Introduction to Ephesians

Ephesians gives a cosmic view of God’s plans for the world, explaining the mystery of the gospel. Because of Jesus’ death, all people can receive the gift of forgiveness for their trespasses against God and others (Eph 1:3–10; 2:1–8). Through the sacrifice of Christ, God has brought believers in Jesus—Jews and non-Jews alike—together as one new humanity (2:11–18). God shows no partiality (6:9).

Background

The letter identifies Paul as the author (1:1; 3:1), and sources from the early church unanimously affirm that he wrote Ephesians. However, there is some modern debate about its authorship. This debate centers around the letter lacking personal greetings at the end (as Paul’s letters usually do), the difference in writing style and emphasis from his other letters (outside of Colossians), and the suggestion that someone may have imitated Colossians when composing Ephesians. However, the arguments against Paul’s authorship are far from conclusive and could be explained by Paul dictating to a different scribe and other factors.

The oldest copies of Ephesians do not name the city of Ephesus in the opening verse. Paul apparently spent a lot of time there (Acts 19:8–10; 20:31), but some statements in the letter suggest that he might not know the recipients (Eph 1:15; 3:2). Along with the unusual style and emphasis, these statements could indicate that Ephesians was a circular letter, sent to multiple churches in Asia Minor. In this view, the letter eventually came to be associated with Ephesus because it was the most prominent city in the area.

Paul wrote Ephesians from prison (3:1; 6:20), perhaps in Rome, Caesarea, or even Ephesus itself (if it was a circular letter). If written from Ephesus, the letter likely was composed around AD 54–57. If writing from Caesarea or Rome, Paul likely wrote the letter circa ad 58–63. It seems that his audience consisted mainly of non-Jewish Christians (2:11–22; 3:1, 6; 4:17–24). Paul emphasizes Christ’s exaltation above all powers (1:20–23; 2:2) and instructs believers to stay strong in Christ against the schemes of the devil (6:10–20). These believers may have been tempted by the notion that other authorities could have some claim on them.

Structure

Unlike Paul’s other writings, Ephesians reads more like a sermon—a style that supports it being intended to circulate among multiple churches. Nonetheless, Ephesians does include some standard features of a letter, including an opening salutation (1:1–2) and a conclusion and benediction (6:21–24). The body of the letter includes two broad sections: an opening theological section (1:3–3:21) and a second section that builds on that theology (4:1–6:20). Paul begins the first section by praising God for blessings in Christ (1:3–14) and praying that readers might know God’s hope, glory, and power (1:15–23). He emphasizes that they have been made alive in Christ (2:1–10) and that Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles) are united into a new humanity (2:11–22). Then Paul speaks about his own mission to proclaim this gospel (3:1–13), and he prays that believers will know the fullness of Christ’s love (3:14–21).

In the second section, Paul urges his readers to live in light of these truths. They should seek unity (4:1–6) and use their gifts for ministry (4:7–16). They should put away their old life and embrace a new one characterized by wisdom and the Spirit (4:17–5:21). Then Paul provides instructions for each member of the typical Graeco-Roman household (5:22–6:9). Finally, he tells readers to put on the armor of God to withstand evil powers (6:10–20).

Outline

• Salutation (1:1–2)

• God’s work of reconciliation in Christ (1:3–3:21)

• Living in response to God’s work in Christ (4:1–6:20)

• Conclusion and benediction (6:21–24)

Themes

The main theme of Ephesians is unity in Christ. All things are held together in Christ (1:10), and Christians need to consciously resist forces that seek to divide them. They are to live as people who have been saved by Jesus and who speak the truth and avoid evil; they are to seek unity with one another but avoid deceptive people (4:17–5:21).

In the Church, God has created one unified people out of groups that previously were hostile toward each other. Every relationship is redefined, including those between Jews and non-Jews, and those within each household (5:22–6:9). The Church itself is the household of God, built on Jesus as the cornerstone (2:19–22). Origin, race, or status should not be a source of division.

Yet the powers of evil seek to divide people against one another and against God (6:12), but Jesus enables believers to overcome evil and remain united. Unity and peace among God’s people are signs of Christ’s supremacy: He can do what no one else can. The peace that Christ gives and His incorruptible love is the answer to our conflicts and difficulties and must be boldly proclaimed (6:19–20, 23–24).

Further Reading

Paul the Apostle CLBD

Ephesus CLBD