1. Luke’s purpose in writing: Luke 1:1-4

 

 Lk 1:1-4: "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."

Lc 1:1-4: "Muitos já se dedicaram a elaborar um relato dos fatos que se cumpriram entre nós, conforme nos foram transmitidos por aqueles que desde o início foram testemunhas oculares e servos da palavra. Eu mesmo investiguei tudo cuidadosamente, desde o começo, e decidi escrever-te um relato ordenado, ó excelentíssimo Teófilo, para que tenhas a certeza das coisas que te foram ensinadas."

SOAP - Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)

  For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)

Observation: In this passage, Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the believers in Ephesus. He continually prays for them, asking God to grant them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation for a deeper knowledge of Him. Paul highlights the hope, inheritance, and power available to believers, drawing a parallel between the power that raised Christ from the dead and the authority given to Him by God. The passage emphasizes Christ's supreme authority over all things and His role as the head of the Church.

Application: Consider your own faith journey and love for fellow believers. Reflect on Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, and ask yourself if you seek a deeper knowledge of God and His will. How can you actively pray for wisdom, revelation, and enlightenment in your own life? In what ways can you acknowledge and tap into the incomparably great power that is available to believers?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the faith and love of fellow believers. Like Paul, I pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you better. Open the eyes of my heart to understand the hope, inheritance, and power available to me through Christ. Help me to recognize and tap into this power in my daily life. May Christ be the head over every aspect of my life, and may I be a part of the Church that reflects His fullness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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English A2 Comprehension Questions:

1. Comprehension:

   • What is Paul expressing gratitude for in this passage?
   • What does Paul continually do for the believers in Ephesus?
   • According to the passage, what power is available to believers, and how is it described?

2. Vocabulary:

   • Define "revelation" as used in the passage.
   • Explain the meaning of "inheritance" in the context of the text.
   • What is the significance of Christ being seated at the right hand of God?

3. Personal Reflection:

   • Reflect on a time when you felt a deeper knowledge of God in your life.
   • How does the concept of hope mentioned in the passage impact your perspective on life?
   • In what ways can recognizing the power available to believers influence your daily decisions and actions?

4. Application:

   • How can you actively seek wisdom and revelation in your daily walk with God?
   • In what areas of your life do you need the eyes of your heart to be enlightened, as mentioned in the passage?
   • Share a practical way you can acknowledge Christ's authority in your life and be a part of the Church as described in this passage.

SOAP -Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV)

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV)

Observation: In these verses, Paul is expressing gratitude to God for the spiritual blessings believers have received in Christ. The passage emphasizes God's choice of believers before the world's creation, predestining them for adoption through Jesus Christ. The redemption through Christ's blood and the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal are highlighted. The ultimate purpose is to bring unity to all things under Christ.

Application: Consider your own life in light of God's predestined plan and the blessings in Christ. Reflect on the redemptive work of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. How does this impact your daily living and interactions with others? How can you actively participate in God's plan for unity in Christ?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for choosing me and adopting me into your family through Jesus Christ. Help me comprehend the depth of your love and the significance of redemption. May the Holy Spirit guide me and be a constant reminder of my identity in Christ. Enable me to live in a way that reflects your glory and contributes to the unity you desire. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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English A2 Comprehension Questions:

1. Comprehension:

   • What is the main theme of the passage?
   • According to the passage, when were believers chosen by God?
   • What is the role of the Holy Spirit mentioned in these verses?

2. Vocabulary:

   • Define "redemption" as used in the passage.
   • Explain the meaning of "predestined" in the context of the text.
   • What does "adoption to sonship" mean according to the passage?

3. Personal Reflection:

   • How does the concept of being chosen by God impact your understanding of your identity?
   • Reflect on a time when you experienced the forgiveness of sins and redemption through Christ.
   • In what ways can the knowledge of being sealed with the Holy Spirit affect your daily life?

4. Application:

   • How can you actively participate in bringing unity to those around you, as mentioned in the passage?
   • What practical steps can you take to live in accordance with the purpose of God's will?
   • Share a specific situation where the truths in this passage can guide your decision-making process.

 

SOAP -Ephesians 1:1-2 (NIV)

 Scripture:

Ephesians 1:1-2 (NIV)

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Observation:

• Paul identifies himself as an apostle by the will of God.
• The letter is addressed to the holy people in Ephesus who are faithful in Christ Jesus.
• The greeting includes a wish for grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Application:

• Reflect on the authority and calling in your own life. How are you living out God's will for you?
• Consider your identity as a believer. In what ways are you striving to be holy and faithful in Christ Jesus?
• Embrace the grace and peace offered by God. How can you experience and share these qualities with others?

Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word and the example of Paul. Help me to understand and live out your will for my life. Make me holy and faithful in Christ Jesus. I receive the grace and peace you offer and pray for opportunities to share them with others. In Jesus' name, amen."

Now, let's create questions for English A2 learners based on the text:

1. Comprehension:

• Who is the author of the letter to the Ephesians?
• According to the passage, who are the recipients of the letter?
• What does the greeting wish for the readers?

2. Vocabulary:

• Define the word "apostle" as used in the passage.
• What does the term "holy people" mean in this context?
• Explain the meaning of "grace" and "peace" based on the passage.

3. Personal Reflection:

• How do you think knowing and understanding God's will can impact a person's life?
• Reflect on your own identity as a believer. In what ways do you strive to be faithful in Christ Jesus?
• How can the concept of receiving grace and peace from God be meaningful in your life?

4. Application:

• Consider your own calling or purpose. How can you live in accordance with God's will for your life?
• In what practical ways can you strive to be holy in your daily actions and choices?
• How might you share the grace and peace of God with someone else today?