Introduction to the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians The letters of
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are often called the prison
epistles because they were all written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome.
The church at Ephesus was one of the most prominent churches that Paul founded.
He wrote this letter to the Ephesian believers near A.D.
60.
The city of Ephesus was on the coast of present-day Turkey.
Its archaeological ruins are some of the most spectacular in the world.
It was the most important city in western Asia Minor.
Major trade routes intersected there to make it a commercial, political,
and religious center.
And Paul made the crossroads of Ephesus his center for evangelism for about three
years.
Later, the apostle John would live there too.
Although written while imprisoned, this is perhaps Paul's most encouraging
and optimistic letter.
He describes the blessings of a believer whose faith and destiny are found in Jesus
Christ.
Paul wrote to help his readers better understand God's eternal purpose and
appreciate the high goals God has for his church.
Remember as you listen that the church described by Paul is not a church building
but the body of Christ made up of all of those who have put their faith in him
throughout all time.