The churches of Christ in the New Testament 6 of 17

“church in Ephesus”Acts 18:18-21Acts 18:18-21

18:22-2818:22-2819:1-1019:1-10

Don R. Taaffe,Gospel preacher,Dunedin, Florida

11/15/2009

• 18 After staying there for a considerable time, Paul said farewell to the believers

and sailed for Syria, accompanied by by Priscilla and Aquila.Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had

his hair cut, for he was under a vow. 19 When they reached Ephesus, he left he left

them therethem there, but first he himself went into he himself went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the synagogue and had a discussion with

the Jewsthe Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay longer, he declined; 21 but on

taking leave of them, he said, "I will return to you, if God wills." Then he set set

sail from Ephesus.sail from Ephesus. (NRSV)

ActsActs 18:18-21 18:18-21

• 22 When he had landed at landed at CaesareaCaesarea, he went up to went up to JerusalemJerusalem and greeted the churchgreeted the church, and then went down then went down

to to AntiochAntioch. 23 After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the

disciples. 24 Now there came to came to EphesusEphesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. 25 He had been

instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things

concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and AquilaPriscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside

and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the

believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who

through grace had become believers, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the

scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.(NRSV) Acts 18:22-28Acts 18:22-28

Acts 15:36 – 20:38Acts 15:36 – 20:38

1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesuscame to Ephesus, where he found

some disciples. 2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They replied,

"No, we have not "No, we have not even heardeven heard that there is a Holy Spirit." that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 Then he said, "Into what then were you baptized?"Into what then were you baptized?" They

answered, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the

people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they On hearing this, they were baptized in were baptized in

the name of the Lord Jesusthe name of the Lord Jesus. . 6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and

they spoke in tongues and prophesied — 7 altogether there were about twelve of them. 8 He entered the

synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 When

some stubbornly refused to believe and spoke evil of the Way before the congregation, he left them, he left them, taking the taking the

disciples with himdisciples with him, and argued dailyargued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the

word of the Lord.word of the Lord. (NRSV) Acts Acts

19:1-1019:1-10

churches of Christ in the New Testament – 17 Lessons

• Origin of Lord’s church• The church in Antioch• The church in Colosse• The church in Corinth• The church in Crete• The church in Ephesus• The church in Galatia• The church in

Jerusalem• The church in Laodicea

• The church in Pergamum• The church in Philadelphia• The church in Philippi• The church in Rome• The church in Sardis• The church in Smyrna• The church in

Thessalonica• The church in Thyatira• The church in Dunedin?

General information aboutGeneral information about the city the city

• Ephesus is situated in Asia Minor; wealthy, magnificent city, meeting place of the

Oriental religions, and the Greek culture.• Famous Temple of Diana was here,

worshiped by all Asia Minor. Temple is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

• On Cayster River near Mediterranean Sea. 100 miles east of Colossae.

General information aboutGeneral information about the city the city

• “Worship” in the Temple included organs tic feasts were Temple prostitutes “performed religious sex” (McMurray, pages 168-169)

• At this time Ephesus was a Gentile city ruled by Rome.

• It was a “free city” and could therefore ply its own trade and religion.

• Nearly everything in Ephesus centered around the Temple of Diana.

The beginning of the The beginning of the Ephesian churchEphesian church

• Paul’s first visit found Ephesians, interested and willing to learn. (Acts 18:19-20Acts 18:19-20)

• This was Paul’s second missionary journey.• Promised he would return, and left Priscilla

and Aquila behind to build a church. (Acts Acts 18:1918:19).

