Church At Ephesus

Paul, an apostle of the Crucified and Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, has been given the joy of bringing people to Jesus in Ephesus. Now he has written a letter of encouragement, instruction and admonition to them, giving them the one and only way for them, as servants of Jesus, to guard against all present evil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6: 12.

This wise and Spirit-guided servant of Jesus, is quite aware that many a believer is fooled, because of our temporal status, believing that the weapons we use for fighting, ought to be carnal as well. But Paul knows better, as has been proven daily in his own life. His advice and wisdom are to be cherished and heeded, as his words lead to life and victory in Jesus. This is what he says. 

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10: 3 – 5

Paul encourages the Ephesian congregation, as he also encourages us, to put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6: 11. However, before we take a more in-depth look at the wiles of the evil one, we need to go back a bit and witness some of what Paul observed, when he arrived in Ephesus for the first time. From the onset, within a very short space of time, he noticed that the Holy Spirit was not the Principal Ruler in Ephesus. I have chosen three areas of example, as they will be sufficient to adequately satisfy us on this truth.

We are told that when Paul arrived at Ephesus, he found some disciples, but quickly found out that they were operating without the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.  They were ignorant to the Baptism of Jesus Christ. To Paul’s question about the Holy Spirit, they honestly replied. No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. Acts 19: 2b. I ask you, if the Name, Holy Spirit was not known among disciples, then would He be known among the rank and file? I think not!

As days, weeks and even months went by, Paul preached and taught in the synagogue, about God’s Kingdom. However, some Jewish diehards became most cantankerous and Paul had to leave the accustomed, traditional place of worship. But some of them became obstinate, they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. Acts 19: 9.  I ask you, if the Mind of Holy Spirit was in that holy place of worship, would the Jewish elders and leaders be so against Him? I think not! Understand therefore, to be against Paul, in whom the Spirit dwells and works, is to be against the Spirit Himself.

Holy Spirit, is doing miraculous works through Paul, and some Jews, who know nothing about Him observe how Paul is casting out demons from people. Now these Jews were themselves casting out demons, but when they saw how Paul was realizing great success, they tried to imitate Paul. They would say, In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out. Acts 19: 13b. Subsequently, a demon got utterly fed-up one day, with those fakes and taught them a life-long lesson. The demon made it plain that he knew Jesus and Paul, but he did not know those imposters. I ask you, could the Holy Spirit be in those sons of the chief priest? I think, certainly not!

Now that we’ve looked at those three incidents which clearly show that the Principal spiritual ruler among the Jews in Ephesus was certainly not the Holy Spirit, we move on to Paul’s admonition to the Church there. Yes, God gave Paul much fruit in Ephesus and many converts were made. We know this because Acts 19: 20b joyfully states that the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

Tomorrow, we will look at reasons Paul gives to the believers for wearing God’s full armour.