Sabbath Afternoon June 24
Memory Text:
“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: KJV — Ephesians 1:9,10
“There is a serious, solemn work to be done at this time. In all places the standard is to be lifted. God has “made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth” [verses 9-13]. The word of truth, Bible truth, present truth, is to be presented calmly, soberly, in the demonstration of the Spirit, for the angels of God are making impressions upon minds. ‘The gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believe, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.’ 21MR 51.3
“What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption…” 21MR 52.1
Sunday - June 25
Paul, Evangelist to Ephesus
What does Paul do on his first visit to Ephesus, at the end of his second missionary journey? (Acts 18:18–21).
“In the time of the apostles the western portion of Asia Minor was known as the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus, the capital, was a great commercial center. Its harbor was crowded with shipping, and its streets were thronged with people from every country. Like Corinth, it presented a promising field for missionary effort. AA 281.2
“The Jews, now widely dispersed in all civilized lands, were generally expecting the advent of the Messiah. When John the Baptist was preaching, many, in their visits to Jerusalem at the annual feasts, had gone out to the banks of the Jordan to listen to him. There they had heard Jesus proclaimed as the Promised One, and they had carried the tidings to all parts of the world. Thus had Providence prepared the way for the labors of the apostles.” AA 281.3
What strange event leads to widespread reverence for “the Lord Jesus” in Ephesus? Acts 19:13–20
“The apostle Paul, in his labors at Ephesus, was given special tokens of divine favor. The power of God accompanied his efforts, and many were healed of physical maladies. “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” These manifestations of supernatural power were far more potent than had ever before been witnessed in Ephesus, and were of such a character that they could not be imitated by the skill of the juggler or the enchantments of the sorcerer. As these miracles were wrought in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the people had opportunity to see that the God of heaven was more powerful than the magicians who were worshipers of the goddess Diana. Thus the Lord exalted His servant, even before the idolaters themselves, immeasurably above the most powerful and favored of the magicians. AA 286.4
“But the One to whom all the spirits of evil are subject and who had given His servants authority over them, was about to bring still greater shame and defeat upon those who despised and profaned His holy name. Sorcery had been prohibited by the Mosaic law, on pain of death, yet from time to time it had been secretly practiced by apostate Jews. At the time of Paul's visit to Ephesus there were in the city “certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,” who, seeing the wonders wrought by him, “took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus.” An attempt was made by “seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests.” Finding a man possessed with a demon, they addressed him, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” But “the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” AA 287.1
“Thus unmistakable proof was given of the sacredness of the name of Christ, and the peril which they incurred who should invoke it without faith in the divinity of the Saviour's mission. “Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” AA 288.1
“Facts which had previously been concealed were now brought to light. In accepting Christianity, some of the believers had not fully renounced their superstitions. To some extent they still continued the practice of magic. Now, convinced of their error, “many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.” Even to some of the sorcerers themselves the good work extended; and ‘many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.’” AA 288.2
“By this manifestation of the power of Christ, a mighty victory for Christianity was gained in the very stronghold of superstition. The influence of what had taken place was more widespread than even Paul realized. From Ephesus the news was widely circulated, and a strong impetus was given to the cause of Christ. Long after the apostle himself had finished his course, these scenes lived in the memory of men and were the means of winning converts to the gospel.” AA 289.1
Monday - June 26
A Riot in the Amphitheater
Read Acts 19:21–20:1. What lessons can we draw from this story?
“In his speech Demetrius had said, “This our craft is in danger.” These words reveal the real cause of the tumult at Ephesus, and also the cause of much of the persecution which followed the apostles in their work. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen saw that by the teaching and spread of the gospel the business of image making was endangered. The income of pagan priests and artisans was at stake, and for this reason they aroused against Paul the most bitter opposition. AA 295.1
“The decision of the recorder and of others holding honorable offices in the city had set Paul before the people as one innocent of any unlawful act. This was another triumph of Christianity over error and superstition. God had raised up a great magistrate to vindicate His apostle and hold the tumultuous mob in check. Paul's heart was filled with gratitude to God that his life had been preserved and that Christianity had not been brought into disrepute by the tumult at Ephesus.” AA 295.2
At the end of his third missionary journey, Paul meets with elders of the Ephesian church. How would you summarize Paul’s concerns? See Acts 20:17–38.
