Ephesians

Part One: Introduction to Ephesians

The Author and Date

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus" (1:1). Paul wrote as a prisoner: "I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles" (3:1); "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord" (4:1); "an ambassador in bonds" (6:20). This was almost certainly his first Roman imprisonment, around AD 60-62, when he lived under guard in his own rented house (Acts 28:16, 30-31). Ephesians is one of the four "prison epistles," with Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Tychicus carried it, together with Colossians (6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-9).

A Circular Letter?

The words "at Ephesus" (1:1) are missing from a few of the oldest manuscripts, though present in the great majority and in the King James Version. The letter contains no personal greetings, which is surprising given that Paul spent three years at Ephesus (Acts 20:31), and Paul writes as if some readers knew him only by report (1:15; 3:2). Many therefore believe Ephesians was a circular letter, sent to Ephesus and also intended for other churches in the province of Asia, perhaps the "epistle from Laodicea" mentioned in Colossians 4:16. Either way, its message is for the whole church.

The City and Church of Ephesus

Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, a great port and commercial centre with perhaps 250,000 people. Its temple of Diana (Artemis) was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and the city was famous for magic and the occult (Acts 19:19). Paul ministered there for three years on his third journey, teaching daily in the school of Tyrannus, so that "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:10). Books of magic worth fifty thousand pieces of silver were burned, and a riot broke out over the threat to the worship of Diana (Acts 19). Paul gave a moving farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38). Later Timothy ministered there (1 Timothy 1:3), tradition says the apostle John lived there, and the risen Christ addressed the church in Revelation 2:1-7.

Purpose and Theme

Ephesians is not written to correct a particular crisis. It lifts believers' eyes to the grand eternal purpose of God: to gather together all things in Christ (1:10), and to create, from Jews and Gentiles, one new people, the church, which is Christ's body, God's temple and Christ's bride. Its theme is the believer's riches in Christ and the walk worthy of that calling. The phrases "in Christ," "in him" and "in whom" occur about thirty-five times; "the heavenly places" five times (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ

Ephesians 1:3

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called

Ephesians 4:1

Sit, Walk, Stand

Ephesians divides into two halves: doctrine (1-3) and duty (4-6). A helpful summary uses three key words:

The order is important: Christian living flows from Christian truth. Believers do not walk in order to be saved; they walk worthy because they have already been saved and seated with Christ.

Pictures of the Church in Ephesians

Outline of Ephesians

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: Doctrine — Our Wealth in Christ (Chapters 1-3)

Chapter 1 — Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ

The hymn of blessing (1:3-14). In the Greek, verses 3-14 are a single, magnificent sentence of praise. It celebrates the work of the whole Trinity in our salvation, each section ending with "to the praise of his glory" (1:6, 12, 14).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ

Ephesians 1:3

Every spiritual blessing is already given to believers, located "in heavenly places," and found "in Christ."

The Father's work: He chose and adopted us (1:4-6).

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:4-6

God's choice of His people was made "in him," in Christ, before creation, with the goal of holiness. He predestined believers to be adopted as His sons. (Baptists hold differing views on how God's choice relates to His foreknowledge of faith; all agree that salvation originates in God's grace, not human merit.) Believers are "accepted in the beloved": God accepts us because we are in His beloved Son.

The Son's work: He redeemed and revealed (1:7-12).

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace

Ephesians 1:7

Redemption means release by the payment of a price; the price was Christ's blood. Forgiveness is not measured out sparingly but "according to the riches of his grace." God has also revealed "the mystery of his will... That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth" (1:9-10). History is heading toward the day when everything will be united under Christ's headship. In Him believers have "obtained an inheritance" (1:11).

The Spirit's work: He sealed us (1:13-14).

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

The order is clear: they heard the gospel, believed it, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit. A seal marked ownership, guaranteed authenticity, and secured contents. The "earnest" is a down payment, guaranteeing the full payment. The Spirit is God's pledge that He will complete the redemption of His people. This is a strong foundation for the eternal security of the believer.

