EPHESIANS
“The Epistle to the Ephesians is a complete Body of
Divinity. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of
the gospel; in the next, you have the experience of the
Christians; and before the Epistle is finished, you have
the precepts of the Christian faith. Whosoever would
see Christianity in one treatise, let him ‘read, mark,
learn, and inwardly digest’ the Epistle to the
Ephesians.” (Spurgeon)
Ephesus:
• Arguably the most important city in Asia Minor
• Ranked up there with Rome and Corinth in fame and population
• On a major trade route to the Eastern provinces
• Large accommodating inland harbor
• Temple to Artemis (Diana)
When did Paul write
Ephesians?
Written when Paul was in prison
•Ephesians 3:1 “I Paul, the prisoner…”
•Ephesians 4:1 “As a prisoner for the Lord”
•Ephesians 6:20 “…an ambassador in chains”
Acts 24-28: Trials and Journey from Caesarea to Rome
– Felix was the Procurator in Caesarea from about 52-58 AD
• Two years in prison in Caesarea
– Festus was the Procurator in Caesarea from about 59-62 AD
• Paul sails to Rome – Approximately 6 month journey
• Acts 28:16, 30-31 (House Arrest)
• 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by
himself, with a soldier to guard him.
• 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented
house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He
proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord
Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
Paul wrote Ephesians c. 61 AD
Where did Paul write
Ephesians from?
Rome
In Prison (under house arrest)
Who did Paul write
Ephesians to?
• Written to the Church at Ephesus, etc.
– Some debate about it being a circular letter to be
passed around Asia Minor and/or multiple
churches in the vicinity of Ephesus
• Older manuscripts don’t include “in Ephesus” in 1:1
• Doesn’t deal with specific local church issues or
specific local church people
• Deals with the universal Church - the Body of Christ
Why did Paul write
Ephesians?
Purpose of Ephesians:
• Emphasize the purpose and goals of the Church
• Doctrinal instruction and to remind/instruct the
Church of their heavenly calling and position in
Christ Jesus! (Eph. 1-3)
• To call the Church to live lives worthy of our
heavenly calling in Christ Jesus! (Eph. 4-6)
INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
I. DOCTRINAL: OUR RICHES IN CHRIST (1:3-3:21)
A. POSSESSIONS IN CHRIST (1:3-14)
1. From the Father – Spiritual Blessings/Election/Predestination (1:3-6)
2. From the Son – Redemption (1:7-12)
3. From the Spirit - Salvation & Sealing (1:13-14)
4. First Prayer: for enlightenment (1:15-23)
B. POSITION IN CHRIST (2:1-22)
1. Alive in Christ, Raised & Seated with Christ, Created in
Christ to do good works (2:1-10)
2. Reconciliation / Temple of the Holy Spirit (2:11-22)
3. Explanation: “Mystery” / Reconciliation of Jews & Gentiles (3:1-13)
4. Second Prayer: for enablement (3:14-21)
(Adapted from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 2, Warren W. Wiersbe)
II. PRACTICAL: RESPONSIBILITIES IN CHRIST (4:1-6:20)
A. CALL TO WALK IN UNITY (4:1-16)
1. Preserving the UNITY of the Spirit with proper attitudes (4:1-6)
2. Edifying the body of Christ into maturity by the grace given us (4:7-16)
B. CALL TO WALK IN PURITY (4:17-5:21)
1. Walk not as other Gentiles (Unbelievers) (4:17-32)
2. Walk in love (5:1-6)
3. Walk as children of light (5:7-14)
4. Walk as wise (5:15-21)
C. CALL TO WALK IN HARMONY (5:22-6:9)
1. Husbands and wives (5:22-33)
2. Parents and children (6:1-4)
3. Masters and servants (6:5-9)
D. CALL TO WALK IN VICTORY (6:10-20)
1. Standing strong in the power of the Lord (6:10-13)
2. Equipped with the whole armor of God (6:14-20)
CONCLUSION (6:21-24)
(From The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 2, Warren W. Wiersbe)
Key Terms/Themes:
Headship of Christ (1:10 & 20-24, 5:22-24)
Election/Predestination (1:4&5, 1:11&18, 4:1)
Salvation (1:7, 1:13, 6:17)
Redemption (1:7 & 14, 4:30)
Grace (1:7, 2:5-9, 3:2 & 7-8, 4:7 & 12-13, 6:24)
Faith (1:15, 2:8, 3:17, 6:16, 6:23)
Unity (2:11-22, 3:6 & 15, 4:2-6, 4:25)
“Mystery” (1:9, 3:3-6 & 9, 6:19)
Church - Saints/Believers/Faithful/Us/We/You (Throughout)