Introduction to Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians

Table of Contents

• General Info
• Brief Survey
• Key Verses
• Author, Date and Recipients
• Historical Background
• Timeline
• Themes, Purpose & Theology
• Interpretation Hints and Challenges
• Outline

General Info

As with all New Testament (NT) letters written by Paul the apostle, this epistle is titled according to its first recipients, in this case Christians in the city of Ephesus.  Ephesians is one of four letters that Paul wrote while under house arrest in Rome.  Thus, these books are collectively known as the Prison Epistles.  In addition to Ephesians, the collection also consists of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  The close similarities between Colossians and Ephesians suggest that they were written one after the other while the same thoughts were in the mind of the apostle.  In fact, they have been referred to as “sister letters”.  It is commonly thought that Colossians was probably written first, primarily to the church in Colossae, and that Ephesians originally may have been intended as a “circular letter” to several churches (such as Galatians that was written to various churches in southern Galatia).  See “Author, Date and Recipients” below for more info.

Ephesians has also been thought of as a condensed theological version of the Book of Romans.  In our modern times, many people minimize or even dismiss doctrine and theology in favor of “relevant application” teaching,  Yet, Ephesians explodes that myth and clearly demonstrates the inseparable link between theology and practice.  Without theological truth, we have no basis or reason to behave in any certain way.  Paul first covers the theological in the first three chapters and the practical in the last three.  He first lays out who we are in Christ, then transitions to how we should act in Christ.  He also uses the same technique in some of his other letters such as his epistle to the Galatians and the Romans.

Some modern critics have questioned Paul’s authorship due to slight variances in style and vocabulary as compared with some of his other writings, but there was universal acceptance among the early church fathers that Paul was the author.

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Brief Survey

Following a brief introduction (1:1–2), Paul praises God for the spiritual blessings that believers have received in Christ.  He then moves to the good news of our salvation.  Even before God created the world, He chose us based on his sovereign love.  He also forgives us, adopts us into His family with all associated blessings for eternity, and sends His spirit to live within us (1:3-14).  Paul then prays that God will give his readers the Spirit of understanding to know the hope and rich inheritance of His blessings (1:15–23).  Although we rightfully deserve God’s wrath, He instead saves us by His Grace alone, not by any works we may have done (2:1–10).  Paul then reveals that Christ, by his death and resurrection, has broken down the barrier that previously kept Gentiles from the covenant.  Thus both Gentiles and Jewish believers are now part of the New Covenant in Christ (2:11–22).  In chapter 3, the author then expands on God’s amazing plan for the Gentiles (3:1-13), then prays for the recipients of his letter, including that they be able to grasp the depth of Christ’s love for them (3:14-21).

In chapters 4-6, Paul switches from the theological foundation of the calling that Christians receive to instruction on mature behavior for believers (4:1-6:9).  Because of our calling as Christians, we are to walk worthy of this calling (4:1).  Spiritual changes that God works within us must lead to behavioral changes as we mature in the faith.  He then instructs his readers (and us by extension) to use our spiritual gifts to build each other up in the body of Christ (4:7-16).  Next, the author provides instructions for Christian households, including husbands, wives and children (5:21-6:9).  He then gives a brief but thorough treatment on spiritual warfare, instructing the believer to put on the full armor of God, so that he or she maybe able to resist the schemes of Satan (6:10-20).  He then closes the letter with final greetings (6:21-24).

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Key Verses

Note:  In the first three chapters of Ephesians, we find some of the most concise and densely populated theology in the Bible.  Thus we could include the entire three chapters as key verses.  We’ve attempted however to reduce the content somewhat without altering the interpretation.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.  With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. (1:3-10)

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (1:11-14)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (1:18-22)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.   Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (2:8-13)

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (2.19-22)

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.  This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (3:4-6)

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (3:14-21)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (4:1,4-5)

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (4:11-15)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (4:29-32)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.  Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them...  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (5:8-11,15-16)

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.  This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.  However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (5:31-33)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (6:1-4)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (6:10-13)

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Author, Date and Recipients

The author and initial recipients of the book are identified in the first verse: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus (1:1).  We must note however that the phrase “in Ephesus” is missing from some of the earliest known manuscripts.  This has led some scholars to believe that Ephesians may have originally been a circular letter intended for various churches in the area, and received its name from the first recipients in the circulation.  This would also explain the absence of personal names and relationship info on prominent members of the church that Paul generally includes in his other letters. 

