Understanding the historical and cultural context of a Bible passage is essential for accurate interpretation. Without grasping the circumstances surrounding the original audience—such as their traditions, societal norms, and historical events—we risk misapplying the text’s meaning in our modern context.
Establishing this background helps bridge the gap between the ancient world and today, allowing us to uncover the true depth of God’s Word. By digging into the history and culture behind the Scriptures, we can more faithfully interpret and apply its timeless truths to our lives.
Check out our Complete Collection of Learning How to Study the Bible (Exegesis/Hermeneutics)
Questions to Ask Before Studying Scripture
Before we unpack the purpose and meaning of Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (5:15-21) we must first answer some contextual questions:
- Who wrote this letter?
- Who was it written to?
- What was going on in the world at this time?
- Where does this play in the overall Biblical narrative?
Establishing Context
Paul, the author of Ephesians (v. 1:1), referred to himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. Paul was originally known as Saul— he was born in Tarsus, who was thoroughly educated and a leader in Judaism (Phil. 3:5).
“..Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees…”
Saul actively persecuted those belonging to the Way, breathing threats and murders against disciples of the Lord. After the stoning of Stephen, witnesses laid down their garments at the very feet of Saul.
“Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
And Saul approved of his execution.“
Yet, while on the road to Damascus Jesus appeared to Saul where he later converted and was given the name Paul. (Acts 9)
After Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, he spent several days in Damascus proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. Initially, the Jewish leaders plotted to kill him. Paul later went to Jerusalem, where the disciples were initially afraid of him. Barnabas vouched for him, and Paul continued preaching boldly in Jerusalem. When his life was again threatened, the believers sent him to Tarsus, his hometown, to protect him (Acts 9:19-30, ESV).
Paul later joined Barnabas in Antioch, where they ministered for a year. They were then sent on missionary journeys, spreading the gospel
For further study and invesigation, each Biblical site listed bellow is linked with more information on that specific village, city, nation, or region in context to this Biblical era of Acts.
Where Paul went on his 1st missionary journey (Acts 13-14)
Where Paul went on his 2nd missionary journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)
- Timothy in Lystra
- Phrygia and Galatia
- Macedonia
- Thessalonica
- Berea
- Athens
- Corinth
- Ephesus and Caesarea
Where Paul went on his 3rd missionary journey (Acts 18:23-21:14)
After 3 Missionary Tours Paul Writes from Prison
While in chains for the Good News of Jesus Christ. Paul is suggested to have written the prison epistles: Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians, and Philippians during the time of Nero’s rule approximately 61 or 62AD. Ephesians was written to the holy people of God in Ephesus while he was imprisoned in Rome.
Paul established the church in Ephesus shortly after his pilgrimage to Corinth and after time spent in Jerusalem. After meeting them in Rome, he was greatly assisted by Aquila and Pricilla in the establishment of the community. The new believers who he wrote to had a background in Judaism, local religions, magic and astrology. Within the Ephesian church there was a great cultural and racial divide. The new believers needed reassurance in the prominence of Christ, encouragement in living a lifestyle aligned with their salvation in Christ and reconciliation with tension between Jews and Gentiles.
Ephesus was known to be a religious pluralist environment
Acts 19:17-19 says, “This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
Magic & Cults
The Artemis cult as well as 50 gods and goddesses were worshiped in Ephesus. Artemis was the main deity worshiped, one month out of the year was dedicated to Olympic styled games and there was a huge savings and loans institution that covered the entire region built in her name.
This dedication to worshiping various deities transcended into the peoples devotion to seeing magic, shamanism and the occult arts in every area of daily life. Most held an animalistic world view which connected the engagement of good and evil spirits alongside the practice of magic.
Economic Super Power
Ephesus at the time was the leading richest city in the Roman Empire. In size, Ephesus was only behind Rome and Alexandria with a population of 250,000 people. As a prosperous commercial center— Ephesus served as the capital of Asia Minor.
From Asia Minor to Rome, Ephesus was the major port that ships would dock and unload passengers and precious cargo to be taken and traded across the entire empire. With this, the city was incredibly attractive to various peoples, being cosmopolitan and multicultural. The region was home to many Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Jewish settlers alongside the indigenous Anatolian people of Ionia.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Ephesians 1:1-2
Understanding the historical and cultural context of a Bible passage is vital for faithful interpretation. By exploring the traditions, societal norms, and events of the time, we unlock the true meaning of the Scriptures. Next we will begin our journey studying and exegeting Ephesians 5:15-21 and the book of Ephesus as a whole.
In Christ,
Cosette
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