Page "Epistle to the Ephesians" Paragraph 9

* Phrases such as " ever since I heard about your faith " might seem to indicate that the writer has no firsthand knowledge of his audience.

This presents a problem as the book of Acts records that Paul spent a significant amount of time with the church in Ephesus, and in fact was one of its founders.

However, " faith " in this verse is the start of a list of qualities displayed by the recipients of the letter, not a solitary statement about news of faith, full stop.

Additionally, the author gives no indication that the report he " heard " was his introduction to the church in Ephesus.

It could mean that he received word of the further development and growth of the church in Ephesus, and if Paul — co-founder of that church --- wrote the letter, this illuminates his follow-up: " I do not cease to give thanks for you ..."