What Is The Book Of Ephesians
Ed Hindson and Elmer Townes describe the book of Ephesians as “personal and pastoral, theological and practical” (p 451). The book of Ephesians was a letter, written to the people of Ephesus, by Paul. It was packed with advice and encouraging tones, on what a Christian church should look like and how the Christians should behave. Paul writes this letter during his Roman imprisonment which was around AD 61-62. Because of the lack of personal greetings, many speculate that the message was intended for not just one people group, but also the surrounding areas. Due to its similarities with the letter in Colossians, many scholars suggest that one is merely a copy of the other. However, in Ephesians, Paul creates pictures of what the church should
be: a body of unity in chapter 4, a temple in chapter 2, a mystery in chapter 3, and a bride in chapter 5. In chapter six, he draws a soldier of the Lord, standing ready for spiritual war, with all the proper weapons. Guidelines for a husband and his wife, for children and their parents, are given all while connecting to the Christian relationship between God and man. He sends hope and encouragement for the believers of Ephesus, reminding that it is “…by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8 ESV).
Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was an encourager. He played a big part in the growing of the church. Though the Bible does not tell us much about the beginnings of his life, Acts chapter 4 tells readers that Barnabas was a Levite from the country of Cyprus. He was heavily involved in the church of Jerusalem and Antioch. Barnabas was not one of the original twelve, yet Acts 14:14, Luke describes him as one along with Paul. The first noted act of his ministry is recorded in Acts chapter 4 where he sells some land that he owns and then gives the money to the church. Secondly, he helped a man who was widely known for persecuting Christians. Barnabas heard of Paul’s conversion and felt compassion. He then brought Paul to the apostles and helped to start one of the greatest ministries known. He journeyed with Paul and his cousin, John Mark, on their first mission to Cyprus. At the beginning of their second mission, Barnabas wanted to bring along Mark, who had abandoned them when sailing to Perga. Paul did not want a “deserter” to join them, thus in Acts chapter 15, Barnabas left with Mark to Cyprus to train and mentor him, and Paul and Silas traveled to Syria. In Galatians 2, Barnabas’ strength becomes his weakness as well. He was great a building relationships with others, however would often place those over the truth. Barnabas died in his native Salamis. Barnabas existed to help others accomplish their missions.
be: a body of unity in chapter 4, a temple in chapter 2, a mystery in chapter 3, and a bride in chapter 5. In chapter six, he draws a soldier of the Lord, standing ready for spiritual war, with all the proper weapons. Guidelines for a husband and his wife, for children and their parents, are given all while connecting to the Christian relationship between God and man. He sends hope and encouragement for the believers of Ephesus, reminding that it is “…by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8 ESV).
Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was an encourager. He played a big part in the growing of the church. Though the Bible does not tell us much about the beginnings of his life, Acts chapter 4 tells readers that Barnabas was a Levite from the country of Cyprus. He was heavily involved in the church of Jerusalem and Antioch. Barnabas was not one of the original twelve, yet Acts 14:14, Luke describes him as one along with Paul. The first noted act of his ministry is recorded in Acts chapter 4 where he sells some land that he owns and then gives the money to the church. Secondly, he helped a man who was widely known for persecuting Christians. Barnabas heard of Paul’s conversion and felt compassion. He then brought Paul to the apostles and helped to start one of the greatest ministries known. He journeyed with Paul and his cousin, John Mark, on their first mission to Cyprus. At the beginning of their second mission, Barnabas wanted to bring along Mark, who had abandoned them when sailing to Perga. Paul did not want a “deserter” to join them, thus in Acts chapter 15, Barnabas left with Mark to Cyprus to train and mentor him, and Paul and Silas traveled to Syria. In Galatians 2, Barnabas’ strength becomes his weakness as well. He was great a building relationships with others, however would often place those over the truth. Barnabas died in his native Salamis. Barnabas existed to help others accomplish their missions.