The book of Ephesians
In this letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains the wonderful things that we have received through Christ and refers to the church as a body, a temple, a bride, and a soldier. These all illustrate the unity of purpose and show how each individual member is a part that must work together with all the other parts. In our own lives, we should work to eradicate all backbiting, gossip, criticism, jealousy, anger, and bitterness, because these are barriers to the unity of the church.
Writer of Ephesians
Written by Paul, “an apostle of Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1;1), having been commissioned of God with an apostleship (job) in the dispensation of grace to write a book.
Date Written
During the two years that Paul was in his own hired house (A. D. 61-63), continuing to preach the kingdom of God (Acts 28:31). Written from Rome during his imprisonment there.
To Whom Written
To “all the saints, the ones being and believing in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1 TRV). The words “in Ephesus” are not in some manuscripts. This book may be the “epistle from Laodicea” that is referenced in Colossians 4:16.
Purpose of Ephesians
The purpose of the book of Ephesians was to set forth God’s intention in the present dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:6). With the apostolic conditions of the Acts period suspended, God’s administration of His will toward mankind (His “house law” for the new dispensation) was proclaimed in this book. Of Paul’s letters, only the book of Ephesians, the book of being “in Christ,” was written to all believers of today without exception. All the other letters after the dispensational divide, including Colossians, were written to specific believers of groups of believers at that time.
Theological Contribution
The theme of Ephesians is the relationship between the heavenly Lord Jesus Christ and His earthly body, the church. Christ now reigns “far above all principality and power and might and dominion” (1:21) and has “put all things under His feet” (1:22). Exalted though He is, so fully does He identify with the church that He considers it His body, which He fills with His presence. The marriage relationship between husband and wife is a beautiful analogy for expressing Christ’s love, sacrifice, and lordship over the church.
Special Consideration for Ephesians
The term “heavenly places” is not the same as heaven, for in one instance Paul speaks of “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (6:12). “Heavenly places” implies the unseen, spiritual world beyond our physical sense. It is the region where the most difficult, and yet authentic, Christian discipleship is lived out-the world of decisions, attitudes, temptations, and commitments. It is the battleground of good and evil.
Scripture Study Resources
ESV Study Bible – Study Bibles give you a deeper understanding of God’s Word with tools for life application like commentary, maps, charts, concordance, and study notes. Search our popular translations- NIV, ESV, NKJV, KJV and more!
Believer’s Bible Commentary: Second Edition – A Bible commentary is a written, systematic series of explanations and interpretations of Scripture. Commentaries often analyze or expound on individual books of the Bible, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Some commentary works provide analysis of the whole of Scripture.
The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible – The best concordance for word study! This exclusive new edition of a legendary classic puts generations of biblical research at your fingertips. A valuable tool for pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible.
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – This classic word study resource allows you to study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages without spending years learning Greek or Hebrew. A great resource for students, seasoned pastors, and anyone who enjoys biblical word studies–even if they have little to no formal training in Hebrew or Greek.
Halley’s Bible Handbook – The beloved and classic Bible companion has been thoroughly updated, while retaining its time-honored features and Dr. Halley’s highly personal style, to offer even greater clarity, insight, and usefulness.
Click here to print or download the scripture outline “Ephesians: Building the Body of Christ“
