July 1, 2014 (Tuesday)
The letter to the Ephesians was written by Paul, probably from Rome, around the years 62 or 63. It most likely was written as a circular letter, to be shared by several churches, of which Ephesus was one. J.B. Tidwell said, “It has been said to contain the profoundest truth revealed to men, and the church at Ephesus was, perhaps, better prepared than any other to be the custodian of such truth, since Paul’s long stay there (3 years) had so well prepared them to hear and understand it.” Like most of his letters, the first half is doctrinal and the second half practical. The book begins with praise for the blessings of God upon believers, who were chosen by the Father, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and given spiritual life by the Son. Paul promises to pray for them and reminds them of their duties as believers.
Ephesians – a devotional thought
This is the letter that contains the best news in the world: “..it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV). It is a message the Lord wants us to share with everyone.
