First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #1
Eph 1:1-14 introduction -- the wealth of the believer in Christ. Ephesians was written during Paul's imprisonment (Act 18:19-21, Act 19:1-10, Col 4:7-9). Outline: (1) knowing (chapters 1-3) and (2) doing (chapters 4-6). Theme: blessings we have in Christ (Eph 1:3). Other key verses: by Grace through faith (Eph 2:8); come to know the love of Christ and be filled with the fullness of God (Eph 3:19); walk worthy of the calling with which we are called (Eph 4:1); filling by the Spirit (Eph 5:18); stand against the devil (Eph 6:10-11). Our wealth in Christ is illustrated throughout Ephesians (Eph 1:3, Eph 1:7, Eph 2:4, Eph 2:7, Eph 3:8). "Fullness" -- of times (Eph 1:10); of Him who fills all in all (Eph 1:23); of God (Eph 3:19); of Christ (Eph 4:13); filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). Power -- our abundant resources available (Eph 1:19). To be an apostle Paul had to have seen the resurrected Lord, exercise all spiritual gifts, and had direct revelation from God. Apostleship ended with John around A.D. 96. The Holy Spirit has five works in relation to God's Word: revelation (2Ti 3:16, Mat 4:4), inspiration (2Pe 1:21), preservation (Mat 24:35), illumination (Eph 1:18, Eph 3:19), and application (Gal 5:16). If God has poured out so many blessings on us, our resources are sufficient, and therefore, we must be thankful.
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 3:19, Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:23, Colossians 4:7-9, Matthew 24:35, Ephesians 6:10-11, Ephesians 1:10, Acts 19:1-10, Matthew 4:4, Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 3:8, Acts 18:19-21, Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 1:1-14
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.