Podcasts about Ephesus

During a persecution of Christians under the Emperor Decius, these seven Christian youths hid themselves in a cave outside Ephesus. When they were discovered, their persecutors sealed them in the cave to die; but God instead sent them a miraculous, life-preserving sleep. There they rested for about two hundred years. In the time of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), a heresy that denied the bodily Resurrection of the dead began to trouble the people. The Emperor prayed God to reveal the truth to the people. At this time, some shepherds removed the stones blocking the cave in order to build a sheep-pen. They discovered the seven youths, who awoke in full health and told their miraculous story. The miracle was told throughout the empire, and the Emperor himself came to Ephesus and spoke with the youths. A week later, they again fell asleep, this time in death.

Teaching from 1 Timothy 2:8–15, Caleb Cole examines Paul's controversial instructions concerning women, teaching, submission, and authority. By considering the situation in Ephesus and comparing this passage with Paul's broader support of women in ministry, Caleb explains why biblical order and the voices of both men and women are necessary for the church's mission. (00:00) - Why This Passage Cannot Be Avoided (03:27) - Reading 1 Timothy 2:8–15 (04:32) - Epistemology and Our Assumptions (06:28) - Egalitarianism and Complementarianism (08:03) - Unity in Essentials, Liberty in Nonessentials (10:29) - Equal Value and Different Roles (11:26) - The Ephesian Context and Artemis (14:46) - How to Interpret Difficult Scripture (16:19) - Instructions for Men: Pray and Worship (17:01) - Modesty, Good Works, and Worship (23:20) - Teaching and Exercising Authority Explained (26:25) - Authority and Submission in Marriage (29:55) - Paul's Support for Women in Ministry (32:32) - Men and Women Sharing the Gospel Together (34:32) - An Invitation to Follow Jesus

It's easy to get caught up in doing all the right things while slowly drifting from Jesus.This week, Jeremy and Joey continue the conversation from Sunday's message on the church in Ephesus, talking about what it means to return to your first love, why theology and love belong together, and how to keep your faith from becoming routine.

In our lesson today, Paul preaches that the gospel words of life demanded that believers worship only Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many people, when presented with the gospel message, believe that they can just add Jesus to the mix of gods and religious practices that they maintain.  Yet, the Bible is clear that it is not Jesus and anything, it is Jesus only.  Jesus died for us, and that is the redeeming claim of His Lordship over those who will call Him Savior.  Christ both died and rose for us.  In those two actions we see the redeeming claim and the resurrection conquest.  When He died, He gave Himself for us, but when He rose, He gave Himself to us to live within us.   This means three things to believers: First, it means our total submission.  We do not take Jesus as just our “Savior,” we can only take Him as our “Lord and Savior.”  Christ is Lord of our all, or He is not our Lord at all.  We are surrendered to Jesus Christ completely and exclusively. Second, it means His absolute ownership of all that you possess.  We have been purchased by Jesus, and His precious blood was the price that He paid.  As a believer, Jesus owns us and all that we have.  Jesus is not simply the owner of a church member's tithe.  He doesn't just own 10 percent of a Christian's wealth.  He owns it all.  The tithe is simply a tangible expression of that.  It is a symbol of all our resources, all our time, all our intellect, all our relationships, and all our deepest desires.   The Third thing it means is unquestioned obedience.  Being a Christian means total obedience in every area, our work, our witness, our friendships, our families, and our recreation.  The flesh may fear that kind of obedience.  Yet, how foolish that is to fear the One who died for us.  Jesus only wants for us, what we would want for ourselves, if we could only look at things from His perspective.   Click on the link below to hear a lesson on Paul's teaching at Ephesus. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.

