Week 05

The Author: Part One

What an amazing book Ephesians is! This letter has been described as ‘The Crown’ of Saint Paul’s writing. It was John Calvin’s favourite letter and is concise and comprehensive in nature.

Read the first two verses Ephesians 1:1,2

Paul starts by announcing himself. ‘Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’

So what do we know about the author?

The first time we meet him is in Acts 7:58.

What is his name and what is he doing?

Read Acts 9:1-18

Describe his attitude to people who believe in Jesus in verse 1. He undergoes an amazing conversion experience in verse three.

Can you describe your own conversion?

What was Ananias doing when God spoke to him? Do you set aside a special time each day to spend with God?

What happened when Ananias laid hands on Saul?

What was the ‘call of God’ on Saul’s life. Make a note of the order: it will be important later.

Read on in Acts 9:19-30

How did he escape from Damascus?

Why do you think that the disciples in Jerusalem did not trust him?

Who befriended him?

Now read Acts 13:1. This is the next time Saul is mentioned. He is set apart with another man for God’s work.  Who was it? Note the order that their names are mentioned here, Barnabus and Saul. The most important person tends to be mentioned first.

What were the believers doing when God told them to set aside Barnabus and Saul?

Do you spend time with others in prayer?

Have you ever fasted?

Paul had a lot to learn. Often that means taking a back seat to the main event in order to learn and grow. Soon Paul will have learnt and developed in his abilities and will be able to take lead roles in ministry. If you are serving faithfully in a back row capacity do it with all your strength and ability, and seek the Holy Spirit to do the work well. One day, who knows, you may be the next Paul.

God want to develop our character and not our gifting.