Ephesians
INTRODUCTION
Background To The Letter
The book of Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul. His goal was to encourage the believers in Asia Minor. Paul wrote this letter when under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16-31) around AD 60-62. Paul had been a Christian for nearly 30 years.
Other letters written by Paul when in prison: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
Read Acts 18:18-27 to discover the beginnings of the gospel work and birth of the church in Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila, friends and ministry partners of Paul, were the pioneer leaders of this work. Later on, Paul lived in Ephesus for 3 years, shepherding the church there (Acts 19). After Paul left, Timothy (a young leader) shepherded the church for a period, countering the false teachings of some men in the church (possibly elders) whose false teachings resulted in speculations and controversies plaguing the church (1 & 2 Timothy). Thirty years or so later, Christ gave to the Apostle John a letter for this church indicating its people had left their first love for Him (Rev 2:1-7).
About Ephesus
Ephesus, a commercial, political and religious center for all of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), was one of the five major cities in the Roman empire. The temple to the Greek goddess Artemis was located there and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Content Of The Letter
Ephesians can easily be divided into two sections. The first three chapters are theological, and the second three chapters are practical and focus on Christian behaviour (personal, family, church). Good theology empowers and encourages one to live a life worthy of Christ!
The basic idea in Ephesians is that God’s eternal plan is being worked out through Christ and His body, the Church. This eternal plan (“mystery”) is that the Gentiles become heirs together with the Jews, partakers of the promise of the Gospel. God has this planned from all eternity and has given to the believer everything they need for their Christian life but they must take hold of these resources. Paul wraps up the letter by describing the provision that God has made for every believer so that they can victoriously withstand the worst of Satan’s attacks! The word “riches” is used 5 times in this letter; “grace” is used 12 times; “glory” 8 times; “fullness” or “filled” 6 times; and the key phrase “in Christ” (or “in Him”) around 12 times.
Before studying chapter 1, take some time to read the whole book of Ephesians along with the other relevant Scriptures mentioned in this introduction.