You will never consistently live beyond what you believe about yourself. “This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God's holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Pastor Kent Philpott preaches on Acts 18:18-28 Paul Returns to Antioch & Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus. Please Visit Us: milleravenuechurch.org  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Watch full service here https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1207249903 ---------------------------------------------------------------- LIVE - Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:30am Pacific Time  Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/974567942 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Support the Ministry: If you are enjoying the programs and would like to send an offering of any amount, your gift helps us continue spreading the Good News! Thank you for your support!  Support Link: https://milleravenuechurch.org/giving 

Pastor Kent Philpott preaches on Acts 19:1-10 Paul in Ephesus. Please Visit Us: milleravenuechurch.org  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Watch full service here https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1209380066 ---------------------------------------------------------------- LIVE - Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:30am Pacific Time  Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/974567942 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Support the Ministry: If you are enjoying the programs and would like to send an offering of any amount, your gift helps us continue spreading the Good News! Thank you for your support!  Support Link: https://milleravenuechurch.org/giving 

Can a church do everything right and still lose the one thing that matters most? Jim Scudder opens Jesus' letters to Ephesus and Smyrna—a forgotten first love, a suffering church called rich—and asks whether just a little compromise is ever really okay.

In this episode of the Church on the Move Roswell podcast, Pastor Tim Aguilar introduces a message from Ephesians and invites listeners to engage with prayers and key points from Scripture. He provides historical context from Acts 19 about Paul's time in Ephesus, describing how the city was disrupted by the gospel, including a riot and a dramatic account of the seven sons of Sceva attempting to cast out demons using Jesus' name without a genuine relationship with Him, resulting in their defeat. Emphasizing that spiritual authority comes from relationship with Jesus.

1.11 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

Welcome to Faith Church Online! Revelation 2:1-7 Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for their strength of faith, while wanting them their love has gotten stale. In this teaching we will be encouraged and challenged to re-kindle the fire of our love for the Lord. We hope this serves you well!

Favor Has a Fingerprint! “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts, and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name." Revelation 3:7-8 In the tapestry of our lives, the fingerprints of God's favor are woven into every thread. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he shared his journey of faith, reminding us that "a wide door for effective work has opened" (1 Corinthians 16:9). With each opportunity, we find ourselves at a crossroads, discerning between open and closed doors. Just as Paul felt led to stay in Ephesus, we too must listen intently to the whisper of God guiding us to where His favor abounds. In Revelation 3:7-8, we are reminded that God holds the keys to every door. He opens what no one can shut and shuts what no one can open. This truth is a powerful assurance. However, not every open door is meant for us; as the saying goes, "Favor has a fingerprint," highlighting that each blessing is uniquely designed for His purpose in our lives. As we peel back the layers of our daily existence, we must ask ourselves: Are we living door-wise, discerning the paths that align with our God-given calling? 1 Corinthians 16:9 says, "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Psalm 84:11 beautifully declares, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor." His favor is not merely a blessing; it is a protective embrace that guides us through darkness into light. Open doors may shine bright, beckoning us to step through, yet we must ensure that these gateways align with God's sovereign will. As we navigate life's opportunities, remember that God's fingerprints are evident in the doors He opens for us. Each step taken in faith leads us closer to the heart of God, where we discover our true calling. Let us encourage one another to trust in His perfect timing and to seek His face in every decision we make. Amen. Psalms 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Amen. Prayer for the Day!Heavenly Father, I thank You for the beautiful doors You open in my life and the ones You graciously close. Help me to discern Your will and to walk through the paths marked by Your favor. Teach me to trust in Your timing, and may I follow the direction of Your spirit with unwavering faith. Show me the door You have prepared for me, and close the rest that do not align with Your purpose. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. https://maglife.org

Evil still exists in the world, but Jesus conquers it in a way no human ruler ever has. Rather than defeating His enemies through force, He transforms them through agape, the self-sacrificing love that seeks another person's good at personal cost. This is the love displayed at the cross, where God stepped into human history and gave His life as a sacrifice for sin. The early church in Ephesus demonstrated this love in ways that turned the ancient world upside down, and the same victory is still unfolding today. Every act of foster care, forgiveness, prison ministry, or disaster relief is King Jesus continuing to conquer through His people. Agape is not a feeling. It is a decision, and it is the most powerful force in human history.Support the show

