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Ephesians & Colossains. Written from : Roman Prison Date : 61/62 (?) Themes : Eph - Saved from sin - saved for good works. The purpose of the Church is to reveal God’s mystery in the unity of all humanity
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Ephesians & Colossains Written from: Roman Prison Date: 61/62 (?) Themes: Eph - Saved from sin - saved for good works. The purpose of the Church is to reveal God’s mystery in the unity of all humanity Col. - New life in Christ, new priorities, Christ is the focus of how God works in this world
Paul lived in Ephesus for 3 years on his third missionary tour. • From Ephesus he and his co-workers evangelized the western areas of Asia Minor. • Ephesians is written from prison (3:1). • Rome, maybe Caesarea • He writes an encouraging letter to the churches that they maintain their unity in Christ with one another.
Another significant theme is the type of life one is to live as a Christian. • Ephesus and the other cities in the area were very immoral cities and the Christians needed strong directions for living that life. • “Live for the praise of his glory” 1:12 • 2:8-10 – our salvation is a gift, we don’t earn it by good works • Saved from sin – saved for good works
Purpose of the Church • To help people grow to spiritual maturity 4:11ff. • To show the world there is a place where one can find love, acceptance, kindness, peace, etc. chs. 2 & 3 (ex. Jews & Gentiles) • To maintain the unity God has already established 4:1-3.
The same type of living is to be shown in family life: • Eph 5:21 “Be subject to one another out of reverence to Christ.” • Wives & husbands • Children & fathers • Slaves & masters • In our struggle against evil God has given us many weapons – 6:10 • Truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, word of God
There is no indication in his letters or in Acts that Paul had much to do with starting the Church. • It was likely established during Paul’s 3 year ministry in Ephesus. • “The whole population of the province of Asia, both Jews and pagans, heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). • Paul’s co-workers probably went throughout the region; Paul likely did as well (at least parts of it).
Colossae is about 100 miles from Ephesus. • Epaphras, a native of Colossae (4:12), may have started the Church (1:6f.). • Other members included: • Philemon (Phm 1) • Apphia (Phm 2) • Archippus (4:17) • Onesimus
Occasion of the Letter • Epaphras had visited Paul during his imprisonment. • He reported the Church was doing well (1:6; 2:5-7). • But they needed help in dealing with some teachings that were problematic for some. • It may have been a relatively new congregation.
The False Teaching • It demoted Christ from the center of faith 1:13-20; 2:9ff. • Probably a mix of gnosticism, Jewish mysticism, and other Greco-Roman traditions.
In contrast, Paul focuses on the central role of Christ in creation and salvation. • He is the head of the Church and in him the fullness of deity dwelt (1:19). “He is the image of he invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, . . .. He himself is before all things, an in him all things hold together.” 1:15ff.
Followers of Christ are not to be the same as the world – controlled by evil desires, impurity, passion and greed. 3:5 • We must not have these in our lives either: anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive language, lying, etc. 3:8f.
Evidently, the false teaching had led to an immoral life style. • Paul is concerned that such living would harm the church and its families. • Encourages them to have compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience - 3:12 • Encourages wives, husbands, children, slaves, and masters to live as living for the Lord – 3:18-4:1. • In the midst of a wicked world, Christians are to live as if Christ really is the one that gives us direction and purpose.