Bible ReadingEphesians 2:18–22 “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
[15:46]Acts 19:23–41 “About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, ‘Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.’ When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, ‘Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.’ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.”
[02:29]Revelation 2:1–5 “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. “‘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. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 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.’”
[40:33]Observation questions- What concerns does Demetrius raise about Paul’s message, and what does the passage reveal about the connection between Artemis, the city’s identity, and the craftsmen’s income? [07:41]
- In Ephesians 2:18–22, what different pictures does Paul use to describe believers’ new place in Christ: access, citizenship, household, and temple?
- What does Paul say is the foundation of God’s household, and who is identified as the cornerstone? [27:51]
- In Revelation 2:1–5, what good qualities does Jesus recognize in the Ephesian church before He confronts them about abandoning their first love? [40:40]
Interpretation questions- Why would the truth that “gods made with hands are not gods” have felt like a threat to the people of Ephesus, beyond simply disagreeing with their religious beliefs? [08:03]
- What does it mean that both Jew and Gentile have “access in one Spirit to the Father”? How does this change the way believers should view people who come from different backgrounds?
- Paul says believers are being “built together” into God’s dwelling place. What does this suggest about why following Christ cannot be only a private, individual experience? [33:08]
- Jesus commends the Ephesian church for hard work and endurance, yet says they have left their first love. How can a church or an individual stay active in good things while slowly losing close love for Christ? [40:51]
Application questions- When have shame, failure, loneliness, or feeling out of place made you feel like a stranger before God? How does Ephesians 2 speak to that feeling? [25:18]
- What earthly identity is most tempting for you to put ahead of your identity in Christ—work, politics, nationality, possessions, family reputation, hobbies, or a team? What signs show that it may be taking too much place in your heart? [39:05]
- God calls believers fellow citizens and members of one household. What is one practical way you could treat someone in this group or church more like family this week? [39:45]
- Each believer is a living stone placed by Christ in His church. Where do you sense that God has given you a particular place, ability, or opportunity to serve His people rather than standing on the sidelines? [33:34]
- If God’s Spirit dwells in His people, how might that shape one specific choice you make this week—in your words, your private habits, your use of time, or the way you treat another person? [36:54]
- What helps you keep Christ and His salvation as the main thing when church life, cultural arguments, personal preferences, or lesser loyalties compete for your attention? [38:24]
- Jesus calls His people to remember, repent, and return to their first love. What simple practice could help you renew your love for Christ this week: Scripture, prayer, worship, confession, serving, or sharing the gospel with someone? [42:28]