Drop us a note about the podcast. A proverb can sound calm until you apply it to real life: “It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.” We start there, using Proverbs 18 to talk about wisdom that runs deep and justice that can't be bent without breaking a nation's trust. When accountability gets selective, victims get forgotten and the culture learns the wrong lesson. From that foundation, we slow down and let Scripture do the heavy lifting. We pray for you, your family, and our leaders, then read a marriage passage from Song of Solomon that honors covenant love. After that, Acts 19 takes us to Ephesus, where the gospel threatens an entire industry built on idols and the city erupts into confusion. It's a vivid picture of what happens when truth collides with profit, reputation, and spiritual counterfeits. We also address a question that keeps surfacing in church life: is Jesus Christ enough, or do you need a specific denomination to be saved? We argue plainly for Jesus Christ alone as the mediator, and we talk about the most practical way to change a country: spread the gospel, live it, and don't outsource discipleship to politics. Along the way we highlight Psalm 147, a Medal of Honor story of Technical Sergeant Charles F. Carey Jr., and a candid take on modern entertainment, ideology, and the possibility of using AI to bypass cultural gatekeepers and rebuild stories around faith and American values. If this stirred something in you, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review. What part hit you hardest: justice, Scripture, courage, or the future of storytelling?#ChristianNation#AmericanPatriot#DailyBibleSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribeCountryside Book Serieshttps://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2 America's Christian Heritage Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2622483

In Acts 19, Paul's message about Jesus starts costing people cash, and the city of Ephesus erupts. A silversmith named Demetrius sees his business threatened and does what any of us can be tempted to do: he lets fear, lust, and pride drive his next move. In this talk, Pastor Ben Stuart walks us through the riot in Ephesus and asks the question underneath the chaos: what feelings are actually determining the flow of your finances? For the Ephesians who put their faith in Jesus, everything changed. They stopped trying to manipulate the gods for their own gain and started giving generously to people who could never pay them back. Their faith didn't just shift what they believed. It shifted where their money went.  Key Verses // Acts 19 — With Passion City Online you can join us live every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:30a! Join us at https://passioncitychurchdc.com — Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: https://passioncitychurchdc.com/give — Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages https://www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc — Follow along with Passion City Church DC: https://www.instagram.com/passioncitydc — Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: https://www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_ — Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the . . . powers of this dark world and . . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. — Ephesians 6:12 When we moved to our latest home near a cherry orchard, I imagined that the beautiful cherry blossoms would be a great source of pollen and nectar for our bees. So I was horrified one day to see a tractor rolling through the orchard and spraying insecticide on the cherry trees. I knew the unseen poison would likely harm the bees. The orchard owner offered to spray in the evening when the bees would be in their hives. Yet I knew the bees would be hurt.Honeybees struggle with a host of seen and unseen enemies, including insecticides, from which they need to be defended. First and following generations of bees may be harmed beyond repair, bringing about the demise and death of many bees and even entire hives.Toward the end of his letter to Christ-followers in Ephesus, Paul reminds his listeners that our main struggle is against invisible forces and powerful enemies directed by the devil. Legions of threatening forces can be seen all around and within, yet we must also be aware of the invisible and unseen foes. Throughout life we need to “be strong in the Lord.” And we must make use of every weapon God provides to defend and sustain us “in his mighty power.” May we serve God faithfully against the devil and his schemes.  Lord, empower us to use all the weapons you provide for our defense against spiritual enemies. Together with all Christfollowers, may we stand firm as we depend on you, in Jesus. Amen.

Join us as we begin Paul's first letter to his dear son in the faith, a letter of encouragement and instruction to the young pastor of the church in Ephesus, Timothy.Visit: abideatascadero.orgEmail: info@abideatascadero.orgInstagram: @abide.calvary_atascFacebook: @AbideCalvaryAtascadero

Teaching from 1 Timothy 2:1–8, Ryan Moore explains that prayer is learning to live with a continual awareness that God is present and available. Prayer reshapes what matters to us, gives us access to God through Jesus rather than our own achievement, and changes our hearts before it changes our circumstances. (00:00) - Meeting Caleb in the 1990s (02:24) - 1 Timothy 2:1–8 (04:31) - Ignoring the Fire Alarm (06:10) - Prayer Interrupts the Illusion of Control (06:57) - The Spiritual Exhaustion of Ephesus (08:38) - First of All, Pray (09:06) - What Does It Mean to Pray Continually? (10:15) - A Working Definition of Prayer (10:36) - Practicing the Presence of God (13:08) - Petitions, Prayers, Intercession, and Thanksgiving (14:16) - Praying for All People (16:04) - Jesus, Our One Mediator (18:03) - Prayer Changes What Matters to Us (23:13) - Access, Not Achievement (28:02) - Prayer Changes the Person Praying

