THE VISION OF EPHESIANS • LESSON 1

The World of Ephesus

Before opening Paul’s letter, step into the city where the Ephesian church took root—a powerful center of commerce, religion, culture, and influence.

Date: October 4, 2026 Teachers: William Thomas & Hubie Harris Scripture: Acts 18–19
This review is based on the October 4 classroom PowerPoint. No Plaud recording was available for this lesson.
LAST SUNDAY

Entering the World of Ephesus

Before studying the letter itself, the class explored the world in which the Ephesian church was established. Ephesus was one of the most influential cities of Roman Asia. Its location, commerce, travel routes, religious life, and cultural importance made it an unusually strategic location for the spread of the gospel.

Paul's relationship with Ephesus developed over time. Acts 18 records his initial visit, followed by the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila and their encounter with Apollos. Paul later returned and spent an extended period teaching in the city.

Acts 19 describes Paul teaching first in the synagogue and then holding daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. The influence of that teaching extended far beyond one local congregation: people throughout the province of Asia heard the message.

A Strategic City

Ephesus connected people, ideas, commerce, and religion throughout the region.

An Expanding Gospel

Paul's ministry became a base from which the message of Christ spread throughout Roman Asia.

A Religious Center

Worship of Artemis was deeply connected with Ephesian identity and civic life.

An Economic Challenge

The gospel began affecting behavior strongly enough to threaten businesses connected with idol worship.

THE BIG IDEA
The gospel entered a powerful culture—and began changing people strongly enough to challenge that culture’s religious and economic assumptions.

The conflict surrounding Artemis demonstrates that Christianity was more than a new religious opinion. Changed beliefs produced changed behavior, and changed behavior began affecting the surrounding culture.

Faith Culture Influence Discipleship Acts 19
SCRIPTURE • DIG DEEPER

Was Ephesians Written Only to Ephesus?

The opening lesson introduced an interesting textual question involving Ephesians 1:1. Most English Bibles identify the recipients as God's people “in Ephesus,” but some early manuscripts do not contain the city name at that location.

This has led some scholars to suggest that Paul's letter may originally have circulated among several congregations in Asia Minor, with Ephesus serving as one important destination.

At the same time, there is strong ancient tradition connecting the letter with Ephesus. The question is valuable because it may help explain why Ephesians often presents such a broad vision of Christ and His church instead of concentrating primarily on problems within one local congregation.

Why this matters:
As we study Ephesians, watch for language that reaches beyond one congregation and describes God's purpose for His people as a whole.
DISCUSSION • THINK TOGETHER

Consider the Setting

Why would Ephesus have been both a difficult place and an unusually strategic place to establish a strong church?

As you think about your answer, consider:

Commerce

People and goods moved through the city from many places.

Religion

Artemis worship was deeply embedded in the culture.

Influence

Ideas taught in Ephesus could spread throughout the region.

Resistance

The gospel challenged established beliefs and interests.

TEST YOURSELF

Lesson 1 Quiz

Test what you remember from The World of Ephesus. You will receive feedback after every answer.

Question 1 of 7
APPLICATION • LIVE IT OUT

Kingdom Impact Challenge

Identify one influence in modern culture that shapes people's priorities as powerfully as Artemis worship helped shape ancient Ephesus.
Ask #1

Where does the gospel affirm something good within that influence?

Ask #2

Where does allegiance to Christ challenge it?

Change Tomorrow: Choose one place where your Christian convictions should influence a decision, habit, relationship, or priority this week.

COMING SUNDAY • OCTOBER 11

Chosen and Adopted

Ephesians 1:1–6 • NIV

We now move from the world of Ephesus into Paul's letter itself. The next lesson begins exploring God's spiritual blessings, His choice and purpose, and adoption as His children.

Prepare for class

READ

Ephesians 1:1–6

WATCH FOR

The repeated importance of being “in Christ.”

CONSIDER

What does God do before Paul begins telling Christians what to do?

BRING THIS QUESTION

What does this passage reveal about God's vision for His church, and what does that vision require of us?

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Join Us Sunday Morning

The Vision of Ephesians
Sundays at 8:30 a.m.

Schrader Lane Church of Christ
1234 Schrader Lane
Nashville, TN 37208

Teachers: William Thomas & Hubie Harris

Sunday • 8:30 AM