• Apollos an elegant preacher was taught the way of the Lord more perfectly by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-28Acts 18:24-28)

The beginning of the The beginning of the Ephesian churchEphesian church

• Paul’s returns (Acts19:1Acts19:1).• Find disciples who had been baptized with

John’s baptism (Acts 19:1-3, 5; 10:47Acts 19:1-3, 5; 10:47)• John’s baptism, conditioned on repentance

alone. Baptism commanded by Christ, conditioned on both faith in Christ, and repentance from sin (Acts 19:4Acts 19:4)

• As a result of this teaching 12 disciples were baptized in the name of Christ

(Acts 19:5Acts 19:5)

Paul’s message that Paul’s message that built the churchbuilt the church

• Preached things concerning the kingdom of God – Acts 19:8Acts 19:8

• Preached the word of the Lord – Acts Acts 19:20, 2219:20, 22

• Against images, and idolatry – Acts 19:26Acts 19:26

• Divided The disciples to a separate group starting the congregation -- Acts 19:9 -- Acts 19:9

• Taught publicly and from house to house – Acts 20:20Acts 20:20 (things profitable)

Acts 19:88 He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the argued persuasively about the kingdom of God.kingdom of God. (NRSV)

Acts 19:20, 2220 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. 22 So he sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he himself stayed for some time longer in Asia. (NRSV)

Acts 19:2626 You also see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost the whole of Asia this Paul has persuaded and drawn away a considerable number of people by saying that gods made with hands are not gods.gods made with hands are not gods. (NRSV)

Acts 19:99 When some stubbornly refused to believe and spoke evil of the Way before the congregation, he left them, taking the disciples with him,taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. (NRSV)

Acts 20:2020 I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you teaching you publicly and from house to house, publicly and from house to house, (NRSV)

Paul’s message that Paul’s message that built the churchbuilt the church

• Gospel of the grace of God – Acts 20: 24-Acts 20: 24-25 25

• Preached the whole counsel of God – Acts Acts 20:2720:27

• Commended them to God and the word of his grace – Acts 20:32Acts 20:32

• Paul wrote two epistles to this church –unlike other epistles written to other churches, he does not deal with specific problems and a local congregation.

Acts 20:24-2524 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good the good news news (Gospel drt) of God's grace. of God's grace. 25 "And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. (NRSV)

Acts 20:2727 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole whole counsel of God.counsel of God. (NKJV)

Acts 20:3232 "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to I commend you to God and to the word of His gracethe word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (NKJV)

The results of Paul’s The results of Paul’s preachingpreaching

• Heard the word of truth, trusted and believed – Ephesians 1:13.Ephesians 1:13.

• They believed and burned their books of Magic and witchcraft – Acts 19:18-20Acts 19:18-20

• They were saved by the grace of God through their faith (belief) – Ephesians Ephesians 2:8-9.2:8-9.

• Baptized in the name of Jesus or by the authority of Jesus – Acts 19: 4-5Acts 19: 4-5

Acts 19:18-2018 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. (NKJV)

Ephesians 1:1313 In him you also, when you had heard the wordheard the word of of truth,truth, the gospel of your salvation, and the gospel of your salvation, and had believedhad believed in in him,him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; (NRSV)

Eph 2:8-98 For by grace you have been saved through faithsaved through faith, and this is not your own doingnot your own doing; it is the gift of Godthe gift of God — 9 not not the result of works,the result of works, so that no one may boast. (NRSV)

Acts 19:4-54 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.Jesus. (NRSV)

Every church can grows Every church can grows by missionary workby missionary work

• Paul sent out by church – Acts 13:3Acts 13:3• We must be sent – Romans 10:15Romans 10:15 –

Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas.• Other churches corporative in supporting

this work – Philippians 1:3-5 Philippians 1:3-5 ((Phil. 4:14-Phil. 4:14-1616))

• Before a New Testament church can be established. In any place, workers must be found who will preach the Gospel.

