Welcome to week two of the first ever Bible study hosted here on StephanieAdele.com. Hosting Bible studies on this site has been a dream of mine from the very beginning. I am so excited to be studying Paul’s life and his letters Galatians – Colossians. You can view all posted study materials here.
Day 11 – Monday : Galatians 6:1-18
Today wraps up the letter to the Galatians. Paul explains what life lived in the Spirit looks like – restoring with gentleness, keeping watch over your own actions, bearing one another’s burdens, sharing and doing good.
Vs. 11 begins the closing of the letter. In vs. 11, Paul references he is writing in large letters. Because of this reference, some scholars believe he have had an issue with his eyesight. Paul concludes by reminding the Galatians to stay true to the Gospel. Being a new creation is more important than man-made restrictions. Our only boast is Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, not in anything we can do.
Paul began the letter by reprimanding the Galatians for how easily they could be persuaded to err from the true Gospel, but Paul ends the letter by extending the grace of Christ to them (vs. 18).
Question for Thought:
What is your main takeaway from the letter to the Galatians?
Day 12 – Tuesday : Ephesians 1:1-23
Introduction to Ephesians:
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians has a completely different tone than that of Galatians. Paul’s love and concern is clear throughout the letter. In Acts 28, Paul finally arrives in Rome and is put under house arrest, which was in A.D. 62., so he is writing to let the Ephesians know how he fairs in prison. He is anxious to impart instructions to strengthen the church because his own future is uncertain, and time is running out for Paul to teach the church.
There are two main themes in Ephesians:
- Christ has reconciled all of creation to God
- The life we are to lead as the body of Christ
Ephesus was an important port city on the west coast of what is now Turkey. Ephesus was a pagan city famous for the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There was a small Jewish population, but was largely Gentile. Paul visited Ephesus on both his second and third missionary journeys (details in Acts 18:19-21 and 19:1-40). His first visit was very short, but he stayed for two years on his second visit. Acts 19:10 says “All the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greek.”
Ephesus is mentioned again in Revelation 2 in the letters to the seven churches. Here we learn the Ephesians are no longer characterized by their love. Therefore, if they did not repent, their lampstand would be removed. Consequently, the city of Ephesus is only ruins. It was destroyed by the Goths in 263. It never reached its former glory when it was rebuilt. A large portion of the city was again destroyed in an earthquake in 614. Having lost its harbor due to silt buildup from the river flowing into the harbor, the city was eventually abandoned.
Ephesians is an incredibly beautiful letter that speaks to the love God has for us in redeeming us through Christ so that we could be reconciled to Him. While many of Paul’s letters are written to address specific issues, Ephesians is a summation of the Gospel and how we are to live in light of it.
Today’s Reading:
The first chapter of Ephesians provides the opening to the letter, following the typical format of biblical letters. It contains all four parts:
- The sender: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ” vs. 1,
- The recipients: “the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Jesus Christ” vs. 1
- The salutation: ” Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ ” vs.2
- Thanksgiving and prayer: “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” vs.16 (the full section is vs. 15-23)
Ephesians 1:3-14 is one long sentence in the original Greek. Paul tells how God orchestrated our salvation from the very beginning in such beautiful terms. I love vs. 7-8, which say, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.” This long sentence may well be Paul’s most eloquent writing we have. It also lays the doctrinal foundation for the Trinity, the work of redemption, and our assurance of salvation.
Question for Thought:
Paul’s writing in this chapter is so rich. What stood out to you personally as you read this chapter?
Day 13 – Wednesday : Ephesians 2:1-10
Today’s reading is short, but is so incredibly powerful. It tells how God resurrected us, just as Jesus was resurrected. We were spiritually dead because of our sins, but through God’s love for us, we are made alive in Christ. This is all the work of grace. We cannot boast in any of our own actions because there is nothing we could have done to save ourselves. Good works are not a requirement for salvation. Instead, they are the natural overflow of a heart God has truly transformed and made new.
As we read this passage, it is important to consider the definition of grace. I learned a very simple definition for grace as a child that has always stuck with me. Grace is “getting what we don’t deserve.” We transgressed God’s laws and sinned against Him, and yet, He provided a way for salvation because of His deep love for us. He knew we could never earn it. Jesus said “paid” with His own life’s blood, because it was too great for us to pay on our own.
Reading this passage reminded me of the hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” so I looked it up, and it is actually based on today’s Scripture.
Lyrics of “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(Written by Stuart Townsend, 1990)
Question for Thought:
What does it mean to be God’s “workmanship” (vs. 10)?
Day 14 – Thursday : Ephesians 2:11-22
Today’s passage shifts attention from God the Father, who orchestrated the events of salvation, to the redeeming work of Christ Himself. Unlike the Jews, the Gentiles had no hope prior to Christ because they were not included in the covenants of promise to Israel. The Jews at least had the hope of a Messiah. Now, by the blood of Christ, we are all made one. We are to live in unity with one another because Jesus abolished the hostility that existed between Israel and the other nations.
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are now at peace with God. We are “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (vs. 19). Paul uses architectural references, describing Jesus as the cornerstone, the apostles and prophets as the foundation, and the believers who form the building blocks all made into “a holy temple in the Lord” (vs. 21).
Question for Thought:
Jews have had covenant promises with God from the time of Abraham. What have we learned so far in Ephesians about God’s plan of redemption for the Gentiles?
Day 15 – Friday : Ephesians 3:1-21
Paul refers to the Gospel as a mystery. Aspects of God’s plan for redemption were revealed in the Old Testament, but remained a mystery until the events unfolded when Jesus came to Earth. This explains why so many did not accept Jesus when He came. They had built up a story in their minds of the conquering hero who would be a literal, earthly king, but their own ideas about how God should act blinded them to the truth.
Vs. 12 says we have “boldness and access with confidence” to God through our faith in Christ. As a result, Paul follows this with a prayer for those he is addressing. Prior to Christ’s coming, only the high priest had access to God. Christ extended that access to all believers.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:30-21
Question for Thought:
What peace does knowing we have access to God provide?
I would love for you to share your thoughts or things you are learning as you read through Ephesians! Look for Week Four study materials next Monday, and again, you can find all materials already posted here.
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