July 1, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class In this episode we study Aquila (Acts 18) and his wife Priscilla, exploring their role alongside Paul and their influence across Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome. David builds on recent teaching about Apollos, references contributions from Dale, and promises a short, pre-recorded segment from Neil on-site in Ephesus. Using Acts 18 and related New Testament passages (1 Corinthians, Romans, 2 Timothy), the talk surveys biblical facts about Aquila and Priscilla and draws practical lessons for believers today. Topics covered include: Aquila's background as a Jew from Pontus who fled Rome under Claudius, his trade as a tentmaker and partnership with Priscilla, Paul's year-and-a-half ministry in Corinth while working with them, and their decision to travel with Paul to Ephesus and remain there to strengthen the church. The episode highlights how their home became a meeting place for congregations and how their hospitality and industry supported ministry work. Key moments discussed are Priscilla and Aquila's tactful correction and mentoring of Apollos—listening first, taking him aside, and teaching the “way” more accurately—and the theological details implied by those episodes (the role of baptism, belief in Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, and entrance into the kingdom of God). The speaker also draws attention to scriptural references showing the couple's ongoing influence: house church leadership, greetings in Paul's letters, and Paul's gratitude for their service and willingness to risk for his life. Takeaway lessons emphasize partnership in marriage and ministry, being open to discussing faith at work, the courage to both go and stay for the sake of the gospel, the importance of tactful and knowledgeable correction, and the power of hospitality and local leadership. The episode closes with practical reflections for contemporary Christians and a promised visual clip from Ephesus to bring the biblical scenes to life.   Duration 42:44

This section of Acts chronicles the closing days of Paul's time in Ephesus. While he is seeing many very encouraging things occur, there is still the constant presence of resistance by those who reject the gospel message. In this passage we see the planning of Paul and the consequences of the gospel affecting the economy of many in Ephesus.

We, too, like Elisha's servant and the believers of Ephesus struggle to see spiritual realities. Like Elisha, Paul prays God the Father open the eyes of the Ephesians that they may see, understand and be transformed by the spiritual realities of which they are now part. So, also, ought we to pray for ourselves and one another.

This is an important lesson for everyone.  The name Jesus is not a name to be cursed.  It is not a name to be used in jest.  It is not a name to be used casually.  It is not a name to be used to make a profit with, and it is not a name to be rejected.   The name Jesus is a name to be worshipped.  It is the name of the Son of the Almighty God.  It is the name of my Lord and Savior.  It is the name that all men, all demons, and all powers, are subject to, and will bow down to.  There is power in the name of Jesus, soul saving, demon conquering, life transforming power, in the name of Jesus. Yet, so many people reject Jesus as the Son of God, and all of the work that He has done to bring salvation to a dark world mired in sin.  It is important to see the significance of this failure to believe that Jesus is the Christ.  The Bible tells us that “he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”  It is the rejection of Jesus Christ as your Savior that will determine where you spend eternity.  In heaven with Him, or in Hell without Him.  Not good works versus bad works, not how much money you give, not how eloquent you speech is.  None of that will decide your eternal fate.  The Bible says, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved.” In our lesson today, Paul's focus was to bring the people of the region to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit would do mighty works through Paul, making this one of his most effective ministries.  Millions of people would hear the Word of God as the gospel message radiated out from Ephesus like the spokes of a wheel.  Churches would be founded in the region around Ephesus, and people would come to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior.   Click on the link below to hear a message on how you can know Jesus, the Son of the Living God.   This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.