Romans 10:1515 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who those who preach the gospel of peace,preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" (NKJV)

Acts 13:33 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.sent them off. (NRSV)

Philippians 1:3-53 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.from the first day until now. (NRSV)

• God’s pattern for the work of the local churchGod’s pattern for the work of the local church– Caring for needy saints - Caring for needy saints - 1 Timothy 5:161 Timothy 5:16– Evangelism - Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:81 Thessalonians 1:8– Edification - Edification - Acts 20:28; Acts 20:28; ((1 Corinthians 14:26;1 Corinthians 14:26;

Eph. 4:11-12Eph. 4:11-12) ) If no order, then no disorderIf no order, then no disorder ( (11

Cor. 14:40Cor. 14:40))

PATTERN OF PATTERN OF SOUND WORDSSOUND WORDS2 Timothy 1:132 Timothy 1:13

WORK OF THE WORK OF THE LOCAL LOCAL

CHURCHCHURCHEphesians 4:11-

12

1818

2 Timothy 1:1313 Hold fast the Hold fast the pattern of sound words pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Ephesians 4:11-1211 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 forfor the equipping of the saints equipping of the saints forfor the work of ministry,work of ministry, forfor the edifying edifying of the bodyof the body of Christ,(NKJV)

1 Timothy 5:1616 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. (NKJV)

1 Thessalonians 1:88 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (NKJV)

Acts 20:2828 "And now beware! Be sure that you feed that you feed and shepherd God's flock-his church, purchased with his blood-for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers. (TLB)28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the churchshepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NKJV)

Care for the needy SaintsCare for the needy Saints

• Paul encourage the elders to “support the weak” – Acts 20:35 Acts 20:35 (NRSV)

• “I have showed you all things” – – Acts Acts 20:35 20:35 (KJV)

– Paul had taught them by instruction and example.

– “All things” illustrating the design, nature, and duties of caring for the weak saints.

Acts 20:3535 In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak,we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " (NRSV)

Acts 20:3535 I have shewed you all things,I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (KJV)

Care for the needy SaintsCare for the needy Saints

• Paul addressed the elders reminding them of the words of our order and Savior Jesus Christ “it is more blessed to give than to receive” – Acts 20:35Acts 20:35

• In helping in this way, the weak are blessed with happiness.

• And those of you that give from a pure motive God will bless – Matthew 25:34-Matthew 25:34-3636.

Acts 20:3535 In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more It is more blessed to give than to receive.' blessed to give than to receive.' " (NRSV)

Matthew 25:34-3634 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you Come, you that are that are blessed blessed by my Father,by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' (NRSV)

Evangelism and EdificationEvangelism and Edification

• Attention was given in Ephesus edification and evangelism – Acts 19: Acts 19: 10;10; (1 Timothy 2:61 Timothy 2:6)

• Paul have the ability to go where he could find people to teach – Acts Acts 13:16;13:16; (16:13; 17:1716:13; 17:17)

• we cannot forget or neglect the edification of the new converts, they must be grounded in the faith.

Acts 19:1010 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the heard the word of the Lord.word of the Lord. (NRSV)Acts 13:1616 So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak:"You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. (NRSV)

Evangelism and EdificationEvangelism and Edification

• Paul words to the Ephesians must not be lost on us today – Acts 20:28-30Acts 20:28-30

• If we intend that our work here be given to abide and prosper, consideration will have to be given to both evangelism and edification.

• A church like Ephesus is not likely to come into existence by chance.

Acts 20:28-3028 Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. 29 I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. (NRSV)

Evangelism and EdificationEvangelism and Edification

• Ephesus was a church of strong convictions as to the truth of the Gospel – Ephesians 1:15 Ephesians 1:15 (Acts 19:8Acts 19:8)

• Tried and proved false teachers – Revelation 2:2, 6Revelation 2:2, 6

• Diligent in the teaching and in studying the truth – Acts 20:20Acts 20:20 ( Acts 19:9-10Acts 19:9-10)

• Not blind following the blind – Luke 6:39 Luke 6:39 (Revelation 2:2Revelation 2:2)

Ephesians 1:1515 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason (NRSV)

Rev 2:2, 62 "I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. found them to be false. 6 Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (NRSV)

Acts 20:2020 I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you teaching you publicly and from house to house, publicly and from house to house, (NRSV)

Luke 6:3939 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? (NRSV)

The Ephesians letterThe Ephesians letter

• Chapters 1-31-3 cover the doctrinal will portion of the letter

• Chapters 4-64-6 cover the practical applications of the doctrine learned.

