Ephesians: Notes , Slides , Handout arnt25_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 9.00MB Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson The Book of Ephesians, one of the epistles within the New Testament, has traditionally been ascribed to the Apostle Paul, with its intended audience being the Christian community in the ancient city of Ephesus. However, scholarly debate surrounds the authorship of this letter, casting doubt on its direct attribution to Paul. During the era in which it was written, it was not uncommon for someone other than the purported author to compose a letter in their name. Various theories have emerged regarding the true authorship of Ephesians, and if it was not penned by Paul himself, it is likely that it was composed on his behalf, likely compiled from his other writing and public teachings. Some scholars propose that it may have been authored by one of Paul's trusted disciples or followers, such as Luke or Titus, while others speculate that Priscilla and Aquila could have played a role. Alternatively, Ephesians might be a compilation drawn from various sources or letters circulating during that period. One of the key factors contributing to doubts about Pauline authorship is the presence of noticeable disparities in vocabulary, writing style, sentence structure, tone, and theological emphasis when compared to other undisputed Pauline letters. These distinctions serve as primary reasons prompting scholars to consider the possibility of an alternate authorship for the Book of Ephesians. If Paul actually did write Ephesians, tradition indicates it was probably written from Rome around 61-63 AD. If it was not written by Paul, scholars suggest it was likely written sometime during 70-95 AD. To understand the context and significance of this book, we must first delve into the history and culture of Ephesus and Paul's influence on the community. Ephesus: A Historical Overview Ephesus was a prominent ancient Greek city located on the western coast of modern-day Turkey. It was situated in Ionia , near the mouth of the Cayster River and was known for its strategic location as a major port city along the Aegean Sea. Ionia is historically known as the birthplace of Western Philosophy and Science, and it has a rich and diverse history that spanned several centuries. According to legend, Ephesus was founded by the Amazons , the fabled female warriors associated with Diana (Artemis, “Wonder Woman”). The city's origins can be traced back to the Ionian Greeks in the 10th century BCE, but it likely has earlier ties to the Ancient Minoan civilization, as the communities share several common mythological themes and cultural/religious traditions. In the 7th century a group of 12 city states joined together to form the Ionian League , forming a socio-religious pact. This helped to provide support, safety, and stability to the community and region. This community would be instrumental during the Persian invasions in the 6th Century, and they would stand against King Darius during the first wave of Persian invasions. Following this invasion the Ionian League partnered with Athens and other areas to create the Delian League to stand against King Xerxes (Ahursus), and they were able to successfully maintain their independence ( The Formation of the Delian League ). These event propelled Greece into their Golden Age. This history is alluded to in the book of Esther. Ephesus flourished under various Greek rulers and became a vital hub for trade and commerce. During the Roman Empire, Ephesus continued to thrive and was known for its impressive architecture, including the Temple of Artemis , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World . It also served as the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus was a center of culture and religion. The Temple of Artemis was a focal point for religious worship, and the city was home to diverse religious practices, including the spread of Christianity. The city's proximity to the sea and well-developed infrastructure made it a key trading center in the region, fostering economic and intellectual prosperity. According to Acts 18:19-21, Paul visited Ephesus briefly on his second missionary journey but promised to return, which he did on his third journey (Acts 19). During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul engaged in extensive evangelism, teaching, and building up the church community. His influence on the Christian community in Ephesus was profound. Some of the major events involving Paul in Ephesus include: Teaching in the Synagogue : Paul initially began his ministry in Ephesus by preaching in the synagogue. He gained a following and started teaching about Jesus Christ. Following being expelled from the Synagogue he began teaching at the School of Tyrannus, and developed a large following. Miracles and Spiritual Warfare : Acts 19:11-20 describes how Paul performed miracles including healing the sick, and casting out demons in the name of Christ. “And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them.” (11-12). Some tried to duplicate the miracles Paul performed, but they were unsuccessful, and their efforts backfired. The Riot in Ephesus : Acts 19:23-41 recounts a riot instigated by silversmiths who were concerned about the impact of Paul's teaching on the trade of idols related to Artemis (Diana). This event demonstrated the strong reaction Paul's message provoked, and the significant impact it had, Paul: Uproar in Ephesus . So great was Paul's message, many completely abandoned and rejected the previous traditions, even going so far as to burn and destroy many of the communities records and artifacts. This spurred a great deal of contention, anger, and fear. While one might appreciate the zeal these early members had for the Gospel, their contentious methods set dangerous precedents that brought immediate and long term consequences. Paul's message of unity and oneness in Ephesians addresses the importance of being peacemakers. Overview: Ephesians 1 contains important theological and practical insights for the early Christian community in Ephesus and beyond. This letter served to strengthen the faith of believers in a culturally diverse and spiritually challenging context, offering them a vision of their identity and purpose in Christ. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes ​Summary ​Cross-References, Videos & Resources Ephesians 1 ​ ​ ​​ INT Ephesians Commentary by Phillip Abbot Ephesians-ebook (1) .pdf Download PDF • 195KB ​Verse 1-2 ​Salutations ​Standard opening greeting: Salutations indicating sender and recipients. ​ χάρις Charis, a greeting that Paul frequently and intentionally uses, means “Grace, beauty, charm, elegance, gratitude, and goodwill,” it is the root for several English words such as charisma, cherish, caress, and charity; the word grace is also etymologically related, as the “g” and “c” got swapped, which was a very common occurrence for borrowed words from Greek to Latin. This root is alo related to the Greek name for Christ through the root, χείρ which means “hand” ( חֶסֶד , χρηστότης ). It is through Christ's hands, help, aid, support, charity, grace, power, and anointings that we can receive the blessings of salvation. These concepts of Grace were personified in Ancient Greek mythologies, which would have registered with the Ephesian Saints. Many recognized correlations between Greek mythological and linguistic remnants to the traditions and teachings that Paul taught. They saw commonalities between their traditions and those These were the types of distinctive markers that pointed many early converts to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, causing them to reject the cultural and religious traditions that they came to recognize as incomplete and flawed. ​ ​ Verses 3-14 ​ The Premortal Blessings of Redemption through Jesus Christ Verses 3-6: Paul opens the letter by praising God for blessing believers with every spiritual and heavenly blessing in Christ. He emphasizes that God chose ( elected ) us from before the foundations of the world , and that were were predestined (fore ordained ) to be adopted and accepted into the glory and grace of God through Jesus Christ. Verses 7-10: Paul discusses redemption and the forgiveness of sins/ offenses through Christ's blood . He recognizes God's wisdom and prudence in making know the plan of salvation, the mystery of his will , that in the dispensation of the fullness of times , he might unite all things together as one , in heaven and on earth under Christ. Verses 11-14: Paul highlights the purpose of Christ, to bring to pass the predestinated inheritance that was determined among the counsel and operates according to His will . ​The Plan of Salvation & Pre-Existence: Foreordination Abraham 3 , Moses 1 Premortality The Grand Counsel The Plan of Salvation Kingdoms of Glory Atonement of Jesus Christ The Traditional Seven Sacred Mysteries (Sacraments) as recorded by Peter Lomb