Over the past couple of centuries, some modern critics have questioned Paul’s authorship based on some variances in style and vocabulary as compared with his non-disputed letters.  These can easily be explained by the differing subjects and other criteria.  Others claim that Paul’s theology was too advanced for the time that he wrote, ascribing the writing to an unknown author near the end of the first century.  This is even easier to refute, since all scripture is inspired by God as the Divine Author (2Tim 3:16).  In addition, we can also point out that, during the two years of house arrest in Rome, Paul would have ample time to further develop his theology and doctrine through much study and prayer.  Finally, there has been no objections to the authorship of Paul found among the early church fathers, and no objections to the epistle being included in any of the earliest New Testament canons.

Regarding the date, we know that Ephesians was written as one of the “prison letters” along with Colossians, Philippians and Philemon (Eph 3:1, 4:1; Col 4:3,18; Php 1:13, Phm 1:10).  The question then becomes “which incarceration?”.  Bible scholars and historians overwhelmingly believe that these books were almost certainly written during Paul’s aforementioned two-year detention in Rome from 60-62AD as described in Acts 28.  Also, it is likely that Paul’s faithful friend Tychicus delivered Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon on the same trip (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7-9, 2Tim 4:12).

See A Brief Bio of the Apostle Paul and the Historical Background of Acts for additional info on his life and ministry.

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Historical Background

Paul first introduced the people of Ephesus to Christ during his third missionary journey in about 53 AD (see Acts 19) and spent over two years with them (Ac 19:10), the longest stay in any one city of his ministry.  Several years later, while under house arrest in Rome (60-62 AD), he wrote the letter now known as Ephesians.  At the time, Ephesus was the most important city in the Roman province of Asia and may have had a population of about 600,000.  Similar to  Corinth, Ephesus was a thriving commercial center and port city.  Although the official capital of the area was Pergamum, a significant a number of governmental activities were also conducted in Ephesus. 

Ephesus was also known for the famous temple to Diana (or Artemis), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  Thus the city was also known as a religious center, but not exclusively a Christian center since the Diana temple was the home for many cult practices.

Like many other cities of this era, the splendor that Ephesus enjoyed in Paul’s day would not last.  Silt washed in from the Aegean Sea and filled up the port,  The city also suffered from plagues such as malaria.  In the fourth century, the Roman Emperor Constantine relocated the capital of the Eastern Roman empire to Constantinople, and most of the associated commerce followed.  Thus the splendor of Ephesus quickly faded the only remains are basically just ruins today.  The pagan temple was destroyed, or maybe just collapsed, by ~400 AD.  All that remains today is the foundation and some fragments, however the ruins of the city have been extensively excavated in modern times. 

We close with two brief pieces of trivia.  The last remaining apostle, John made Ephesus his headquarters in his later years near the end of the first century.  In addition, it has been suggested that Mary, the mother of Jesus, may have died in Ephesus.  This is quite likely since Jesus, while on the cross, instructed John to take care of His mother (Jn 19:25-27).

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Timeline

(1)  These dates are either one or the other (Nisan 14 Passover falling between Thursday sundown to Friday sundown on the Jewish calendar).  The earlier date is the most popular, but there are good evidences and arguments to support either date.

~ Dates are approximated.

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Themes, Purpose and Theology

Themes

Perhaps the primary key theme of Ephesians is the unveiling of the mystery of the relationship of Jewish and Gentile believers in the New Covenant Church, “that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (3:6).  See the “Interpretation Hints and Challenges” chapter below for more on the biblical meaning of “mystery”.  Similarly, Paul also reveals the mystery of the church as the bride of Christ (5:32).  Believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit are the body of the church with Christ as the Head.  The Apostle John also speaks of his vision of believers as the bride of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:9) .

Another major theme is the various blessings bestowed on all believers by the grace of God, such as redemption through His blood and the accompanying forgiveness of sins (1:7), knowledge to grasp the width, length, height and depth of the love of Christ, and to be filled with the fullness of God [by the Holy Spirit] (3:18-19; 5:18).  Note the vast number of usages of certain terms throughout the letter, such as “grace”, “riches”, “glory”, and “fullness”.  Of course, we also note that these blessing are only available to those who are “in Christ” or “in Him”, an expression that is also used a dozen or so times.

