Introduction
Welcome to the book of Ephesians. In this book, you will learn about what God has done for us in Christ, how this changes us, enriches our relationships with others, and how we can endure because of these truths. Ephesians provides a strong roadmap for what God can do through our minds, hearts, and hands if we submit to the Gospel's transforming power, found in salvation by grace and not by works.
In the first two days of our study, we will learn about the author and discuss the city of Ephesus in the first century. This will help us better understand the book. So stay with us, because on day three, we will finally dive deep into the book of Ephesians itself.
Today, we will explore the life of Paul (formerly known as Saul), the author of the book of Ephesians. His story of conversion is found in Acts chapter 9.
Today’s Scripture
Acts 9:1-19 New Living Translation
'Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord!” he replied.
The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Instantly, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward, he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.'
Explanation and Reflection
Paul was an enemy of the church. He killed Christians and was thoroughly committed to destroying the church. Here in Acts 9, he has an encounter that leads him to follow Christ. From there, he goes on to start new churches throughout Asia Minor and becomes a leader in the church. One of the churches he helped plant was the church in Ephesus. Ultimately, Paul was imprisoned for his church-planting efforts and was beheaded in Rome.
Question of the Day
Here's a question for reflection and application:
Think back to when you became a follower of Jesus. Remember the commitment, joy, and energy your conversion brought. In what ways have you let that fire die down? How are you committed to spreading the Gospel today and serving Christ, even through suffering and sacrifice?