Ephesians/ Colossians

A note of introduction... Do you love a great mystery? Well get ready as Paul reveals God’s “great mystery” in the books of Ephesians and Colossians! The apostle Paul writes these books from prison, probably in Rome around A.D. 60, as a source of encouragement to the first century Christians and to us today. The Christians of the first century dealt with many of the same temptations and struggles we do. We can learn much from Paul’s advice and admonitions. In the first half of Ephesians, Paul discusses God’s great plan to redeem and unify the world. In the second half he gives practical advice on living a Christian life. The Ephesians were surrounded by false gods and great materialism. Ephesus was a mighty city and the center of Artemis/Diana worship (Acts 19:23-41), an enormous source of income. There was great opposition to the gospel being taught since this threatened the locals’ livelihood. Although faithful at the time of Paul’s writing, the church at Ephesus did not continue to