Before we get started you need to gather some supplies: your Bible, your Ephesians Observation Worksheets, marking pens or pencils (I like to use these when I study), and a notebook.
This week we will do an overview of the book. Remember, our goal is to develop context of the book as a whole, so we won't dive too deep. I know that will frustrate some of you. Hang in there!! As you overview this week ask yourself these questions: Who wrote Ephesians, Whom it is written to, Why was it write, and At what chapter does the book take a major turn.
Remember that in the Bible there are different types of literature. Ephesians is a letter. We have studied a letter before. I want you to begin by reading the entire book in one setting. So pull out your observation worksheets and read through all six chapters of Ephesians. As you read ask yourself these questions: Who wrote this book? Who are they writing to? Is there a division where the write changes his thoughts? Why is the author writing this book? What is his purpose?
As you have seen Ephesians is written by Paul, to the church at Ephesus. Paul visited Ephesus on his second missionary journey in Acts 18:18-21. Open up your Bible and read these verses. Now read Acts 19, which gives us more information about Ephesus. As you read, list in your notebook what you learn from Acts 19 about the Ephesians. Make note of what their city is like, what the people are like, how they live, what they worship. Also note how they respond to the gospel and Paul.
Now let's return back to Ephesians. It's time to get out your colored pens or pencils. Read back through all six chapters of Ephesians and mark references to Paul, including pronouns (I, me, my). Remember to go slow, to read with a purpose, don't skim!! What you learn here will form the foundation for your understanding of the rest of the book. Be diligent!! So, we are marking Paul, I like to mark Paul with a blue circle. We are marking what we call key words, key words are words that unlock the meaning of the text. We are marking Paul because he is the author and therefore he is important. We want to learn everything we can about Paul. After you finish marking Paul, next it is time for you to make a list about Paul. Pull out your notebook and start making a list on Paul. Make sure you include as much detail as possible and note the chapter and verse reference. Don't paraphrase the detail in your list or summarize, use the words in the text. At this point we are just observing the text!
Now let's turn our attention to the Ephesians. Go through all six chapters of Ephesians and mark references to the Ephesians including any pronouns. The Ephesians are the recipient and therefore they are also very important. We want to learn everything we can about them. After you finish marking the Ephesians, make a list on everything you learn about the Ephesians.
Remember we are working to gain a high level view of the book. We are working to establish context. At this point we are only observing the text, so don't try to figure out what it all means, we are working to understand what it says. We want to take the text at face value, we do not want to input our ideas or thoughts to the text. We want the text to teach us.
Remember we are working to gain a high level view of the book. We are working to establish context. At this point we are only observing the text, so don't try to figure out what it all means, we are working to understand what it says. We want to take the text at face value, we do not want to input our ideas or thoughts to the text. We want the text to teach us.
Finally let's end this weeks homework by reviewing what we learned and thinking about how it all comes together. Look at your marking and listing on Paul, did Paul say why he wrote this letter? Look at your marking and listing on the Ephesians along with your background. What is the main message Paul is trying to get across to them? Do your best to tie it all together, but don't be frustrated if it's not coming to you easily. That's why we meet and talk about it!
Well, that completes our first week of homework. Come to Bible Study ready to talk about what you learned about Paul & the Ephesians. Think through the purpose of the book. Do you see any where that Paul changes his focus of what he is saying?
Well, that completes our first week of homework. Come to Bible Study ready to talk about what you learned about Paul & the Ephesians. Think through the purpose of the book. Do you see any where that Paul changes his focus of what he is saying?
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