Sunday Morning Service At The Pentecostals Of Dothan.Come join us for service!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Podothan

Send us Fan MailPaul was saying goodbye. The leaders from his beloved church in Ephesus met him, wept over him, and hugged him. Paul shared some final face-to-face words with them before boarding a ship bound for Jerusalem. Pick up your Bible or device, and turn to Acts 20 to hear the story.This episode is based on the God's Word for Life, Summer 2026, Adult Lesson Guide entitled, "Reminders from Ephesians" (July 26, 2026).Find an Apostolic church that preaches this glorious gospel and our response at UPCI.orgThis episode is produced by the Pentecostal Resources Group and is hosted by LJ Harry. To order resources of the God's Word for Life curriculum, visitPentecostalPublishing.com and PentecostalResourcesGroup.com.Share your God's Word for Life stories with me at gwfl@upci.org.

Money sets off the riot in Ephesus, when a silversmith realizes the gospel is bad for the idol business. He dresses up his profit motive in religious language, the crowd picks up the chant, and soon the whole city is roaring for two hours without most of them knowing why they came. Underneath the noise sits a real claim: the message about Jesus was actually changing how people lived and spent, and the gospel still disturbs the arrangements we have built our security on. This episode looks at what happens when the truth touches someone's bottom line.  The Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 19:21-41.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran in Oakmont, visit redeemer-oakmont.org. The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off. Jesus has risen. He has ascended. And now what? Acts answers that question. Luke tells the story of how the Holy Spirit built the Church from a handful of frightened disciples in Jerusalem into a movement that reached Rome itself. Along the way, you get Pentecost, the first sermons, the first martyrs, the conversion of Paul, the first church councils, shipwrecks, riots, and the persistent, stubborn work of God through Word and Sacrament even when His people didn't have a plan. If you've ever wondered how we got from Easter morning to the Church you sit in today, this is the book. Tune in for this new series on Thy Strong Word with Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors as we open up the Book of Acts.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

What keeps a faith vibrant after four decades of ministry? That unexpected question, asked by a young church leader in Baltimore after a discussion on archaeology and the early church, became the catalyst for one of the most important chapters I've written in Missiological Theology. In this episode of The 10-Minute Ephesiologist, I explore what I have come to call missiological spirituality—a way of life that begins not with spiritual practices alone, but with the Triune God who continually speaks and acts. Rather than reducing spirituality to knowledge, experience, or ministry activity, I propose a rhythm of curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, and participation that draws us ever deeper into God's perichoretic life and mission. If you've ever wondered why some faith grows stale while other faith remains vibrant, this conversation may help you ask two life-changing questions: What is God saying? What is God doing? Keywords: missiological spirituality, missiology, Triune God, Trinity, perichoresis, perichoretic mission, missiological theology, curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, participation, spiritual formation, Christian spirituality, theology, archaeology, New Testament archaeology, archaeology and the Bible, ecclesiology, mission of God, missio Dei, discipleship, church planting, theological education, discernment, God speaks, God acts, Kingdom of God, early church, Ephesiology, Michael T. Cooper Key Takeaways Why one simple question in Baltimore reshaped my understanding of spirituality. Why spirituality must begin with the missionary nature of the Triune God. How God's self-revelation through His words and His works forms the foundation of Christian spirituality. The fivefold rhythm of Curiosity → Discovery → Reflection → Wonder → Participation. Why theology without wonder becomes intellectualism. Why wonder without participation becomes emotionalism. Why ministry itself can become mechanical if it is no longer sustained by ongoing curiosity about God's activity. How archaeology, Scripture, culture, and everyday life continually invite us to discern God's presence and mission. Why the Christian life is best understood not as a ladder to climb, but as a lifelong spiral into deeper communion with God and fuller participation in His mission. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. 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She was from the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, for which reason she is called "Magdalene." The Lord Jesus cast out seven demons from her, after which she became His faithful disciple, following Him even to the Cross when most of His disciples had fled. With the other holy Myrrh-bearers, she prepared the spices to anoint His body and carried them to His tomb. There she was one of the first witnesses to the Resurrection, and the first to proclaim it.   Various traditions hold that, after Christ's ascension, she traveled to Rome, where she presented the Emperor with a red egg and proclaimed "Christ is Risen!" For this reason her icons often show her holding a red egg, and from this the tradition of distributing red eggs at Pascha is said to have arisen. She is then said to have travelled to Ephesus where she helped St John the Theologian in his gospel ministry before reposing there.   Mary Magdalene is sometimes identified with the "sinful woman" of the Gospels, but this is not the Church's tradition. Neither the Gospels nor the sacred hymnography of the Church make this connection.   The name 'Madeleine' is a form of 'Magdalene'.

