Day 274 – Ephesians: Introduction

“For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 NLT

Churches come in all styles and shapes – meetings in homes, wide-open gatherings in amphitheatres, thousands packed into sanctuaries with overflowing crowds watching on closed-circuit television, handfuls who kneel in urban storefronts. Buildings vary, but the church is not confined to four walls. The church of Jesus Christ is people – His people – of every race and nation who love Him and are committed to serving him.

The “church age” began at Pentecost, birthed in Jerusalem, and the church spread rapidly through the ministry of the apostles and the early believers. Fanned by persecution, the gospel flame spread to the nations. One of the most prominent of those churches was in Ephesus. It was established by Paul in AD 52, toward the end of his second missionary journey. After three years of preaching and teaching with great effectiveness, he left Timothy to lead the church. While imprisoned in Rome, Paul was visited by messengers from various churches, including Tychicus of Ephesus. He wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians and sent it with Tychicus. Not written to counteract heresy or to confront any specific problem, Ephesians is a letter of encouragement. In it, Paul describes the nature and appearance of the church, and he challenges believers to function as the living Body of Christ on the earth.

Paul reminds believers that the church is in a constant battle against the forces of darkness and that they should utilize every spiritual weapon at their disposal. He concludes by asking for their prayers, commissioning Tychicus, and giving a benediction. As you read this masterful description of the church, thank God for the diversity and unity in His family.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the beautiful letter of Ephesians, and that we still gain wisdom and encouragement from it. Once again, we are reminded that Your church is Your people and wherever we gather, You are there. Guide us through Your Spirit to unify and strengthen the Body of Christ. Amen.