(1:1–6:24) Paul wrote Ephesians to a gentile church in which believers are seeking to maintain their faith in the midst of physical and spiritual opposition (4:14; 6:11). In order to address these issues, Paul provides a rich theological treatise in chapters 1–3. Central to this section is the concept of dependence on God for salvation (1:3–23). Paul establishes the inability of humans to merit any glory or righteousness on their own (2:1–3). Salvation in Christ is founded on