The final city of our series is one of the most important in the New Testament. Ephesus was Paul's home base for many years, a gospel hub and gateway to Greece. The church was pastored by Timothy, and the Apostle John made it his home as well. The church received a letter from Paul, two to Timothy, and one from Jesus in Revelation. It was a city transformed by the Gospel, and a model for ministry today. 

New believers in Ephesus do something striking: they haul their expensive books of magic into the open and burn them, torching a small fortune in front of everyone. These were people who had spent years trying to control their lives through spells and secret names, and meeting the real power of God in Christ made the counterfeit worthless to them. Most of us carry our own quiet superstitions and backup plans, the things we trust when we are not sure God is enough. This chapter asks what you would be willing to put on the fire.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 19:1-20.   To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org. The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off. Jesus has risen. He has ascended. And now what? Acts answers that question. Luke tells the story of how the Holy Spirit built the Church from a handful of frightened disciples in Jerusalem into a movement that reached Rome itself. Along the way, you get Pentecost, the first sermons, the first martyrs, the conversion of Paul, the first church councils, shipwrecks, riots, and the persistent, stubborn work of God through Word and Sacrament even when His people didn't have a plan. If you've ever wondered how we got from Easter morning to the Church you sit in today, this is the book. Tune in for this new series on Thy Strong Word with Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors as we open up the Book of Acts.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Revelation 2:1-7 To the Church in Ephesus 2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary.4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'   Introduction: Christ's Letters to His Church Christ Knows His Church (Revelation 2:1) A Church That Forgot Its First Love (Revelation 2:2–4) Christ's Call to Repent and Return (Revelation 2:5–7) Conclusion

In this message, Pastor Emily Olson teaches from Acts 19 about the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Through the people of Ephesus, we are reminded that faith is not just about information or borrowed religion, but about surrendering fully to Jesus and allowing Him to change every part of our lives.

We continue our series on norms in the early church with "The Word." The Word (or a synonym for the Word) is mentioned at least once in every chapter in Acts 1-20. The Word was increasing; the Word was preached boldly, broadly, and consistently; preaching the Word was the main work of sent-out-ones. Whatever we are doing, let's saturate it with the Word.  Three Themes on the Word in Acts:  The Word of God increased and multiplied – in and out of Jerusalem, Samaria, Ephesus, and surrounding regions. The Word is powerful and has a power of its own, almost like the HS. Examples: Acts 6:7: And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem . . . (Jerusalem) Acts 12:24: But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Samaria and beyond) Acts 19:20: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. (Ephesus) This should encourage us and build up our faith in the inherent power of the Word, apart from our own abilities! The Word went out broadly and boldly, publicly, and consistently. Many examples of public, bold proclamation (4:13, 29, 31; 9:27, 28; 13:46; 14:3; 18:26; 19:8; 26:26; 28:31). Paul and his teammates (missionaries) had an extremely high level of commitment to preaching and explaining the Word. This is what Paul did in every place, day after day, for hours, in different contexts. It's very clear in Acts 13-20 – preaching the Word was the work that Paul did. He was persuading and proving that Christ was Lord. He explained the Word with the goal of people responding. 3 Suggestions for application: Make sure everything we do is saturated with the Word. Always make the Word of God your main content! Not your own experience. Yes, you need to connect with your audience and teach in a way that they understand, but you don't have to be super creative. Get them connected to God's Word. Tools: We have tools now that put God's Word into people's hands more easily than at any other time in history. Do a heart check. Paul's heart was very involved.  Is my goal to just share the gospel so I can feel like I'm doing my job? Or is my heart's desire to see people believe? To convince them to completely change their minds? Am I content to just walk away after a 3-minute conversation? When I have the opportunity, am I willing to share with a nonbeliever daily? Or for a complete hour? How do we get the gospel out more? We must always be asking this question. This is not only or even mainly a pulpit ministry. How do we get the gospel out boldly, broadly, publicly, and consistently? How many people in my city are hearing the gospel today? How often am I preaching the Word? What opportunities are right in front of me? Spirit-filling results in bold proclamation. If you want Spirit-filling, then put yourself in positions of preaching the Word, and the Holy Spirit will be more likely to show up! Book referenced in this episode: Paul's Understanding of the Church's Mission by Robert L. Plummer. Connect with us: The Coworkers Podcast website Instagram: thecoworkerspodcast Email: coworkersstudy@gmail.com  

