Mailbag: Ephesians

Can you follow Jesus alone?

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to Christians living in one of the Roman Empire’s most important cities: Ephesus.

In the first century, Ephesus was second only to the city of Rome as a cosmopolitan center of culture and commerce. Everything we know about Ephesus tells us that it was a place where there was great social, civic, religious, and spiritual power was concentrated. 

On Sunday, Forrest shared the story of how Paul’s teaching started a riot with wealthy Ephesian merchants. They drove him out of the city, but seeds of the Good News had been planted.

Eventually, Paul writes a letter encouraging the Ephesians to keep pursuing Jesus. He also reminds them of the importance of community.

Christianity is a WE faith, not a ME faith. We can’t follow Jesus in isolation. We do it together! As Forrest said on Sunday, “Christianity without community is hollow, heartless, and completely misses the point of what Jesus intended for us.”

When it comes to following Jesus, we truly are better together.

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Check out Sunday’s message above, then, continue the conversation with the reading plan and resources below.

This week, we’re reading Paul’s entire letter to the Ephesians together. It only takes about 15 minutes to read. You might follow the plan below or simply read it through multiple times this week.

  • Monday: Ephesians 1

  • Tuesday: Ephesians 2

  • Wednesday: Ephesians 3

  • Thursday: Ephesians 4

  • Friday: Ephesians 5

  • Saturday: Ephesians 6

We also highly recommend you check out this video overview of Ephesians by our friends at The Bible Project: WATCH HERE.

Check out the resources used in this week’s teaching, as well as books you can explore if you’d like to dive deeper into our conversation.

  • Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters, by Tom Wright 

  • The New Application Commentary: Ephesians, by Klyne Snodgrass

  • A Week in the Life of Ephesus, by David A. DeSilva 

  • The Story of God Bible Commentary: Ephesians, by Mark D. Roberts

  • Apostle of the Crucified Lord, by Michael J. Gorman* 

  • Paul And First-Century Letter Writing, by E. Randolph Richards* 

  • Paul: A Biography, by N.T. Wright* 

    *Used in all of the Mailbag series teachings

Also, check out this full video course on Ephesians from the Bible Project. 
This course contains 35 separate videos and corresponding handouts,  giving you a seminary-level dive into Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Each video ranges from 5-20 minutes.

  1. Paul shared Jesus in an environment hostile to his faith. The people in power did not appreciate Jesus’ message of love, righteousness, and claims of divinity. In what ways is our modern culture hostile to the way of Jesus?

  2. How, like Paul, can we continue to point to Jesus even when it means going against the grain of culture? Do we use our words? Actions? Both?

  3. Christianity is meant to be practiced in community. Do you agree? Why or why not?

  4. What are the benefits of engaging with others as you follow Jesus vs. going it alone?

  5. Why do you think many people are wary of participating in Christian community? Past hurts? Fears? Is the Church to blame? Share your thoughts.