Founding of The Church At Ephesus
Paul's first and hurried visit for the space of three months to Ephesus is recorded in Acts 18:19–21. The work he began on this occasion was carried forward by Apollos and Aquila and Priscilla. On his second visit early in the following year, he remained at Ephesus "three years," for he found it was the key to the western provinces of Asia Minor. Here "a great door and effectual" was opened to him, and the church was established and strengthened by his diligent labours there. From Ephesus the gospel spread abroad "almost throughout all Asia." The word "mightily grew and prevailed" despite all the opposition and persecution he encountered.
On his last journey to Jerusalem, the apostle landed at Miletus and, summoning together the elders of the church from Ephesus, delivered to them a farewell charge, expecting to see them no more.
The following parallels between this epistle and the Milesian charge may be traced:
- Acts 20:19 = Eph. 4:2. The phrase "lowliness of mind".
- Acts 20:27 = Eph. 1:11. The word "counsel", denoting the divine plan.
- Acts 20:32 = Eph. 3:20. The divine ability.
- Acts 20:32 = Eph. 2:20. The building upon the foundation.
- Acts 20:32 = Eph. 1:14,18 "The inheritance of the saints."
Read more about this topic: Epistle To The Ephesians
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