Lesson 217: Ephesians 1:3

EphesiansA resident or native of Ephesus, the influential port city of Roman Asia Minor. In Scripture, “Ephesian” most often refers to members of the Ephesian church founded through Paul’s ministry (Acts 19). The term can describe: • the believers who received Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, • the citizens involved in the Artemis-centered culture and economy, • or the community... More is likely a circular letter to churches in Asia MinorAsia Minor is the large peninsula forming the westernmost part of modern‑day Turkey. In the first century, it was a major region of the Roman Empire, containing key provinces, trade routes, banking centers, and port cities — including Ephesus, one of its most influential metropolitan hubs. In Acts 19, Asia Minor is central because the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus... More, celebrating God's cosmic plan in Christ. PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More opens with a Jewish-style berakah blessing God for spiritual riches in the heavenly realms.

Before detailing election, redemption, and unity, PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More blesses the Father who has already blessed believers with every spiritual blessing in Christ in heavenly places.