A. Rev. 2:1-7 Church at Ephesus - Technology Ministries

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22 REVELATION is NOT a Mystery—TEACHER’S GUIDE THE PRESENT 1) At the time of John’s writing, Ephesus was the capitol of the Roman province of Asia. Before that, Pergamum (another city where one of the seven churches was located) was the capitol. The church at Ephesus was founded by Paul on his first missionary journey. Paul remained in Ephesus for three years of preaching and teaching and the church became well established. Its members were known for their love of God‟s Word, Jesus Christ and each other. After Paul left, John added Ephesus to his group of churches and became the circuit or traveling Pastor to seven of local churches in the Roman province of Asia. Halley‟s Bible Handbook p. 688 “There were many churches in „Asia.‟ These… seven churches‟, must have been main centers in their respective districts, key cities in John‟s pastoral care of the region.” John probably went back to Ephesus to live after his release from the Isle of Patmos. It is possible that Jesus‟ Mother, Mary lived there with John for a time before He was exiled because John was told by the Lord (from the cross) to take care of her. (JOHN 19:26, 27) 2) Ephesus, located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, was a crossroads city much like Atlanta to us. People traveling from one place to another were very nearly forced to go through Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the oldest, largest and most important cities in that area. 3) Ephesus was noted for its great library, its great wealth and its great religious temple to the pagan goddess, Diana (Artemis). ACTS 19:35 This Temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. c. Ephesus was a cultural center, an amusement center, a commercial center, a political center and a religious center. The City of Ephesus was a city of worldliness and evil. 1) Worldliness is thinking like the world thinks and is promoted by Satan.
SEVEN CHURCHES First Church ~ Church at Ephesus REVELATION 2:1-7 23 2) There are two extremes of worldliness. a) First, there is legalism, which claims the virtuous; Spiritual Life is a matter of following certain rules, regulations and rituals. b) Second, there is the teaching that it is good to practice sin so you will understand it better (The teaching of the Nicolaitans). It is the direct opposite of legalism 3) Both teachings are evil and both originate from Satan. 4) There were many exciting events and interests in the city of Ephesus. Believers in Ephesus constantly faced the temptation to get involved in these activities and neglect Bible study. We face the same temptations today!! We might ask ourselves, “Do I allow myself to get involved in activities that draw me away from Bible study and keep my love for God from growing? II. CHURCH AT EPHESUS A. CHARACTER 1. The Church at Ephesus was founded by Paul on his third missionary journey. 2. Paul spent three years teaching there. Paul wrote the book of Ephesians to them. ACTS 18:18,19; ACTS 19:10; The Book of EPHESIANS 3. The apostle John became the Pastor (other leaders include
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A. Rev. 2:1-7 Church at Ephesus - Technology Ministries

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