Main Theme
Unity! The Jewish believers preferred to separate themselves from the Gentile followers of Christ. They thought it best to be exclusive and separate from them. The keynote of Ephesians is the unity of the Church: diverse and yet one.
Author & Purpose
The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to inform believers, the faithful, about their position in Christ and as a people—Christians united in Christ.
Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
Paul was no stranger in Ephesus. He had spent considerable time with the believers, Jews and Gentiles alike.
- His first visit was brief (Acts 18:18-21)
- Believers received the Holy Spirit during his second visit (Acts 19:2-7).
- He continued working with them, successfully teaching, encouraging, and equipping them to live together as one body of believers. He stayed there for two to three years, teaching in one location — the Hall of Tyranus (Acts 19:9-20).
- His mission was so successful that it affected the local economy — people bought fewer idols as they became Christians. The local silversmiths rioted and caused an uproar. (Acts 19:23-24)
- He loved and cared for the believers in Ephesus. His farewell address to the elders in Acts 20:17-35 was heartfelt.
Keywords
- Together: Made up alive together (2:5); raised together, sitting together (2:6); and built together (2:2).
- One: shows unity: one new man (2:15); one body (2:16); one spirit (2;18); one hope (4:4); one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (4:5-6).
READING PLAN
Introduction to Ephesians – Queen of Epistles
- Greetings to the Faithful 1:1-2
- God’s Rich Blessing 1:3-14
- Prayer for Spiritual Insight 1:15-19
- God’s Power in Christ, 1:20-23
- From Death to Life 2:1-10
- The Difference Christ Makes 2:11-22
- The Mystery Revealed, 3:1-13
- Prayers for Spiritual Wisdom and Insight (1:15-19 & 3:14-21)
- Walk in the Manner of Your Calling (4:1-6)
- About Spiritual Gifts (4:7-16)
- New Life (4:17-32)
- Grieve not the Holy Spirit (4:25-32)
- How’s Your Walk (5:1-21)
- Covenant Relationship (5:22-6:9)
- Spiritual Warfare? (6:10-12)
- Protection for Believers – Armor of God! (6:13-20)
- Paul’s Farewell and Concluding Words (6:21-24)
Key Verse
He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time — to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in Him.
Ephesians 1:9-10 CSB.
