Scriptural text: Acts 19; Ephesians 1:15-23; Revelation 2:1-7
Lesson Context: Paul’s first contact with the Ephesians was on his secondary missionary journey (AD 52-54). Paul’s second visit to Ephesus was on his third missionary journey, the account which is recorded in Acts 18:23-21:6 (about AD 54-58). He spent about two and a half years in that city. Those converted under Paul’s ministry gave up their magic practices and burned their magic books.
The message of Christianity was making great inroads in a great city of the Roman Empire, upsetting the status quo in the process.
Prayer for the Present (Ephesians 1:15-16):
Because of Faith and Love (v. 15). “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus.” “Wherefore I also” As well as others: “After I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus;” Who is the immediate object of faith, and a very proper and suitable one, having everything in him that is agreeable to the case of circumstances of those who trust in him.
“And love unto all the saints;” Whether Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, greater or lesser believers, of meaner gifts, or larger abilities, and which love was unfeigned, fervent, and which is the evidence of regeneration, and without a profession is in vain. These two graces, faith and love, are inseparable; they always go together; and are to be found in the same persons.
Prayer for Growth (Ephesians 1:17-19):
To Know Him (v. 17).
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.”
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ;” he is the God of Christ not according to Christ Divine nature, but his human, and as Mediator, in which respect he was subject to the Father. “The Father of glory;” the most glorious Father, and the Author of all glory and glorious things, and to whom all glory is due.
“May give unto you the spirit of wisdom;” a greater measure of faith, or of the knowledge of the things of God, whereof the Spirit is the Author. God is said to give or send the Spirit, where the Spirit works effectually, and, so to give the Spirit of wisdom, where the Spirit effectually works that wisdom.
“And revelation;” by revelation he means not extraordinary, such as the prophets had, but ordinary, such as was common to believers, and expresseth the manner of the Spirit’s working this wisdom, that he doth it by removing the covering or veil of natural ignorance shining into the mind, and making it see what before it saw not. Thus the Spirit works not only in the beginning of faith and spiritual knowledge, but in its further progress he lets in new light into the mind, and removes some remaining degree of natural darkness.
References: Studylight, Matthew Henry Bible Commentary, Enduring Work Bible Commentary, KJV 2022-2023 International Sunday School Lessons