My Redeemer > Bible > Ephesians
Author (IBD): Ephesians bears the name of Paul (1:1; 3:1), and it sets forth many of the great Pauline themes, such as justification by faith (2:1-10) and the body of Christ (4:15-16). Nevertheless, Ephesians has a number of notable differences from the undisputed letters of Paul. We know, for instance, that Paul spent three years in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-40), and it is clear that the Ephesians cherished his ministry among them (Acts 20:17-38). Strangely, however, Paul writes to the Ephesians as though they knew of his ministry only by hearsay (3:2). Moreover, with the exception of Tychicus (6:21), Paul mentions no one by name in Ephesians. Because of the impersonal nature of the epistle, plus the fact that it contains a number of words and phrases not characteristic of Paul, some scholars suspect that Ephesians was written by someone other than the apostle Paul.
Although this is possible, it is not likely. If Ephesians were not written by Paul, then it was written by someone who understood Paul's thinking as well as the apostle himself. Moreover, it is unlikely that a person capable of writing Ephesians could have remained unknown to the church. Many scholars have resolved the problems of authorship by suggesting that while Ephesians as indeed written by Paul, it was intended as a circular letter, or "open letter", to a number of communities surrounding Ephesus.
In the oldest manuscripts of the epistle, the phrase "in Ephesus" (1:1) is absent. Perhaps this phrase was omitted to leave space in copies of the letter for the insertion of dirrecent place names. Paul is known to have used circular letters on occasion (Col. 4:16), and the circular theory would account for the general tone of the letter.
If Paul was the author of Ephesians, then he probably wrote it about the same time as the Epistle to the Colossians. Both Ephesians and Colossians agree to a large extent in style and content. Both these letters were also delivered by Tychicus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7). Furthermore, Paul was in prison at the time, presumably in Rome. This would suggest a date in the late 50s or early 60s.
Background: Ephesus was an important port on the western coast of Asia Minor, situated near present Izmir. One of the seven churches to whom Jesus directed his letters mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3 is found there, which is a relevant fact for studying the epistle, because of the fact that it circulated in roughly the same group of churches in the beginning.
Although Paul had been in Ephesus before (Acts 18:21), he began his ministry in that city in the winter of the year 55 AD. He served there for two complete years (Acts 17:8-10), and established such profound relations with the Ephesians that his farewell message is one of the most touching passages of the Bible (Acts 20:17-38).
Destination: In spite of the traditional heading (1:1), relatively little is known about the recipients of the letter called Ephesians. (Several important and early manuscripts to not contain the words in Ephesus [1:1]} The letter was carried to its destination by Tychicus, who in Ephesians 6:21 and Colossians 4:7 is identified as Paul's emissary. Both letters probably were delivered at the same time since in both letters the apostle noted that Tychicus would inform the churches concerning Paul's situation.
We can suggest the following possible scenario. While Paul was imprisoned in Rome, the need arose to respond to new religious philosophies influencing the Asia Minor area. The impetus to write the letters came to Paul from Epaphras, who informed him of the threats to Christianity in the Lycus Valley. In a response Paul wrote a letter to the church at Colosse. About the same time, either shortly before or shortly thereafter, he penned a more expansive and general letter intended for churches in Asia Minor, including Laodicea (see Col. 4:16) and Ephesus.
What we call Ephesians was probably a circular letter, with Ephesus being the primary church addressed. Paul stayed at Ephesus, the capital city of the province of Asia, for almost three years (see Acts 30:31). These factors help explain the absence of personal names of Ephesian believers. After the Ephesians read it, the letter would have been routed to Colosse, Laodicea, and other churches in the area. (HBH)
Occasion and Date: While he was imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote the epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and to Philemon. Confined wnd waiting to be judged (3:1; 4:1; 6:20), he wrote this circular letter so that it would be read by several congregations. Ephesians is probably the same letter which Colossians 4:16 makes reference to as presented in Laodicea while it circulated among the churches.
It appears that after writing Colossians, Paul found himself deeply encouraged by an extraordinary revelation that he had received about the Church. By seeing it now as the body of Christ, and GOD's instrument to confound and destroy evil powers, he writes an explanation about these themes.
Purpose: Ephesians develops the "mystery" of the Church as in no other epistle. GOD's "secret" intention has several objectives: 1) Forming a body that expresses the fullness of Christ on earth (1:15-23); 2)doing this through the union of Jews and Gentiles into one people, in whom GOD establishes his dwelling (2:11=3:7); and 3) equipping, strengthening and maturing this people, with the end of extending Christ's victory over evil (3:10-20; 6:12-20).
