Acts 20:28–32: Paul is pressing the Ephesian church elders to be watchful in their pastoral responsibilities. He tells them that God bought the church with His blood and that they are overseers chosen by the Holy Spirit to care for it. Paul urges them to hold tight to their faith and the lessons he has taught them, forewarning them of impending attacks from false teachers.
Ephesians 6:11-14: Paul instructs believers to put on the full armour of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and readiness for the gospel of peace. He emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and being prepared for spiritual battles.
Revelation 2:1–7: Jesus' teaching to the Ephesian church is contained in this section. He praises them for their diligence, tenacity, and rejection of false prophets. He exhorts them to turn from their sin and return to the love and devotion they shared in the beginning, but He also chastises them for leaving their first love behind. Jesus threatens to take their lampstand, which represents their church, from its location if they do not turn from their sins.
Together, these verses stress the value of being alert, being spiritually ready, and continuing to have a deep love for God. Jesus begs the Ephesian church to return to their original love and devotion, Paul urges Christians to arm themselves with God's armour, and the elders of Ephesus caution the church against false teachings.
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