WEBVTT

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Introduction to the Epistle of Paul the
Apostle to the Ephesians The letters of

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Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians,
and Philemon are often called the prison

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epistles because they were all written
during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome.

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The church at Ephesus was one of the most
prominent churches that Paul founded.

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He wrote this letter to the Ephesian
believers near A.D.

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60.

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The city of Ephesus was on the coast of
present-day Turkey.

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Its archaeological ruins are some of the
most spectacular in the world.

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It was the most important city in western
Asia Minor.

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Major trade routes intersected there to
make it a commercial, political,

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and religious center.

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And Paul made the crossroads of Ephesus
his center for evangelism for about three

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years.

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Later, the apostle John would live there
too.

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Although written while imprisoned,
this is perhaps Paul's most encouraging

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and optimistic letter.

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He describes the blessings of a believer
whose faith and destiny are found in Jesus

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Christ.

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Paul wrote to help his readers better
understand God's eternal purpose and

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appreciate the high goals God has for his
church.

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Remember as you listen that the church
described by Paul is not a church building

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but the body of Christ made up of all of
those who have put their faith in him

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throughout all time.