Don R. Taaffe, Gospel preacher, Dunedin, Florida 11/15/2009 The churches of Christ in the New Testament 6 of 17 “church in Ephesus” Acts 18:18-21 18:22-28 19:1-10 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 Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut, for he was under a vow. 19 When they reached Ephesus, he left them there, but first he himself went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the 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 sail from Ephesus. (NRSV) Acts 18:18-21 Cenchreae = Chen-che-rea-i

22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 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 Ephesus 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 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 18:22-28

Acts 15:36 – 20:38

1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came 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 even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 Then he said, "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 were baptized in the 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, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. (NRSV) Acts 19:1-10

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 about 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 about 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 Ephesian church Paul’s first visit found Ephesians, interested and willing to learn. (Acts 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 18:19). Apollos an elegant preacher was taught the way of the Lord more perfectly by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-28)

The beginning of the Ephesian church Paul’s returns (Acts19:1). Find disciples who had been baptized with John’s baptism (Acts 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 19:4) As a result of this teaching 12 disciples were baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5)

Paul’s message that built the church Preached things concerning the kingdom of God – Acts 19:8 Preached the word of the Lord – Acts 19:20, 22 Against images, and idolatry – Acts 19:26 Divided The disciples to a separate group starting the congregation -- Acts 19:9 Taught publicly and from house to house – Acts 20:20 (things profitable) Acts 19:9 9 When some stubbornly refused to believe and spoke evil of the Way before the congregation, he left them, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. (NRSV) Acts 20:20 20 I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, (NRSV) Acts 19:20, 22 20 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 19:26 26 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. (NRSV) Acts 19:8 8 He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. (NRSV)

Paul’s message that built the church Acts 20:24-25 24 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 news (Gospel drt) 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) Gospel of the grace of God – Acts 20: 24-25 Preached the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27 Commended them to God and the word of his grace – Acts 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 20:32 32 "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (NKJV) Acts 20:27 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (NKJV)

The results of Paul’s preaching Acts 19:18-20 18 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 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 1:13 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; (NRSV) Eph 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. (NRSV) Heard the word of truth, trusted and believed – Ephesians 1:13. They believed and burned their books of Magic and witchcraft – Acts 19:18-20 They were saved by the grace of God through their faith (belief) – Ephesians 2:8-9. Baptized in the name of Jesus or by the authority of Jesus – Acts 19: 4-5 Acts 19:4-5 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 were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (NRSV)

Every church can grows by missionary work Paul sent out by church – Acts 13:3 We must be sent – Romans 10:15 – Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas. Other churches corporative in supporting this work – Philippians 1:3-5 (Phil. 4:14-16) Before a New Testament church can be established. In any place, workers must be found who will preach the Gospel. Acts 13:3 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. (NRSV) Romans 10:15 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" (NKJV) Philippians 1:3-5 3 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 from the first day until now. (NRSV)

WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH Ephesians 4:11-12 PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 1:13 WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH Ephesians 4:11-12 Ephesians 4:11-12 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (NKJV) 2 Timothy 1:13 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (NKJV) 1 Thessalonians 1:8 8 For from you 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) 1 Timothy 5:16 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. (NKJV) Acts 20:28 28 "And now beware! Be sure 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 church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NKJV) God’s pattern for the work of the local church Caring for needy saints - 1 Timothy 5:16 Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Edification - Acts 20:28; (1 Corinthians 14:26; Eph. 4:11-12) If no order, then no disorder (1 Cor. 14:40) A teaching church – they were particularly adapt at seeing the opportunities that presented itself as an capitalizing on it. mattered not whether it was on the street corner, by the Riverside, in a synagogue, or in a private home, they were continually proclaiming the word of the Lord. Today, we preach first principles to an audience of 98% Christians and leaned back with a sigh of contentment and say we have preached the gospel. These early preachers and teachers would be appalled at the lack of boldness and depth in our present day teaching programs. There was a day in which we believed in preaching the gospel by radio, but today not many congregations are continuing their programs. Yet today radio audiences are larger than ever before. We need to flood the airwaves with the gospel. Newspaper advertising can be very expensive but we need to go after the free ads and art and write articles for the paper that are free. Television programs are very expensive so congregations have formed unscriptural arrangements to meet these cost, but we must remember that and never justifies the means. You cannot do evil that good may come. The teaching program of the church in Antioch is an indictment against our generation. The church that has an aggressive teaching program is a church that grows. 18

