Ephesus – Three Minute Bible

January 17, 2026January 19, 2026

1 Timothy 1:3-4a – Stick to the Truth

Picture: A young boy and girl make their way through a dark and scary forest (Grok)

[As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people] … not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.

Summary: The question of who Timothy is supposed to “command” comes into better focus as we examine what he is up against.

Timothy is staying in Ephesus to help strengthen and guide the church there. It also seems clear from Paul’s opening words to Timothy that he is also there to protect and defend the church from anything that would distract or confuse the Gospel.

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025

Colossians 2:23b – The Invisible Line

Picture of ancient ruins of a temple in Ephesus.

… with their self-imposed worship …

Summary: In this passage, Paul provides us with another clue to the difference between true and false religion.

The Greek word Paul used for “self-imposed worship” is “ethelothrēskia.”* (Pronounced “eth-el-oth-race-ki’-ah,” the word is a mouthful in Greek and English.) It is a composite of two other words that describe a kind of worship ceremonial in nature and that originates in the human will. An example of this kind of worship is given in Acts, chapter nineteen.

In the story told in Acts, the people of Ephesus traditionally worshipped a statue of a goddess named Artemis. At one point in the story, the city clerk describes the religion this way:

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023

Ephesians 6:22 – Comfort

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

Summary: Why is Tychicus going to Ephesus? Paul has given him a mission. Knowing his mission helps us understand what was on Paul’s mind when he wrote his letter to Ephesus.

November 20, 2023November 20, 2023

Ephesians 6:21 – Details

Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.

Summary: Paul leaves certain things out of his letter that he considers unimportant but that he knows will be of interest to the Ephesians. So he sends it with someone who can answer those questions, Tychicus.

January 29, 2023February 11, 2023

Ephesians 1:1 — Spreading the Kingdom

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…

Summary: As we begin our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the first question that comes to mind has to do with being an apostle. Who is an apostle, and what do they do?