Acts 19:23-41The Gospel CHANGES peopleChanged PEOPLE change their CITIESThere will be conflict between the WAY and the WORLDThree Responses to the Conflict:-WEAK Gospel-FALSE Gospel-TRUE GospelDo not TRUST the mobDo not FEAR the mob

Paul in Ephesus (7-19-26) Dave Pommer by Grace Commons Church

1 CORINTHIANS  Correction With Confidence Because of The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!1 Corinthians 16:5–12 (ESV) I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.  10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.MAKE PLANS FOR THE WORK OF THE LORD, TRUSTING THE PROVIDENCE OF GODPLAN INTENTIONALITY FOR THE WORK OF THE LORD (V5-9) PURPOSE YOUR LIFE AROUND THE WORK OF THE LORD (V5-12) PERCEIVE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR PLANS AND GOD'S PLAN (V12)

Pastor Daniel Penn Kim

1 Corinthians 16:5-95 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia.6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

When the gospel came to Ephesus, it didn't just become one more religious option. It transformed lives, exposed idols, and even disrupted the city's economy. Join us this Sunday as we discover how the gospel doesn't just add something to our lives. It reorganizes everything.

The Church at Ephesus - Revelation 2:1-7 Jim Otto

Paul is now in the beginning stages of his third missionary journey and finds himself in the city of Ephesus. Here we see him come face-to-face with the forces of Satan as the gospel is preached, people believe and there is a demonic push back. In all of this, we see the attempts to mimic the power of Christ in the gospel by those who are not believers. We see the material cost to repenting from false practices and we see how the gospel creates tension and hatred from those who refuse to bow in faith to Jesus Christ.

As the Gospel went out in Ephesus it was disrupting the idols of the culture. This came to an explosive head when a silversmith named Demetrius incited a riot in the city. Through the Gospel, God is disrupting the idols of the human heart. We see this in Acts 19:21–41 as we observe three things: the characteristics of idols, the confrontation of idols, and the crumbling of idols. Pastor David Horner preaches a message titled: "Disrupting the Idols."

Who do you actually pray for? That question opens this lesson from 1 Timothy 2:1-8, and it sets up a challenge to pray far beyond your usual list.Teacher Luke Rasor walks through Paul's charge to the church in Ephesus to pray for all people, including kings and those in authority, and shows that Paul gives three specific reasons believers should pray this broadly. God desires all to be saved. Christ died as a sufficient ransom for all. And believers are called to preach the gospel to all people without exception.Rasor works carefully through some of the passage's trickier phrases, including what it means for God to desire the salvation of people he has not chosen to save, and why Paul specifically calls the men of the church to lead in this kind of prayer. He also addresses what it means to pray with holy hands, without wrath or dissension, tying the health of a church's prayer life directly to its unity and love for one another.This lesson pushes past private, personal prayer requests toward the harder and more neglected habit of praying for leaders, neighbors, and even people you disagree with, and reminds listeners that the most important thing to pray for anyone is their salvation. ★ Support this podcast ★

THE WAR between the deep state and President Trump escalated this week when the president declassified documents revealing treasonous acts by elements within the CIA and FBI leading up to the 2020 election.  This is a reminder that presidents don't have as much control over the United States government as we (or they) think. The irony is that the clever operatives in the intelligence community are not the ones ultimately in control of world events. As Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood." In other words, events in the news are simply shadows of the real struggle taking place in the unseen realm. We also discuss the spiritual forces behind Islam and the true iudentity of Allah. And we talk about the outbreak of cyclospora in the US, a nasty parasite that causes severe gastrointestinal distress.  Follow us! • X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• Substack: gilberthouse.substack.com | SharonKGilbert.substack.com• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/pidradio Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! f you are so led, you can help out at www.GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. JOIN US IN ISRAEL (NOTE NEW DATES)! We will tour the Holy Land October 25–November 6, 2027 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.