“As the travelers sailed southward from Assos, they passed the city of Ephesus, so long the scene of the apostle's labors. Paul had greatly desired to visit the church there, for he had important instruction and counsel to give them. But upon consideration he determined to hasten on, for he desired, “if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the Day of Pentecost.” On arriving at Miletus, however, about thirty miles from Ephesus, he learned that it might be possible to communicate with the church before the ship should sail. He therefore immediately sent a message to the elders, urging them to hasten to Miletus, that he might see them before continuing his journey. AA 392.1
“In answer to his call they came, and he spoke to them strong, touching words of admonition and farewell. ‘Ye know,” he said, “from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.’” AA 392.2
“Paul had not designed to bear this testimony; but, while he was speaking, the Spirit of Inspiration came upon him, confirming his fears that this would be his last meeting with his Ephesian brethren.” AA 393.3
“The dangers that would assail the church at Ephesus were revealed to the apostle. ‘I know this,” he said, “that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.’ Paul trembled for the church as, looking into the future, he saw the attacks which she must suffer from both external and internal foes. With solemn earnestness he bade his brethren guard vigilantly their sacred trusts. For an example he pointed them to his own unwearied labors among them: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.” AA 395.1
Tuesday - June 27
Hearing the Letter to the Ephesians
“Please read, in connection with the message to the church at Ephesus, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul had labored much for the church at Ephesus… [Ephesians 1:1-8.] 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 5
“The first chapters of this epistle are words of commendation. Mark the outflowing of the apostle’s love in the words…[Ephesians 3:7-21.] 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 6
“How precious the prayer offered in behalf of the Ephesians! How large and full the encouragement given them! 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 7
“The fourth chapter contains warnings that show us the peculiar privileges and dangers of the Ephesian church. 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 8
“The gospel of Christ was designed to lead all to believe and practice the truth. The Christian is ready to sacrifice everything for His Master. He does not live to himself. From the cross of Calvary the sentence has gone forth, He who lives to himself is not a Christian. Every one who truly accepts Christ will co-operate with Christ. He will follow the Saviour’s example; for he is created anew in Him. 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 9
“Upon every human being the Lord has a claim. Man is not his own proprietor. Every power of his being, every moment of his time, has been bought with a price, even the precious blood of the only begotten Son of God. 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 10
“And so Paul writes to the Ephesians…[Verses 1-6.] 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 11
Paul speaks of himself as the prisoner of the Lord. But he was not a prisoner because of unfaithfulness. He had committed no crime. He was not an evildoer. He was suffering for the steadfastness of his faith. Why then, should he or his brethren be ashamed of his bonds? 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 12
“Paul presents before the Ephesians the wonderful privileges granted them. He calls upon them to remember what God had done for them. He tells them of the fruit that they are to bear by maintaining unity, “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” [Verses 2, 3.] Their words and works were to be an evidence of the presence of the grace of Christ in their hearts. 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 13
“Mark the stress that Paul lays upon unity. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace,” he says. [Verse 3.] A man cannot live in unity with his fellow men without stern endeavor on his part. He must put forth untiring effort to control his perverse disposition. He must heed the words of the great Teacher sent from God, who gave His life to make it possible for human beings to live Christian lives, each believer working in his place, the gifts of one blending with the gifts of another, and no man standing apart to judge or criticize.” 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 14
Wednesday - June 28
Ephesians in Its Time
How does Paul begin and end his letter to the believers in Ephesus? What do we learn about his deepest desires for them? See Eph. 1:1, 2; Eph. 6:21–24.
“Please read, in connection with the message to the church at Ephesus, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul had labored much for the church at Ephesus. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ...” [Ephesians 1:1-8.] 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 5
“The first chapters of this epistle are words of commendation…” 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par.
“The fourth chapter contains warnings that show us the peculiar privileges and dangers of the Ephesian church.” 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 8
How does Paul worry about the effect his imprisonment will have on believers in Ephesus? See Eph. 3:13.
“Mark the outflowing of the apostle’s love in the words: “…Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God...” [Ephesians 3:7-21.]” 18LtMs, Lt 125, 1903, par. 6
Thursday - June 29
Ephesians: A Christ-Saturated Letter
How does Paul announce the theme of his letter? Eph. 1:9, 10.
“In the first chapter of Ephesians, beginning with vs. 2, we read: “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself.” Study the whole of this chapter, and grasp the assurances that are given again and again for your acceptance. LLM 544.3
“It is a lack of faith in the power of God that leads our physicians to lean so much upon the arm of the law, and to trust so much to the influence of worldly powers. The truly converted man and woman who will study these words of inspiration spoken by the apostle Paul may learn to claim in all their depth and fulness the divine promises. LLM 544.4
“I am charged to present these Scriptures to our people, that they may understand that those who do not believe the word of God can not possibly present to those who desire to become acceptable medical missionaries, the way by which they will become most successful. Christ was the greatest Physician the world has ever known; His heart was ever touched with human woe. He has a work for those to do who will not place their dependence upon worldly powers.” LLM 545.1
Friday - June 30
Further Thought
The reason that Paul’s readers not infrequently encounter difficulty in understanding his epistles is that they read them as books instead of as letters. Hence, all who would understand them now, will keep in view the fact that he wrote them to groups with whom he had previous acquaintance and correspondence, of whose troubles and queries he had previous knowledge. It was in that vein that he wrote to them, so he knew what to say to them, and they well understood what he meant. Consequently, if we are to understand his letters, we must first become conversant with the conditions which called forth the letters. To do this one must, by studying each letter, endeavor to find out what were the recipients' problems that he has tried to solve. Otherwise there can only follow confusion as to what Paul is talking about. Read them in this fashion, and you will discover that they are not so difficult to understand as they seem to be.