Ephesians Introduction

The book of Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul, is a letter to the believers in Ephesus, focusing on the theme of unity in Christ. Paul emphasizes the spiritual blessings found in Christ, the nature of the Church as the body of Christ, and the practical implications of the Christian life. He urges believers to live worthy of their calling, rooted in love and grounded in the power of God. The letter is divided into two main parts: the first half deals with doctrine, and the second half with practical Christian living.

Ephesians Chapter 1
Paul opens by praising God for the spiritual blessings in Christ, emphasizing God's plan of redemption through Jesus and His grace. Believers are chosen, predestined, adopted, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Paul prays for the believers to receive wisdom, revelation, and understanding of God's power at work in them, the hope of their calling, and the riches of their inheritance. He concludes by exalting Christ's supremacy, seated at God's right hand, and as the head of the Church, which is His body.

Ephesians Chapter 2
Paul explains how believers were once dead in their sins but are now made alive in Christ through God's grace. He emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not based on works, but by faith. Christ has broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity. Through Him, both have access to the Father by the Spirit, making them members of God’s household. The Church is likened to a holy temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.

Ephesians Chapter 3
Paul shares how God revealed the mystery of Christ to him, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body of Christ. He views his mission to the Gentiles as a gift of grace and prays that the believers would grasp the immense love of Christ. Paul speaks of the unsearchable riches of Christ and the Church’s role in making known God's wisdom to rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. He concludes with a prayer that believers would be strengthened in their inner being and be filled with the fullness of God.

Ephesians Chapter 4
Paul urges believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, and patience, striving for unity. He explains how Christ gave gifts to the Church, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints and build up the body of Christ. Paul emphasizes the need for maturity and stability in the faith. He calls believers to put off their old selves and put on the new, living in righteousness and holiness. Practical instructions on speech, anger, and kindness are given to promote love and unity.

Ephesians Chapter 5
Paul instructs believers to imitate God by walking in love, avoiding sexual immorality, greed, and improper speech. He contrasts the deeds of darkness with the fruit of light and encourages believers to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity. Paul calls for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ, with specific instructions for husbands and wives. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, while wives are to respect their husbands. The relationship between husband and wife mirrors Christ’s relationship with the Church.

Ephesians Chapter 6
Paul provides practical guidance for relationships between children and parents, and slaves and masters, emphasizing obedience, respect, and fairness in all roles. He then exhorts believers to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. The armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. Paul urges constant prayer in the Spirit for all believers and requests prayer for himself to proclaim the gospel boldly. He concludes with final greetings and blessings of peace, love, faith, and grace.