Paul was grateful for the Christians in Ephesus because word of their faith in Christ Jesus had spread throughout the area. Ephesus was a seaport city and one of the most beautiful cities in the Roman Empire. Roman leaders owned beautiful beach-front property in Ephesus. The entire world came to trade their goods, shop for goods, and be entertained in the coliseum there. 

Ephesus was known for many things, including the brothels and temples to all things ungodly. The “saints” in Ephesus would have stood out in the common culture of that day. The church in Ephesus is where the apostle John took Mary, the mother of Jesus, when they fled Jerusalem. The letter indicates that the church had a diverse membership, including some from the pagan practices of the city. The church understood what it meant to offer their love and their Christian faith to all people. Paul was grateful for these Christians and expressed that in the beginning of his letter to them.

Paul prayed for them and gave thanks to God for them. These Christian believers were impacting people’s lives and their culture, one salvation at a time. The letter to the Ephesians is a great encouragement to Christians today who want to do the same.

We, like Paul, can encourage others to share their faith and stand firm in biblical truth, even when that means standing against what the culture teaches. We can live as those early saints lived, sharing the love of Christ with those who will least expect that. Everyone needs to discover their salvation and redemption through the blood of Christ.

Wisdom is offering our gratitude to God. When we are fully grateful for our own salvation, we will want to share it with those who still need to realize they are greatly loved by their Creator. Who will hear of our wisdom and faith and offer gratitude to God for our service?