• Paul do not desire a “Gentile church” Or a “Jewish church.” He only wanted the one church God had revealed – Ephesians Ephesians 2:15-16; 4;4; 1:22-232:15-16; 4;4; 1:22-23

Ephesians 2:15-1615 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (NKJV)

Ephesians 4:44 There is one body There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (NKJV)

Ephesians 1:22-2322 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the for the church,church, 23 23 which is his which is his body,body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (NRSV)

The Second EpistleThe Second Epistleto Ephesusto Ephesus

• “But, this I have against thee” – Revelation 2:4Revelation 2:4 – Their faults.

• “Thou has left thy first love” – Revelation 2:4Revelation 2:4• First love, leads one to ask, not, “How much

must I do?” but, “How much can I do?”• Note: Ephesians church with its “work – labor –

patience” -- Revelation 2:2Revelation 2:2 compared to church of Thessalonica “work of faith – labor of love – patience of hope”– 1 Thessalonica 1:31 Thessalonica 1:3

• The indispensability of love as a motive – 1 1 Corinthians 13:1-3Corinthians 13:1-3

1 Corinthians 13:1-31 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not but have not love,love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not but have not love,love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not but have not love,love, it profits me nothing. (NKJV)

Conclusion:Conclusion:

• A fatal error, unless corrected – Revelation 2:5Revelation 2:5

• The candlestick represents the identity of this congregation as a church of Christ.

• To remove the candlestick meant to lose their identity – Revelation1:20.Revelation1:20.

• One can, therefore be outwardly faithful in the performance of his duty and yet lose the spirit of acceptable service, in his heart.

Revelation 2:55 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 remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (KJV)

Revelation 1:2020 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.seven churches. (KJV)

33

CHURCHEphesiansEphesians

3:10-113:10-11

CHURCHEphesiansEphesians

3:10-113:10-11

Body of ChristBody of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. (Eph. 1:22-23; Col.

1:18)1:18)

WisdoWisdom of m of GodGod

God’s Eternal God’s Eternal PurposePurpose

The The Church Church

is is ImportanImportan

t!t!

Conclusion:Conclusion:

Ephesians 3:10-1110 so that through tthrough the church the wisdom he church the wisdom of God of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the accordance with the eternal purpose eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, (NRSV)

2828

The BodyThe Bodyof Christof ChristThe BodyThe Bodyof Christof Christ

FullnessFullness of Christ, of Christ, Eph. 1:22-Eph. 1:22-2323

1. All blessings are in Christ1. All blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3)(Eph. 1:3)

-Baptized into Christ-Baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27)(Gal. 3:27)

-Baptized into one body-Baptized into one body (1 Cor. (1 Cor. 12:13)12:13)

If not in body (church) – Just Not If not in body (church) – Just Not blessed!blessed!

Conclusion:Conclusion:

Ephesians 1:22-2322 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, which is his body, the fullness the fullness of him of him who fills all in all.(NRSV)

church of Christchurch of Christ(Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25)(Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25)church of Christchurch of Christ(Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25)(Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25)

Eph. 1:7

Eph. 1:7

2929

HeavenHeavenHeb. 10:23Heb. 10:23 HeavenHeavenHeb. 10:23Heb. 10:23

Conclusion:Conclusion:

Ephesians 1:77 In him we have redemption through his blood,redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (NRSV)

Hebrews 10:2323 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope our hope without wavering, for he who has he who has promised promised is faithful. is faithful. (NRSV)

The ones that help with study material for this lesson

• The New Testament church – by Roy E. Cogdill, 29 printing

• Churches of the New Testament – Fort Worth Lectures 1963

• P.C. Study Bible V4

• Sermons – by Terry F. Sanders, Mark A. Copeland, Joe R. Price, Steve Wallace, and others