Ephesians is Paul’s sweeping letter celebrating God’s work of salvation and the identity of believers in Christ. It emphasizes the unity of the church, the power of the gospel, and the spiritual blessings given to God’s people. Paul encourages Christians to live out their calling with holiness, love, and spiritual strength, highlighting both the riches of grace and the responsibilities of discipleship.
Background
Author: Paul
Audience: Believers in Ephesus and surrounding regions
Date: AD 60–62
Location Written: Rome, during Paul’s imprisonment
Context: Ephesus was a major cultural and religious center filled with idolatry, magic, and spiritual oppression. Paul writes to remind believers of their new identity and unity in Christ and to teach them how to live in a way that reflects God’s kingdom. The letter is structured in two halves: what God has done for believers (chapters 1–3) and how believers should live in response (chapters 4–6).
Characters
- Paul — author encouraging believers to understand and live out their identity in Christ
- Ephesian Believers — Christians needing grounding in unity, maturity, and spiritual strength
- The Holy Spirit — seal and source of power for believers
- Spiritual Forces of Evil — real opposition requiring believers to stand firm in God’s armor
- Apostles and Prophets — foundational leaders used by God to build His church
Major Events
- Praise for spiritual blessings in Christ (Chapter 1)
- Prayer for wisdom and revelation in knowing God (Chapter 1)
- Salvation by grace through faith explained (Chapter 2)
- Unity of Jews and Gentiles in one body (Chapter 2)
- Paul’s mission to reveal the mystery of Christ (Chapter 3)
- Call to walk in unity, maturity, and love (Chapter 4)
- Instructions for holy living and relationships (Chapter 4–5)
- Teaching on marriage reflecting Christ and the church (Chapter 5)
- Instructions for children, parents, servants, and masters (Chapter 6)
- The armor of God and spiritual warfare (Chapter 6)
Application & Life Lessons
- Believers have a new identity and inheritance in Christ
- Salvation is a gift of grace, not human effort
- Unity in the church reflects God’s design and purpose
- Spiritual maturity grows through love, humility, and truth
- Relationships should model Christlike submission and sacrifice
- The Christian life requires rejecting old habits and walking in holiness
- Spiritual warfare is real and requires God’s armor
- Power for Christian living comes from the Holy Spirit
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Ephesians
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Ephesians
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Articles
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Books
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