Psalm 54: Background is 1 Samuel 19, 21-23, 25

Psalm 52. Background is 1 Samuel 18-22

Psalm 56. Background is 1 Samuel 13, 14, 17, 21, 27

Psalm 34. Background is 1 Samuel 19-22

Psalm 59. Background is 1 Samuel 18, 19

Introduction

We wrap up the history of the church at Ephesus with a riot and a prayer. The riot is due to the powerful influence of the church upon the culture of the day. The prayer is due to their love for the devoted apostle who "labored in tears" to teach them the gospel. Needless to say, this church is rooted in great faith and great love for the Lord and His servants. 

Join us as finish our introduction to the Ephesians letter. God bless.

The church at Ephesus has a powerful beginning. Right from the start, these new converts were building a "new temple" in the hearts of those who believed in Jesus Christ. What do see in them that would be good for all of us to emulate? 

1. They were humble learners: Priscilla and Aquila help a gifted speaker, Apollos, learn “the way of the Lord more accurately." Apollos will be a trusted companion in the gospel for the rest of his life.  When Paul arrives, he introduces baptism into Jesus Christ to the Ephesians. 12 are rebaptized because they only knew the baptism of John the Baptist and had never heard of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 19:1-7)  

2. They were devoted to assemblies: These new believers were forced out of the synagogue, so they meet regularly at a local school. (Acts 19:8)  

3. They were effective evangelists: The gospel will spread throughout Asia and many new churches are started. (Acts 19:10; Revelation 2-3)  

4. They were committed to holiness: The brethren not only denounced their previous lifestyles, but they also burned the books that led to paganism. Instead of selling the books of sorcery, they burned them. (Acts 19:19-20)  

Their faith also influenced the unbelievers and fear (of the Lord) fell upon all men. (Acts 19:11-17)

Introduction to the Church at Ephesus 

The church at Ephesus was the epicenter of Christianity in the second half of the first century. The brethren were filled with zeal for the Lord in spite of living in an overwhelming pagan culture. They had some of the best servants leading them through the years: Paul, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, Timothy, and John.  

History of the church at Ephesus:  

Yet, with all this growth and influence, when we get to the Revelation, Ephesus is the first to be warned by Jesus to "Repent and return to the first works." What happened?   

Join us as we seek to learn more about the church at Ephesus and how there are many similarities between their challenges and what we are dealing with today.   

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Paul (Eph 3:17-19)

The Manifold Wisdom of God