Editing Epistle to the Ephesians (section)

==Founding of the church at Ephesus==
{{see also|Early centers of Christianity#Asia Minor}}
Paul's first and hurried visit for the space of three months to [[Ephesus]] is recorded in Acts 18:19–21. The work he began on this occasion was carried forward by [[Apollos]]<ref>{{Bibleref2-nb|Acts|18:24–26}}</ref> and [[Aquila (bible)|Aquila]] and [[Priscilla (Christian)|Priscilla]]. On his second visit early in the following year, he remained at Ephesus "three years", for he found it was the key to the western provinces of [[Anatolia|Asia Minor]]. Here "a great door and effectual" was opened to him,<ref>{{Bibleverse|1Cor|16:9||1 Cor 16:9}}</ref> and the church was established and strengthened by his diligent labours there.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Acts|20:20,31}}</ref> From Ephesus the gospel spread abroad "almost throughout all Asia."<ref>{{Bibleref2-nb|Acts|19:26}}</ref> The word "mightily grew and prevailed" despite all the opposition and persecution he encountered.

On his last journey to [[Jerusalem]], the apostle landed at [[Miletus]] and, summoning together the elders of the church from Ephesus, delivered to them a farewell charge,<ref>{{Bibleref2-nb|Acts|20:18–35}}</ref> expecting to see them no more.

The following parallels between this epistle and the Milesian charge may be traced:

# Acts 20:19<ref>{{Bibleverse|Acts|20:19}}</ref> = Ephesians 4:2.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Eph.|4:2}}</ref> The phrase "lowliness of mind".
# Acts 20:27<ref>{{Bibleverse|Acts|20:27}}</ref> = Ephesians 1:11.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Eph.|1:11}}</ref> The word "counsel", denoting the divine plan.
# Acts 20:32<ref>{{Bibleverse|Acts|20:32}}</ref> = Ephesians 3:20.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Eph.|3:20}}</ref> The divine ability.
# Acts 20:32 = Ephesians 2:20.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Eph.|2:20}}</ref> The building upon the foundation.
# Acts 20:32 = Ephesians 1:14,18<ref>{{Bibleverse|Eph.|1:14,18}}</ref> "The inheritance of the saints."