Prayer for enlightenment (1:15-23). Paul prayed that God would give believers "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened" (1:17-18), that they might know three things:

• "What is the hope of his calling" (1:18): the future to which God has called them.
• "What the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (1:18): how precious believers are to God as His own inheritance.
• "What is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe" (1:19): the power available to them now.

This power is the same power God displayed in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand:

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 1:21-23

Christ reigns supreme over every power in the universe (Psalm 110:1; 8:6), and He is head over all things for the benefit of His church.

Chapter 2 — Saved by Grace; Made One

What we were (2:1-3).

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:1-3

Before salvation, people are spiritually dead, unable to respond to God. They are controlled by three enemies: the world ("the course of this world"), the devil ("the prince of the power of the air") and the flesh ("the lusts of our flesh"). By nature, all, Jews included ("we all"), are under God's wrath.

What God did (2:4-7).

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:4-7

"But God": two words that change everything. Moved by mercy and love, God made us alive with Christ, raised us with Him, and seated us with Him in heaven. Throughout eternity, believers will be living displays of God's grace.

How we are saved (2:8-10).

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

Salvation is by grace (its source), through faith (its means), not of ourselves (it is a gift), not of works (so no one can boast). The whole package of salvation is God's gift. Yet salvation produces good works: believers are God's "workmanship" (Greek poiema, His masterpiece), newly created in Christ for the good works God planned for them. Works are the result of salvation, never its cause.

One new man (2:11-22). Paul reminded the Gentile believers of their former condition: "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (2:12).

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us

Ephesians 2:13-14

In the Jerusalem temple, a stone barrier separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts; inscriptions warned that any Gentile who passed it would be put to death. (Two of these warning inscriptions have been found by archaeologists.) Christ's death abolished the enmity between Jew and Gentile, setting aside the law of ceremonial commandments that divided them, "for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace" (2:15). He reconciled both to God "in one body by the cross" (2:16), and preached peace to those far off and those near (2:17; Isaiah 57:19). "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (2:18): through the Son, by the Spirit, to the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22

The church is a holy temple built on the foundation of the apostles and New Testament prophets (their inspired teaching, now in Scripture), with Christ as the cornerstone that holds it all together (Isaiah 28:16). God now dwells not in a building of stone but in His people by the Spirit.

Chapter 3 — The Mystery and the Love of Christ

The mystery revealed (3:1-13). "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles" (3:1). Paul begins a prayer, then pauses to explain his special stewardship. God had revealed to him "the mystery" (a truth previously hidden, now revealed):

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel

Ephesians 3:5-6

The Old Testament foretold that Gentiles would be blessed (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6). What was not revealed was that Jews and Gentiles would be united as equals in one body, the church, without Gentiles becoming Jews. "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (3:8).

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord

Ephesians 3:10-11

The church is God's showcase, displaying His many-sided wisdom to angels. In Christ believers have "boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him" (3:12). Paul's sufferings were for their glory, so they should not lose heart (3:13).

Prayer for strengthening (3:14-21). Paul resumes his prayer: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (3:14).

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

The prayer climbs step by step: inner strength by the Spirit; Christ at home in their hearts; being rooted (like a tree) and grounded (like a building) in love; grasping, together with all believers, the immeasurable dimensions of Christ's love; knowing a love beyond knowledge; and being filled with all God's fullness. It ends with one of the greatest doxologies in Scripture:

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Section II: Duty — Our Walk in Christ (4:1-6:9)

Chapter 4 — Walk in Unity and Holiness

Walk worthy (4:1-6).

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3

"Therefore" links duty to doctrine. A worthy walk is marked by humility, gentleness, patience and loving forbearance. Believers do not create spiritual unity; the Spirit has created it. They must diligently keep it. Its basis is seven "ones":

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4-6

The unity rests on the triune God (one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father) and the truths shared by all believers (one body, one hope, one faith, one baptism).

