|
Ephesians 1:1 >> Eph 1:1 Comments Paul is identifying himself as an apostle and as the author of this letter to the Ephesians. This letter is addressed to the saints at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus which includes all Christians "in Christ" everywhere. It is interesting to note that Paul laboured diligently for the church at Ephesus. Timothy was an evangelist at Ephesus, (1 Tim 1:3). Paul spent much time and effort in making sure the Ephesians had the gospel and that it was being correctly taught. This is evidenced by the two letters written exclusively for Timothy with Paul's instruction to abide in Ephesus and head off the efforts of those who would teach false doctrines. Paul saw the beginning of the church at Ephesus as recorded in Acts chapter 18. He found about twelve disciples there who had been baptized with an incomplete knowledge of our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, Acts 19. These Ephesian disciples were very likely converted by Apollos who we read about in Acts chapter 18. Priscilla and Aquila encountered Apollos and taught him that the promised messiah, Christ, had already come. Apollos had been teaching and baptizing disciples with the baptism of John which was for repentance and in anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah. Evidently Apollos was unaware that Jesus had indeed come and been put to death and was resurrected. It is interesting to note that Jesus addressed the church at Ephesus Himself in Revelation 2. He informed them that they had left their first love and that if they wanted to eat of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God, they better repent. Ephesians 1:1 >> |
|