Ephesians

Author: Paul

Period: c.60 A.D.

Summary: This letter is divided into two sections. The first outlines the blessings and spiritual riches in Christ; the second the walk in imitation of Christ. The intent is to illustrate the abundance of spiritual riches that Christ himself received or would receive, namely grace, glory, mercy and immortality, and to foster the incentive to walk as Christ himself did. By doing so, the believer would learn to walk worthy of his vocation; not as Gentiles who do not know God, but as children of light who show forth love and walk correctly in a righteous lifestyle until the return of the Lord Jesus. It is thought that this letter was one of several letters that were circulated to the different congregations in Asia.

CHRIST: THE RICHES OF GOD TO US

Key Verses: “. . . the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:18-20

Breakdown:

Our wealth in Christ: Chapter 1 – 3:21

• Salutation: 1:1-2
• Predestination, or the origin of the church: 1:3-23
• Edification, or the construction of the church: 2:1-22
• Vocation, or the function of the church: 3:1-21

Our walk in Christ: Chapter 4:1- 6:20

• Congregational responsibilities: 4:1-16
• Individual conduct: 4:17 – 6:9
• The warfare of faith: 6:10-24