Purpose

In most of Paul’s letters, Paul typically addresses specific needs and issues of the receiving church or person(s).  Since the epistle was likely meant as a circuit letter for multiple churches in the region, we see an absence of this practice here.  Instead, Paul’s focus appears to be on teaching doctrine and practices for all believers.  The specifics are closely related to the themes, such as presenting Christian truth concerning the church (the inclusion of Gentiles etc) and proper Christian living.  Of course, the purpose of these teachings is not only for intellectual knowledge, but also for the purpose of building up and unifying believers to be representatives of Christ.

Theology

While Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is considered his magnum opus on the doctrine of salvation, Ephesians is considered by many to be a condensed version of Romans.  Thus, we can consider Ephesians to be Paul’s concise summary of the Gospel.  Paul writes that the Gospel is all about God.  The Father selected His people in Christ before the foundation of the world (1:3–10) and gave all believers the Holy Spirit as our guarantee of our coming inheritance (1:11–14).  All of us were dead in our trespasses (2:1-10), but through the completed work of Jesus, we, both Jewish and Gentile believers, are reconciled to the Father through Christ (2:11-3:13).

Although salvation by grace is the dominant theological subject, the book contains several other theological highlights.  Although we didn’t specifically call out in exact words regarding the “sovereignty of God” in our salvation, He would have to be totally sovereign to carry out His plan conceived before the Creation of the world (1:4).  In our natural condition, we are spiritually dead and completely deserving of God’s wrath (2:1-3), yet for believers, He bases our salivation on grace instead (2:8-9). 

Regarding the doctrine of the church, Paul portrays it as a voluntary association of believers who have a saving relationship with Christ and possess the Holy Spirit (2:11-22).  Finally, Paul relays God’s command to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to submit to His guidance (5:18-20).

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 Interpretation Hints and Challenges

What is this “mystery” that Paul reveals to the Ephesians?  We first note that the word mystery is defined in the 1913 Webster’s Dictionary as “A profound secret; something wholly unknown, or something kept cautiously concealed, and therefore exciting curiosity or wonder; something which has not been or can not be explained; hence, specifically, that which is beyond human comprehension.”  The dictionary also gives as an example, “We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery (1Cor 2:7).”

Biblically speaking, a mystery has also been defined as “a secret that was previously known only to God alone and to those that He chooses to share the information.  It is usually related to the historical method of God’s redemption or other supernatural revelation.  A short and simple definition might be “a divine secret that is now openly revealed to the Lord’s people”.  One of our key verses above also explains this term: In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.  This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus (3:4-6).   Paul also writes in another of his prison letters, “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:26).

 Paul actually uses the Greek word “mysterion” six times in his letter to the Ephesians (1:9; 3:3, 4, 9; 5:32; 6:19).  In the NIV English translation, a seventh use of “mystery” is added to chapter 3, verse 6 for clarity.  By comparison, the word appears roughly as many times in Ephesians as in the remainder of the New Testament writings.

One of the basic elements of this particular mystery is that it brings all things in heaven and on earth together in unity under Christ (1:9-10).  A second element is that the Gentiles are now joint-heirs to the Kingdom of God as one body of Christ.  Thus, Christ is now the mediator for us all, and the only way to approach God with our prayer requests (3:8-12; 6:18-20).

Another challenge we encounter, particularly in the past couple of centuries, is Paul’s teaching related to the common practice of slavery during his day (6:5–9).  We will tackle this issue in our “Introduction to Philemon” and post the link here when completed.

A fnal interpretation challenge arises in Ephesians 4:7-10, where Paul quotes Psalms 68:18 that refers to Jesus’ ascension, but then writes in verse 9: What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  Many people believe this means that Jesus actually went to hell during the three days between his death and resurrection.  The Apostles Creed also appears to support this interpretation.  But, did Jesus actually descend into hell?  This explanation will require more space than we have here, so we’ll attempt to reconcile this question in a separate article and post the link here when completed.

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Outline

In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul focuses on theological matters such as salivation and divine gifts available to believers.  He then speaks of the resulting conduct expected of the believer in the final three chapters.

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