Ephesians

Ephesians

What was happening in the Church when this Epistle was written?

According to the introduction to the book of Ephesians in the Sourceview Bible, the book of Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul sometime during his imprisonment in Rome (around 60 – 62 AD).  It was written to remind the believers of who they were in Christ.  The church in Ephesus had a strong faith in the LORD (see Ephesians 1:15); however, they were divided between Jews and Gentiles.  Knowing this, Paul unified the believers by reminding them of who they are in Christ.  He explained that as believers they are united as one because of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross (see Ephesians 2:14-16).  There were also those who were still living in their old, sinful nature; therefore, Paul encouraged them to “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy” (see Ephesians 4:22-24).  Paul encouraged them to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (see Ephesians 4:31).  Paul also said, “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you” (see Ephesians 5:3).  The church in Ephesus was divided between Jews and Gentiles and many were still living in their old, sinful nature; therefore, Paul masterfully reminded them of who they really are in Christ.

Main Ideas of this Epistle

The apostle Paul wanted to remind the believers (both Jews and Gentiles) in Ephesus of who they are in Christ.  He wanted to remind them of their inheritance in Him (see Ephesians 1:18-19).  He wanted them to understand God’s great power (see Ephesians 1:19-20).  Paul informed the believers that Christ is the head and they are His body (see Ephesians 1:21-23).  Paul reminded the believers that they are saved by His grace (see Ephesians 2:8-9).  He reminded them that through Jesus we – both Jews and Gentiles – are united as one (see Ephesians 2:14-16).  He reminded them that they are God’s holy people and members of God’s family (see Ephesians 2:19).  He reminded them that as believers they are God’s children who will inherit God’s riches (see Ephesians 3:6).  He reminded them that because of Christ and their faith in Him, they can boldly and confidently entered into God’s presence (see Ephesians 3:12).  Paul recognized there was hostile disunity between the Jews and the Gentiles; therefore, Paul reminded them (the believers) of who they are in Christ.  He reminded them they are all united as one in Christ.  Additionally, Paul encouraged them to “be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power” and “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (see Ephesians 6:10-18). 

Character and Nature of God in this Epistle

God is gracious.  God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing because we are united with Christ (see Ephesians 1:3).  God is kind.  “[God] is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  [God] has showered is kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:7-8).  God is giving and He will give believers their inheritance.  “The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he had purchased us to be his own people.  He did this so we would praise and glorify him” (Ephesians 1:14).  God is full of mercy.  “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead” (see Ephesians 2:4).  God is full of grace.  “God saved you by his grace when you believed.  And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  God desires us to be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God (see Ephesians 3:19).  God desires us to be united in love.  Paul exhorts the believers to “lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.  Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.  There is one LORD, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all” (see Ephesians 4:1-6).  God desires His children to be united with Him and with each other in His love.