Philip Dampier's Blog

Comments on Ephesians

Philip Dampier

March 30, 2018

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ISBN: 9781987409468

“Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,

© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Used by permission.” http://www.Lockman.org

The original blog was written a verse at a time, but in its present form, this commentary can be read verse by verse, chapter by chapter or at one sitting. The blog was not written as a formal commentary nor is it intended to be used as one. The main idea behind the blog was to provide thoughts about the book that could be used on a daily practical basis in our modern-world life.

What Paul wrote in this letter was designed to help the churches of Asia Minor be light in a dark and evil world. He wanted them to understand how God had changed their lives through His grace and the gift of Jesus, thus enabling them to change others. The message is still vital today. Just as the Ephesians and the other Asia Minor churches had a sordid past, we too come to the Savior with sins to be forgiven. We were counted among those alienated from God and destined for eternal punishment. Like the faithful saints of Ephesus, we live in a pagan and idolatrous world that is always trying to woo us back to the dark side.

It is easy to read this letter as if it were addressed to us and that is what I have attempted to do in the blog itself. We miss the great blessings of God’s word if we read it as history only. The message from God, like God, is unchanging. The work of Satan is the same today as it was then. He wants very much to lead Christians back into darkness again. The blessings of God are the same today as well. The Holy Spirit is working among His people to keep them holy just as He was in the first century.

Studying and applying the lessons in the book of Ephesians is a good way to maintain that holy, separated status as God’s children. We are faithful saints today as well, and we should live as faithful saints. This book is an excellent road map to follow to accomplish the maturity in Christ that God desires for us, and we should want for ourselves.

Who were the Ephesians?

Though this letter was most likely written to several churches in Asia Minor we will concentrate on the church at Ephesus. The most straightforward answer is to say they were the people who lived in Ephesus and while that would certainly be correct, what would it tell us about them? When the great Apostle Paul visited the city, he immediately divided the citizens into three separate groups. First, there were the Jews and then the Jews who believed in Jesus and finally the non-Jews, i.e., Gentiles.

How excited Paul must have been to find believers among his fellow Jews. How excited he must have been to share the good news of Jesus’ baptism with them. How disappointing to discover in just three months’ time that the Jews wanted nothing to do with him or Jesus. Yet, when a door closed, a door opened. The city was full of religious minded people.

The Ephesians were known far and wide for their worship of the goddess Diana. In spite of the fact that there was a long-standing allegiance to the goddess, many Gentile citizens were interested in the story of Jesus. Perhaps this was because Paul performed many miracles in Ephesus, perhaps the most of any place he preached. So powerful were these miracles that great fear fell among the people and the name of Jesus was magnified. Those who had been practicing magic saw real miracles and burned their books in public.

The result of all this was that the word of the Lord spread all over the area and the church in Ephesus grew from the twelve Jews who received John’s baptism. Paul left Ephesus after teaching over two years in a private house. Publicly and privately he shared the good news with Jews and Greeks. The church in Ephesus appointed shepherds and continued in its work of sharing the good news of Jesus.

Jesus was very much aware of this church. One of the seven letters of the Apocalypse was written to the church in Ephesus. Jesus had lots of kind things to say about this church. They were busy doing good things which is what churches are supposed to be doing. They were hard workers who toiled to spread the word and help others. In spite of persecutions and difficulties they did not give up but kept trying. They could have given up, but they didn’t. Because they believed in Jesus, they persevered and withstood every obstacle.

Jesus only had one negative thing to say about them. They had slipped. They had forgotten their first love and zeal. Perhaps they had toiled so long they were tired and that fresh enthusiasm they manifested when Paul was there had worn down.

In the next few weeks, I’m going to be looking at the book of Ephesians and pointing out some things that hopefully will resonate with the readers of this blog. Beginning today, I want us to look at our fellowship of believers. How do we compare with the Ephesians? Do we share any of their positive characteristics? Any of the negative ones? If Paul was writing our church, how different might his letter be to us? He wouldn’t know us personally like he did the Ephesians but the Holy Spirit would be able to tell him all about us.

I think it is essential to think about this letter because it reminds us that we are a part of the church wherever we are. It’s not them; it’s us. We can’t get by just warming a pew for perfect attendance. This letter isn’t about that at all. Remember, Jesus spoke of their deeds. As you proceed, keep asking yourself how does this letter speak to me.