Gifts for building up (4:7-16). Unity does not mean uniformity: "unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (4:7). The ascended Christ gives gifts, as Psalm 68:18 pictures a conquering king leading captives and distributing spoils: "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men" (4:8). He first descended "into the lower parts of the earth" (in His incarnation and death), then ascended "far above all heavens, that he might fill all things" (4:9-10).

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

Ephesians 4:11-12

Christ gives gifted leaders to His church: apostles and prophets, the foundational gifts (2:20); evangelists, who spread the gospel; and pastors-teachers, who shepherd and teach local churches. Their purpose is to equip ("perfect") the saints for the work of ministry, so that the whole body is built up. Ministry belongs to every believer; leaders train and equip them.

The goal is unity of faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and maturity, "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (4:13).

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ

Ephesians 4:14-15

Mature believers are stable in doctrine, and they combine truth and love. From Christ, the whole body, "fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth," grows and builds itself up in love (4:16).

Put off the old, put on the new (4:17-32). Believers must no longer walk like unbelieving Gentiles, "in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness" (4:17-19). "But ye have not so learned Christ" (4:20).

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Like changing clothes, believers take off the old self and its habits, are renewed in their thinking, and put on the new self created in God's likeness. Paul then gives specific examples, each with a positive replacement and a reason:

"Grieve not the holy Spirit of God" (4:30) shows that the Spirit is a Person who can be grieved by believers' sin, yet they remain sealed "unto the day of redemption."

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

Chapter 5 — Walk in Love, Light and Wisdom; the Christian Marriage

Walk in love (5:1-7).

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Children imitate their father. The pattern of love is Christ's self-sacrifice, which pleased God like the fragrant offerings of the Old Testament (Leviticus 1:9). The counterfeit of love is lust: fornication, uncleanness and covetousness should "not be once named among you, as becometh saints," nor filthy talk and crude joking, "but rather giving of thanks" (5:3-4). No immoral or covetous person (a covetous man is an idolater) has inheritance in Christ's kingdom (5:5). "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience" (5:6).

Walk in light (5:8-14).

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light

Ephesians 5:8

Believers were not merely in darkness; they were darkness. Now they are light. "The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (5:9). "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (5:11); light exposes what is hidden. "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (5:14).

Walk in wisdom (5:15-17).

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

"Circumspectly" means carefully, looking around. "Redeeming the time" means buying up every opportunity, because life is short and the days are evil. "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (5:17).

Be filled with the Spirit (5:18-21).

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18

A drunk person is controlled by wine; a believer should be controlled by the Spirit. The command is in the present tense: "keep on being filled," continually yielding to the Spirit's control. Every believer is indwelt and sealed by the Spirit; not every believer is filled. The evidence of the Spirit's filling is not ecstatic experience but:

• Worship: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (5:19).
• Thanksgiving: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (5:20).
• Submission: "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God" (5:21).

The last leads into Paul's teaching on relationships in the home and the workplace.

Wives and husbands (5:22-33).

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Ephesians 5:22-23

A wife's submission is voluntary, directed to "your own" husband, and offered "as unto the Lord," as part of her devotion to Christ. It does not imply inferiority (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 3:7), and it never requires obeying a command to sin (Acts 5:29). The husband's headship is modelled on Christ's headship over the church, which means loving, sacrificial leadership:

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 5:25-27

Christ's love for the church is the standard for every husband: self-giving to the point of death, seeking her holiness and good. Christ cleanses His church through His Word and will present her to Himself in perfect glory. "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself" (5:28), nourishing and cherishing her as Christ does the church, "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones" (5:29-30). Quoting Genesis 2:24 (5:31), Paul says, "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (5:32). Marriage, from creation, was designed as a picture of Christ's relationship with His people. "Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband" (5:33).

Chapter 6:1-9 — Children, Parents, Servants and Masters

Children and fathers (6:1-4).

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Ephesians 6:1-3

(Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16.) "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (6:4). Fathers are responsible for the spiritual training and discipline of their children, avoiding harshness, unfairness and neglect that discourage and embitter them.

