Bible Studies
The Ephesus ConvertsA New Community’s Raw Material
Pete Hammond
This
is part two of a four-part series by Pete Hammond. Mr. Hammond is a long-time
leader in the American church, starting with his involvement in the racial
integration of a few southern Universities during his early years on InterVarsity
Staff, and continuing through his long-term passion of challenging Christians
to live as witnesses in their "marketplace" - in their everyday jobs.
More about Pete
here.
1. A Case Study of Ephesus: 40 Years, 3 Authors, 7 Documents, 7 Leaders
2.
The Ephesus Converts:“A New Community’s” Raw Material
3. "Truth" and "Love" in
The Ephesian Church
4.
Understanding and Practicing "Love"
Year
|
Persons and Text
|
Ethnicity
|
Gospel Encounter
|
Impact
|
@55 AD
|
A wealthy Roman; A Jewish Refugee
|
Affordable mobile housing business established
|
Partnered with Rabbi Paul
|
|
@53-55 AD
|
Jewish
|
A three-month Gospel debate with Paul
|
Apollos continued the gospel debate; Paul returned
|
|
@53-55 AD
|
A dozen of John's disciples
(Acts 19:1-7) |
Probably Jews
|
Paul asked about their baptism
|
Baptized, filled with Spirit and spoke in tongues.
|
@53-55 AD
|
Intellectuals at University of Ephesus
(Acts 19:9b-10) |
Jews
|
Two-year, daily gospel debate with Paul
|
Some believed and followed.
|
@53-55 AD
|
Intellectuals at University of Ephesus
(Acts 19:9b-10) |
Greeks
|
Two-year, daily gospel debate with Paul
|
Some believed and followed.
|
@53-55 AD
|
Urban Sick & Possessed
(Acts 19:11-17) |
Unknown
|
Attended the university debate
|
Miraculous healings and releases.
|
@53-55 AD
|
Magicians and Occultists (Acts
19:18-20)
|
Probably Gentiles
|
Attended the university debate
|
Repented, and publicly burned their paraphernalia
|
@53-55 AD
|
Pagan Fertility worshipers (Acts
19:23-41)
|
Probably Romans
|
Attended the university debate
|
Stopped buying fertility statues of Diana (Artemis).
|
@56 AD, 62 AD, & 90 AD
|
Romans |
Infiltrated congregation
|
Deceived new believers by teaching false doctrine.
|
|
Year
|
Persons and Text
|
Ethnicity
|
Gospel Encounter
|
Impact
|
Now What?
So, how then shall this mixed multitude of struggling sinners develop a community that cannot be easily explained by the watching world?
It is my perception that Paul and John built their guidance and encouragement around the twin pillars of “truth” and “love.” Note the central text in the Ephesian letter:
“We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every
wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by the craftiness in deceitful scheming.
But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is
the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by
every ligament that is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes
the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”
(Ephesians 4:14-16)
Print
Email
