Apostle Paul is writing to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1) Every time I read this scripture, I have to remind myself that the saints at Ephesus are those who are faithful in Christ Jesus. This is important because many times, when we read Paul's writings, we take the word and to mean more than one --(or in this case two separate groups) - making both context and the difference in how we use language in modern times critical to understanding the overall meaning of the text.
Further. as we learn from studying the scriptures, it is important to recognize that Paul received his understanding by revelation. Paul did not spend time with the Lord Jesus when He walked the earth. These are important points for understanding how Paul points to the One in whom we have redemption (through the blood of Jesus), the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace - wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence -- having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to the good pleasures which He hath purposed in Himself. (Ephesians 1:7-9)
We also see the Lord Jesus speaking to the church of Ephesus in Revelation, when Jesus is speaking to the seven churches. Therein, Jesus says , "I know thy works, and thy labour; and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars." (Revelation 2:1-2; I John 4:1; Revelation 1:1, 8)
Jesus said, too, that the church of Ephesus hast borne and hast patience, and for My name's sake have laboured and hast not fainted. Jesus also commends the church for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which He also hates.
Still, Jesus reiterates, Nevertheless, we have left our first love.
"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:5; 16, Revelation 3:19)
It is for this reason that I find Paul's writings to the Ephesians so important, because we can have direct insights into what ta first love should look like, Perhaps, I should mention here also that Paul was a minister to the Gentiles specifically. In Ephesians 1, Paul does spend considerable time speaking about the blessings we have in Jesus., teaching us to pray for the spiritual gifts of wisdom and knowledge, and the revelation in the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians 1:17: John 20:17; Acts 2:7)
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling. and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and set [Him] at His own right hand in the heavenly [places]." (Ephesians 1:19-20; Ephesians 3:7' Colossians 1:29; Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19)
This is our starting point for this day. Know that in studying Ephesians, we gain a wonderful insight into the teachings that Paul so willingly undertook to ensure that we who believe would be privy to the whole truth. And yes, the message too, that God is not the author of confusion.
More to come. In the interim, stand in the offering plate.
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