Ephesians

Lesson 4: Revelation of the MysteryEphesians 3:1-13

Since this lesson was originally discussed around the time of Easter, we will incorporate a little bit of a diversion in our discussions. Christ’s death was real and so was his resurrection. Pronounced dead by the Romans, buried by the Jews, and guarded by soldiers, Christ’s resurrection was both powerful and mysterious. The theory of the Disciples stealing Jesus’ body is too far-fetched, particularly given that they had already forgotten that he had told them that was going to rise from the grave (more pre-occupied by hiding in fear and despair), and the fact that after his resurrection, Christ was seen by over 500 people.

We also saw two reactions to the gospel: that of John who believed on faith, and that of Thomas who believed only after being given proof. Similarly, we should have faith in what we cannot see as we continue to look toward the day of his return, but we should also be able to offer proof that Christ is the true Messiah as we witness.

Bible

At the end of our class time during the last lesson, a few of us had a hallway discussion about the days following Christ’s resurrection; what they must have been like, and the affect they had on the building of the early church. So for the first part of this lesson, then, let’s look at the first fifty days from Easter Sunday to the Day of Pentecost (the fiftieth day) when the Church was empowered through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The fifty days following the resurrection of Christ:

  1. Read Acts 1:3-5. How many days after his resurrection did Christ spend teaching his Apostles?
  2. What did he teach them? Acts 1:3-5 and Luke 24:44-48.
  3. Read 1 John 1:1-10. Do you suppose this is some of what Christ taught them? What is the evidence John offers that points to he and the others being with the living Christ? (See verses 1-3). Also note what John says that they learned from Christ’s teaching.
  4. Did the Apostles understand the authority they’d been given? Read the passages below and note what each of them says about the authority and purpose of the Apostles.
    1. 1 Corinthians 4:6-21
    2. 2 Corinthians 12:12
    3. Galatians 1:6-10
    4. Luke 24:44
  5. Later, did the Apostles agree with Paul’s writings and his challenging doctrines about the church, the rapture, Christ, and salvation being offered to the Gentiles? What does 2 Peter 3:15-16 say?
  6. Read Acts 1:9-11 and Acts 2:1-4. If the day of Pentecost occurred on the fiftieth day, how many days did the Apostles wait after the resurrection of Christ for the Holy Spirit to come? Do you think they knew how many days to wait, or was it based on faith?

Revelation of the mystery which for ages past was kept hidden in God:

  1. Read Ephesians 3:1-13. Now that we know the power and conviction with which the Apostles, including Paul went about their work – especially after having actually seen and been taught by the risen Christ – you can sense the excitement in Paul’s writing to the Ephesians, particularly in these verses. What is the "mystery" that Paul is writing about and proclaiming to them? (See verse 6)
  2. What does this mean to us today? Why is the revelation of this mystery important to us? Why would God include this teaching in His Holy Word for us today?

I hope that through this lesson you can see that our faith in Christ is based on truth and on a living Savior. The gospel message was not spread by accident or coincidence. The Apostles, including Paul, personally knew and/or had seen the risen Christ, had been taught by him, and built the early church based on his teaching and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We do not worship a God of chaos, nor do we have an accidental Savior. The church that we are part of, is part of God’s purposeful plan of redemption for his creation through Jesus, his only begotten son. It is a church for all of those who trust in Christ and in God’s Holy Word, passed down through the ages to us today for study, for reproof, for doctrine and for righteous living. (See 2 Timothy 3:16)

May God bless you and lift you up this week as you study His Holy Word.

Yours in Christ,

Wes