Historical Context
Ephesians is one of four letters written by Paul while he was in prison (the others were Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). Ephesus was the city from which reports of Paul’s preaching and a circular letter were passed on to other Asian churches.
Because of the city’s interest in magic and the occult, Paul makes a strong case for the supreme power and authority of God over all things to keep the Ephesians grounded in the faith.
Author
Author
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to
the church in Ephesus to remind them
of God’s redemptive work in Jesus,
and of the need for unity and maturity
in the church as the body of Christ. He
also briefly mentions his condition in
prison and his desire that the
Ephesians be encouraged in the faith.
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to
the church in Ephesus to remind them
of God’s redemptive work in Jesus,
and of the need for unity and maturity
in the church as the body of Christ. He
also briefly mentions his condition in
prison and his desire that the
Ephesians be encouraged in the faith.
Period Written
Period Written
This book was written around AD62,
when Paul was imprisoned in Rome and
awaiting trial.
This book was written around AD62,
when Paul was imprisoned in Rome and
awaiting trial.
Key Themes
The book of Ephesians connects the glorious, mind-stretching truths of the gospel (chapters 1-3) to the down-to-earth application of these truths in our daily lives (chapters 4-6).
Paul brings us on a journey through the past, present, and future—from God’s redemptive plan for our lives before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), to the glorious inheritance that awaits us in heaven (Ephesians 1:14), and His empowering strength to live holy and blameless lives (Ephesians 1:19) in the here and now.
Along the way, he draws our attention to two main themes:
- Jesus as the ultimate reconciler, bringing us back to God.
- Jesus as the uniting force and head of the church, drawing all believers together.
As Paul walks us through the all-encompassing impact of God’s work and gift of salvation on our everyday lives, we’re reminded that we’ve been made alive in Christ! And as God’s children, we must put away the weight of sin that holds us down, submit to one another out of love from and for Jesus, and stand firm amidst the spiritual battles that surround us.
Outline
