The Birth of the Christian ChurchExemplo

The church in Antioch was like a parent church to Paul. The members there offered their help, their encouragement, and their support. The church in Ephesus was much like Paul’s child. He was concerned for its well-being and invested a great deal of time teaching and training the congregation in the truth of “The Way.” The church in Ephesus had influenced the surrounding areas and its own city because of its strategic position on the trade route. Paul had devoted his life to sharing the Gospel, and the evidence of God’s blessing and favor on his ministry was clear. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)