Ephesus-The Cultural Climate and the Church

Reading the background of Ephesus, I am struck by the environment in which the Ephesian Church was birthed. I am reminded that the church of Jesus Christ has faced fierce opposition from the very start. God has been saving people to Himself and building His church smack dab in the middle of cultural chaos, today is no different. I am reminded of our Lord's prayer in John 17:

I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world (John 17:15-18).

Ephesus was the New York City of it's day. It was a major trade city of the Roman empire: heavily populated, cultured, wealthy and accepting of new ideas; except the Truth.   "The Ephesians were marginalized in a pluralistic culture tolerant of many things but not of the Christian gospel or the church which proclaimed it" (Sinclair Ferguson, Ephesians). Sound familiar?

Ephesus was influenced largely by the magical arts and religious superstitions of the Orient. What we see today in the New Age movement and other "new" religions oftentimes can be traced back to these same roots. There is nothing new under the sun! I am reminded that man is made to worship. Everyone worships something or someone.

While Ephesus boasted of numerous temples to various gods and goddess, it was famed for it's temple and worship of the goddess Diana. She was known as the goddess of "virginity and motherhood".  Her temple was so large and magnificent it ranked among one of the Seven Wonders of the World. An image of the goddess was believed to have fallen from the heavens (Acts 19:35). This idol worship was rooted in the occult and magic.There were shameless and vile practices like prostitution and mutilation in the rituals. It was into this darkness that God brought Paul to shine the light of His Word and work!

Paul uses this letter to encourage the little band of followers in Ephesus (and surrounding areas) called the church. These early believers needed to know who they were and how they were to be set apart for God's glory, we need that message too. The church is central to Paul's message to the Ephesians because it is central to God's plan.  While often weak, small and culturally irrelevant, the church is God's means to grow His children and His family. God is still penetrating dark places with the light of Jesus Christ. And, He is pleased to use the local church to break through the darkness in order to be the light.


Questions to Ponder:
1. What opposition is the church facing today?
2. What "worship" dominates our local culture?
3. Is the local church impacting the culture? Why or why not?
4. What is the place of the local church in reaching the lost and expanding God's glory?
5. Are you committed to the local church and do you see it as the most viable means by which Christians can impact the world for Christ? Why or why not?