Paul’s message stressed the importance of the unity of the body of Christ. In the Church in Ephesus there were both Jews and Gentiles. The Jews had been circumcised but the Gentiles had not. This was a concern in the early Church. Many felt that the Gentiles needed to be circumcised before coming into the Church fellowship. Paul was writing that all are one in Christ. Christ reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God through the cross. This was an important message in the time of the early Church, and we too need to remember that all are equal in Christ.

Jesus spoke about the attitude of watchfulness that His followers should have. Just as slaves in those days should be waiting with lamps lit for the return of their master, we should all be mindful of the return of Christ. For Luke and the people of that time, there was the expectation that Jesus’ second coming was imminent. We know that Jesus will come again at some time, but it may not be in our lifetime. Definitely we would meet Jesus when we die. However, for now, it is important that we wait with anticipation and that we live with the mindset that we want to be faithful followers of Jesus every day of our lives.