Care for the needy Saints Paul encourage the elders to “support the weak” – Acts 20:35 (NRSV) “I have showed you all things” – Acts 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 20:35 35 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 blessed to give than to receive.' " (NRSV) Acts 20:35 35 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 Saints Acts 20:35 35 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 blessed to give than to receive.' " (NRSV) Matthew 25:34-36 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed 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) 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 20:35 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 25:34-36.

Evangelism and Edification Acts 19:10 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. (NRSV) Attention was given in Ephesus edification and evangelism – Acts 19: 10; (1 Timothy 2:6) Paul have the ability to go where he could find people to teach – Acts 13:16; (16:13; 17:17) we cannot forget or neglect the edification of the new converts, they must be grounded in the faith. Acts 13:16 16 So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. (NRSV)

Evangelism and Edification Paul words to the Ephesians must not be lost on us today – Acts 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 20:28-30 28 Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, 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) It must be by planning, sacrifice, and persistence are needed, and then on the part men who are themselves grounded in the faith and have a love for the souls of others.

Evangelism and Edification Acts 20:20 20 I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, (NRSV) Rev 2:2, 6 2 "I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. 6 Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (NRSV) Ephesians 1:15 15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason (NRSV) Ephesus was a church of strong convictions as to the truth of the Gospel – Ephesians 1:15 (Acts 19:8) Tried and proved false teachers – Revelation 2:2, 6 Diligent in the teaching and in studying the truth – Acts 20:20 ( Acts 19:9-10) Not blind following the blind – Luke 6:39 (Revelation 2:2) Luke 6:39 39 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? (NRSV) It must be by planning, sacrifice, and persistence are needed, and then on the part men who are themselves grounded in the faith and have a love for the souls of others.

The Ephesians letter Ephesians 2:15-16 15 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 through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (NKJV) Chapters 1-3 cover the doctrinal will portion of the letter Chapters 4-6 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 2:15-16; 4;4; 1:22-23 Ephesians 4:4 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (NKJV) Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (NRSV)

The Second Epistle to Ephesus 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not 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 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 love, it profits me nothing. (NKJV) “But, this I have against thee” – Revelation 2:4 – Their faults. “Thou has left thy first love” – Revelation 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 2:2 compared to church of Thessalonica “work of faith – labor of love – patience of hope”– 1 Thessalonica 1:3 The indispensability of love as a motive – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Conclusion: Revelation 2:5 Revelation 1:20 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. (KJV) Revelation 1:20 20 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 seven churches. (KJV) A fatal error, unless corrected – Revelation 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. One can, therefore be outwardly faithful in the performance of his duty and yet lose the spirit of acceptable service, in his heart.

The Church is Important! Conclusion: Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18) Ephesians 3:10-11 10 so that through the church the wisdom 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 eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, (NRSV) CHURCH Ephesians 3:10-11 The Church is Important! Wisdom of God God’s Eternal Purpose 3

Fullness of Christ, Eph. 1:22-23 Conclusion: The Body of Christ Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (NRSV) Fullness of Christ, Eph. 1:22-23 1. All blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3) -Baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27) -Baptized into one body (1 Cor. 12:13)  If not in body (church) – Just Not blessed! 28

church of Christ Conclusion: Heaven Eph. 1:7 Heb. 10:23 Ephesians 1:7 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (NRSV) Hebrews 10:23 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. (NRSV) church of Christ (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25) Purchased! 29

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