Servants and masters (6:5-9). Many early Christians were slaves. Paul did not command a revolution, but planted principles that undermined slavery and transform every working relationship. Servants should obey "with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men" (6:5-7), knowing the Lord will reward them (6:8). Masters must treat servants justly, "forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him" (6:9). These principles apply to employees and employers today: work as to the Lord, and lead knowing you answer to Him.

Section III: Warfare — Our Stand in Christ (6:10-24)

Chapter 6:10-24 — The Whole Armour of God

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:10-12

The Christian life is a battle. The real enemies are not people but Satan and his organised forces of evil spirits. Believers' strength is not their own but the Lord's. They must put on "the whole armour of God" (6:13), and their goal is to "stand," to hold the ground Christ has already won. Paul, chained to a Roman soldier as he wrote (Acts 28:16), described the armour piece by piece. Much of it echoes Isaiah's description of God's own armour (Isaiah 59:17; 11:5; 52:7).

To the armour Paul adds prayer, the believer's constant communication with headquarters:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds

Ephesians 6:18-20

Paul did not ask for release, but for boldness to preach. Tychicus, "a beloved brother and faithful minister," would tell them how Paul was doing and comfort them (6:21-22). The letter closes with peace, love and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen" (6:23-24).

Part Three: Christ in Ephesians

Portraits of Christ

The Blessings of Believers in Christ

The Trinity in Ephesians

Ephesians repeatedly presents the three Persons of the Godhead working together: the Father chooses, the Son redeems and the Spirit seals (1:3-14); access to the Father through the Son by one Spirit (2:18); a habitation of God through the Spirit, built on Christ (2:20-22); Paul prays to the Father that believers be strengthened by the Spirit so that Christ may dwell in their hearts (3:14-17); one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father (4:4-6).

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

Ephesians 1:3-14 — Every Spiritual Blessing

The Father chose and adopted, the Son redeemed and forgave, and the Spirit sealed and guarantees our inheritance, all to the praise of God's glory. Every believer is already rich in Christ.

Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21 — Paul's Two Prayers

The first prays that believers may know their hope, their value to God, and His power. The second prays that they may be strengthened, indwelt by Christ, rooted in love, filled with God's fullness. The model for our prayers is not mainly about circumstances but about spiritual understanding and strength.

Ephesians 2:1-10 — Dead, Made Alive, Created for Good Works

Humanity is spiritually dead, enslaved and condemned. "But God," rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith, God's gift, not of works; and it produces the good works God planned for us.

Ephesians 2:11-22 — One New Man

Christ's death broke down the barrier between Jew and Gentile, making one new humanity reconciled to God, built into a holy temple where God dwells by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:1-16 — Unity and Maturity

Believers must keep the unity the Spirit created, grounded in seven great "ones." Christ gives leaders to equip every member for ministry, so the body grows to maturity, stable in truth and loving.

Ephesians 4:22-32 — Put Off, Put On

Christian growth means replacing old habits with new ones: truth for lies, honest work for theft, edifying words for corrupt ones, kindness and forgiveness for bitterness, all motivated by God's forgiveness in Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-21 — Wise Living and the Spirit's Filling

Live carefully, make the most of time, understand God's will, and be continually filled with the Spirit, which shows itself in worship, thanksgiving and mutual submission.

Ephesians 5:22-33 — Christian Marriage

Wives submit to their husbands as to the Lord; husbands love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Marriage pictures Christ and the church.

Ephesians 6:10-18 — The Armour of God

The believer's real enemies are spiritual. Strength comes from the Lord. Believers stand firm in truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God, and pray always.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of Ephesians

1. Election and Adoption

God chose believers in Christ before creation and destined them for adoption (1:4-5).

2. Redemption Through Christ's Blood

Forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace (1:7).

3. The Sealing of the Spirit

Believers are sealed and guaranteed their inheritance until the day of redemption (1:13-14; 4:30).

4. The Exaltation of Christ

Christ is seated far above every power and is Head over all things to the church (1:20-23).

5. Spiritual Death and Salvation by Grace

All are dead in sin; salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (2:1-10).

6. The Unity of Jew and Gentile

Christ made one new man, one body, reconciled to God (2:11-22; 3:6).

