The Ephesian Church

2018-06-24

As an introduction to the book of Ephesians, it is good to learn about this church in Asia from the books of Acts and Revelation.

Paul’s Initial Contact with the Ephesian Synagogue

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. (20) When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; (21) But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. (Acts 18:19-21)

Paul initially went to the synagogue in Ephesus, and “they desired him to tarry longer time with them” (Acts 18:20). We see that the Jews there seem to be initially interested in the Gospel.

Apollos Believes at Ephesus

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. (25) This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. (26) And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. (Acts 18:24-26)

Apollos was a powerful preacher, but he only knew up to the baptism of John. When he believed on Christ, he became quite the influence in Ephesus.

More Disciples of John Believed

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, (2) He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. (3) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. (4) Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. (5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (7) And all the men were about twelve. (Acts 19:1-7)

These Ephesians did not know anything about Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost. As soon as these men got saved, they started preaching immediately.

Paul’s Preaching in the Synagogue

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (9) But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. (10) And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. (11) And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: (12) So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. (Acts 19:8-12)

Unlike the initial contact with the synagogue, the Jews were hardened after three months of preaching. Seeing that they were reprobates, Paul separated with the disciples and had opportunity to preach in a certain school.

Note what significance the preaching of the Gospel had in the area: “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). Everyone heard the Gospel in Asia, which includes Ephesus and all the surrounding areas! God did unusual miracles never heard of before to authenticate the message of the Gospel.

Great Revival in Ephesus

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. (14) And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. (15) And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? (16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (17) And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (18) And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. (19) Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (20) So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. (Acts 19:13-20)

These false prophets, Sceva and his sons, tried to copy Paul’s method of casting out devils, and failed miserably. The devil recognized the authority of Jesus and of Paul, but not of these charlatans. This event caused many Christians to publicly repent of their secret idolatry and witchcraft. They destroyed their books which were of great value. As a result, “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:20).

Riot in Ephesus Over the Decline in Idolatry

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; (25) Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. (26) Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: (27) So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. (28) And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (Acts 19:24-28)

There was such a spiritual transformation in Ephesus, it was putting the idol makers out of business! After this uprising, we do not hear from these charlatans anymore.

Farewell to Ephesian Elders

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (18) And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, (19) Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: (20) And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, (21) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (22) And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: (23) Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. (24) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (25) And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. (26) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (31) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (32) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:17-32)

Here are some observations from Paul’s final message to the Ephesian elders:

  1. Paul’s work was hard. There were tears, temptations, and people sought Paul’s life. Acts 20:19-20
  2. There was real repentance in Ephesus. The Ephesians turned from false gods to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21
  3. Paul’s life would only get more difficult. Paul knew that he would be bound in Jerusalem and would likely never see the Ephesians again. Acts 20:22, 25
  4. Paul preached to everyone everywhere in Ephesus. Again, we see that Paul was “pure from the blood of all men.” Acts 20:26
  5. Paul warned of false prophets would come. Paul warned they would come from within and without. Acts 2:28-30
  6. Paul’s full ministry in Ephesus was three years. Acts 20:31
  7. Paul commended the Ephesians to God. The church was mature; the elders now had to lead without any more direction from Paul. Acts 20:32

Combating False Prophets While Sacrificing Charity

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (2) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: (3) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (4) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (5) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (6) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (7) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:1-7)

These are the words of Jesus Christ directed to the church of Ephesus. Revelation 2:2-3 are a chiastic structure with this pattern:

Labor
  Patience
    (Not) bear
      False apostles
    Borne
  Patience
Labor

We see that the Ephesians took Paul’s message to heart even after many decades, where they were very good at identifying false teaching and keeping pure from it. However, we see that it came at the expense of charity. The Lord told them to fix it, or He would remove them from being a church.