By Michael Douthett - Just as Christ called the church in Ephesus to remember, repent, and return to its first love, we too must guard against spiritual complacency and continually rekindle our relationship with God.

Philippians4:11: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned inwhatever state I am, to be content.” Immediately Paul wants the Philippiansto understand something. He is not thanking them because he was desperate formoney. He says, "Not that I speak in respect of want." Paulcertainly appreciated their generous gift, but his joy did not depend uponwhether he had plenty or little. His happiness was not tied to his bankaccount, his circumstances, or his physical comfort. Thenhe makes one of the most remarkable statements in Scripture: "For Ihave learned...".  Noticecarefully what Paul does not say. He does not say, "I was borncontent." He does not say, "I have always been content." He doesnot say, "Contentment came naturally to me." No. He says, "Ihave learned." That one word is full of encouragement. Contentment is nota personality trait. It is not something only optimistic people possess. It isnot the result of favorable circumstances. It is something that every believermust learn in the school of God. Justas a child learns to read one lesson at a time, so God patiently teaches Hischildren contentment one experience at a time. Each circumstancebecame another classroom where God taught Paul to trust Christ.  Godoften teaches us His greatest lessons in the classrooms we would never choosefor ourselves. None of us naturally enjoys trials. None of us asks forsuffering. Yet many of the deepest truths we know about God's faithfulnesscould never have been learned any other way. James tells us in James 1:2-3: “Mybrethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that thetesting of your faith produces patience.” Peter reminds us that the trialof our faith is more precious than gold in 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this yougreatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have beengrieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much moreprecious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found topraise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Godis never wasting our hardships. He is teaching us something that prosperityalone could never teach. Notice the next phrase. "...in whatsoeverstate I am..." Paul is not talking about geography. He is not speakingabout whether he is in Philippi, Ephesus, Corinth, or Rome, North Caolina orVirginia. He is talking about every circumstance of life. Whether life is easyor difficult. Whether his needs are met abundantly or barely. Whether he isfree or imprisoned. Whether he is applauded or criticized. In every situation,God had been teaching him. Thencomes the great lesson. "...therewith to be content." The word"content" carries the idea of being inwardly sufficient, satisfied,and at rest. For the Christian, however, our sufficiency is not found inourselves. Our sufficiency is found in Christ. As Paul wrote elsewhere in 2Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves... but oursufficiency is of God." The world says, "You will be content whenyou get more." God says, "You will be content when you discover thatChrist is enough." The world constantly tells us that happiness is justone purchase away. One promotion away. One new possession away. One bettercircumstance away. But once we obtain those things, we soon discover that theycannot satisfy the deepest needs of the heart. Only Christ can do that. Augustinewrote many centuries ago, "Our hearts are restless until they find theirrest in Thee." How true that is!Perhapstoday God has enrolled you in the school of contentment. Maybe your lessoninvolves waiting. Perhaps it involves illness. Financial pressure.Disappointment. Or unanswered questions. Do not despise the classroom. YourHeavenly Father is an excellent Teacher. Every lesson has a purpose. Everyassignment has eternal value. Every trial is designed to make you more like HisSon.

In Acts 19, the spread of the gospel in Ephesus begins to threaten the idol-making economy built around Artemis worship. Demetrius and the craftsmen oppose Paul because obedience to Christ is now costing them financially. This episode reminds us that Satan often uses selfish gain to justify disobedience, but no profit is worth rebellion against the Lord.

Who are those who "have ears to hear" according to Jesus? Am I a "lone ranger Christian," and should I be concerned? If I don't speak in tongues, do I not have the Holy Spirit? What's the meaning of the Revelation 2 warning to the church of Ephesus about forgetting their first love? Are we as believers regarded as "sinners" or "saints" or both? Is the doctrine of original sin (sin and death through Adam) biblical or not? What does the word "word" (logos and its forms) mean in Acts (and James): the law, the gospel, or either depending on the context?