7. The Church

Christ's body, God's temple, Christ's bride, God's household, displaying God's wisdom (1:23; 2:19-22; 3:10; 5:25-32).

8. The Unity of the Spirit

Believers must keep the unity grounded in one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism and God (4:3-6).

9. Spiritual Gifts and Leadership

Christ gives leaders to equip all believers for ministry (4:7-16).

10. Sanctification

Putting off the old man and putting on the new (4:22-32).

11. The Filling of the Spirit

Continual yielding to the Spirit's control (5:18-21).

12. The Christian Home

Mutual roles of husbands and wives, parents and children, modelled on Christ (5:22-6:4).

13. Work as Service to the Lord

Servants and masters both answer to Christ (6:5-9).

14. Spiritual Warfare

Standing against the devil in God's armour and prayer (6:10-18).

Part Seven: Connections — How Ephesians Links to the Rest of the Bible

Ephesians and the Old Testament

Ephesians and the New Testament

Themes That Run from Ephesians Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Praise God for every spiritual blessing you have in Christ (1:3).
• Rest in being accepted in the Beloved (1:6).
• Rejoice that you are sealed by the Spirit (1:13).
• Pray for spiritual understanding, not just for circumstances (1:17-19).
• Remember what you were, and what God has done (2:1-5).
• Never boast; salvation is God's gift (2:8-9).
• Do the good works God prepared for you (2:10).
• Refuse every barrier of race and background in the church (2:14).
• Value the church as God's dwelling place (2:22).
• Ask God to strengthen you and to root you in His love (3:16-19).
• Expect God to do more than you can ask or think (3:20).
• Walk worthy of your calling (4:1).
• Keep the unity of the Spirit with humility and patience (4:2-3).
• Use your gifts to build up the body (4:12).
• Grow out of doctrinal instability (4:14).
• Speak the truth in love (4:15).
• Put off the old habits, and put on the new (4:22-24).
• Don't let the sun go down on your anger (4:26).
• Work honestly, so you can give (4:28).
• Let your words build others up (4:29).
• Don't grieve the Holy Spirit (4:30).
• Be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving (4:32).
• Imitate God and walk in love (5:1-2).
• Keep your speech and conduct pure (5:3-4).
• Walk as a child of light (5:8).
• Make the most of your time (5:16).
• Be continually filled with the Spirit (5:18).
• Sing, give thanks always, and submit one to another (5:19-21).
• Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord (5:22).
• Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church (5:25).
• Children, obey and honour your parents (6:1-2).
• Fathers, raise your children in the Lord without provoking them (6:4).
• Work as unto the Lord (6:6-7).
• Be strong in the Lord (6:10).
• Put on the whole armour of God every day (6:11).
• Use the Word of God as your sword (6:17).
• Pray always, for all saints, and for gospel boldness (6:18-19).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

Ephesians, written from a Roman prison, lifts believers into the heavenly places to see God's eternal purpose in Christ. In one sweeping sentence Paul praises the Father who chose and adopted us, the Son whose blood redeemed and forgave us, and the Spirit who sealed us until the day of redemption, all to the praise of God's glory. He prays that believers may know their hope, their worth to God and His mighty power, the same power that raised Christ and seated Him far above all. He reminds them that they were dead in sin, "But God," rich in mercy, made them alive and seated them with Christ, saving them by grace through faith, not of works, and creating them for good works. In Christ, the wall between Jew and Gentile has fallen; one new man, one body, one temple has been built on Christ the cornerstone, and through the church God displays His manifold wisdom even to angels. Paul prays that they may know the love of Christ that passes knowledge, and praises the God who can do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think. Then he calls them to walk worthy: in unity, using Christ's gifts to grow into maturity; in holiness, putting off the old and putting on the new; in love, light and wisdom, filled with the Spirit; in homes where husbands love as Christ loved the church and wives respond as the church to Christ; and in work done as unto the Lord. Finally, he calls them to stand, strong in the Lord, clothed in the whole armour of God, praying always.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21