Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 1:1-2
Teacher Study Notes:
Teaching Text: Ephesians 1:1-2
Teacher Study Notes:
- The internal evidence of this book points to Paul as the author. Paul refers to himself twice. First as an apostle of Christ (Eph. 1:1) and second as a prisoner of Christ (Eph. 3:1). Paul was writing this book while he was in prison in Rome in A.D. 60-61.
- Paul is writing to the believers who are in Ephesus as mentioned in verse one. Paul had previous contact with this group of believers as he returned from his Second Missionary Journey (Acts 18:19-21). He also spent three years with them on his Third Missionary Journey (Acts 20:31).
- The city of Ephesus was located along major trade routes that led to its economic growth and health. Ephesus was known as a political center, economic center and religious center.
- The word grace is repeated twelve times throughout the book. In chapters 1-3 Paul emphasizes the believers position because of God’s grace shown through Christ. Then in chapters 4-6 Paul emphasizes the believers practice because they have been shown grace.
- Attraction of the audience to your Bible lesson with an illustration
Tell the group about your first job. What were you hired to do? Why did you accept it? Transition: Paul was given a job by God. - Read the Bible passage
Read the Bible passage out loud or ask someone else to read it out loud Open in prayer
Make general important observations about the passage and the context. - Examination of the Bible passage with the group
(These questions are to guide your thinking and development of your Bible lesson.)
Who are the main people in these verses?
An apostle is a representative or messenger of an idea or cause.
How is Paul an apostle? What did Paul do to deserve this? Will refers to the plan or choice of someone.
Why is Paul an apostle? Why is this important? Did Paul choose this?
Grace is an undeserved favor. God shows His grace to people through Jesus Christ.
Why is it important that the Ephesian church be reminded about grace? Peace is the calm relational position that is opposite of fighting enemies.
Why is it important that the Ephesian church be reminded about peace? Think about the words grace, peace and messenger.
Can these be gained by human effort?
Why is this important that these ideas be included at the start of this book? - Application of the Bible lesson
Ask yourself... What is the connection between God’s will and our role? Why do we struggle with the authority of God and the grace of God? How can you and I be messengers of God’s grace and peace this week?
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