Content: The burning message of Ephesians is that everyone serves "for the praise of His glory" (1:6,12,14). The word "glory" is repeated eight times and alludes to the excellence of the love of GOD, his wisdom and his power. The great purpose is in the commitment announced by Jesus to build up a glorious, mature and helpful church, that has no "spot or stain" (5:27).
Ephesians follows the process through which GOD is leading the church toward the intended destiny in Christ. They are given steps basic to maturity, in the direction of the promise made to the Church of struggling against the powers of darkness: 1) before the Church may be called to the battle, it is taught to walk; and 2) before it is urged to walk, it is taught what place it occupies.
The epistle is divided in two sections: The position of the believer, chapters 1-3; and the practice of the believer, chapters 4-6. In chapter 1, the recurrent phrase, "in Christ" sums up the position of the believer, as someone who has received "all spiritual blessing". Some of these blessings are identified: chosen, without stain (1:4), adopted, accepted (`:5,6), forgiven, preordained and sealed (1:7,11,13).
Through rapid brushstrokes, this foundational series of declarations moves toward a new and energetic affirmation, declared in the first of the two prayers that appear in the letter. Paul prays that each Christian perceives GOD's great purpose, in raising Christ in triumph over death: that the Church may now know the full victory of Christ while we resist evil and confront judgment (1:15-2:10). Chapter 2 describes how GOD's grace has formed one single people in the midst of whom he dwells in his fullness and glory. His purpose is revealed through his people. Scrutinizing the message of Ephesians requires understanding two words utilized in chapter 3: "dispensaton" and "Mystery" (verses 2,3). The apostle declares that GOD's "secret in founding the church is no longer hidden (3:3,4; now the "mystery" is known). He has designed the Church to administer the fullness of Christ everywhere (3:2,9), ministering as a living body, extending itself over the land and penetrating "the heavenly places". "The manifold wisdom" of GOD now show s his glory in the Church (3:10,11), a manifestation that will eventually result in the strengthening (3:14-20), maturity (4:15), confrontation and victory (6:10-20) of the believer. However, the Church can't approach the realization of this mission, without a practical comprehension of how the glory, grace and presence of GOD affects daily life.
The extraordinary calling to walk "as is worthy of the vocation to which you are called" introduces the second section of this epistle (chapters 4-6). Systematically, Paul presents the ethical and moral implications of the life filled with the Spirit (4:1-6:9). The process of maturation in the work of "perfacting" the believer (4:11-16), and the calling to help others advance ("following the truth in love") permitted it to grow in the disciplines essential for the triumphant spiritual life of the faith warrior (6:10-20).
Literary Features (HBH): The salutation and structure of Ephesians is quite similar to Colossians. Many topics are commonly treated in both letters. The message is strikingly similar. Of the 155 verses in Ephesians over half contain identical expressions with those in Colossians. Colossians, however, is abrupt, argumentative, and seemingly compressed. Ephesians presents a bigger, finished picture that is meditative, instructive, and expansive.
Though Colossians and Ephesians contain many similarities, it is important to observe the distinctives of Ephesians. When the content of Ephesians that is common to Colossians is removed, there remain units of material unique to Ephesians.
| 1:3-14 | an expanded benediction |
| 2:1-10 | a confessional statement on the new life |
| 3:14-21 | a prayer to understand the mystery of Christ |
| 4:1-16 | an extended exhortation to Christian unity |
| 5:8-14 | a section on walking in the light |
| 5:23-32 | a theological expansion on the household roles |
| 6:10-17 | a unique picture of the Christian's spiritual warfare |
Historical Setting (IBD): The general nature of Ephesians makes it difficult to determine the specific circumstances that gave rise to the epistle. It is clear, however, that the recipients were Gentiles (3:1), who were estranged from citizenship in the kingdom of Israel (2:11). Now, thanks to the gracious gift of GOD, they enjoy the spiritual blessings that come from Christ.
Theological Contribution (IBD): The theme of Ephesians is the relationship between the heavenly LORD Jesus Christ and His earthly body, the church. Christ now reigns "far above all principality and power and might and dominion" (1:21) and has "put all things under His feet" (1:22). Exalted though He is, He has not drifted off into the heavens and forgotten His people. Rather, so fully does He identify with the church that He considers it His body, which He fills with His presence (1:23; 3:19; 4:10).
The marriage relationship between husband and wife is a beautiful analogy for expressing Christ's love, sacrifice, and lordship over the church (5:22-32). The enthroned Christ has reinvested Himself in the hearts of believers through faith (3:17) so they can marvel at His love. Absolutely nothing exists beyond His redeeming reach (1:10; 3:18; 4:9).
Christ's bond with His church is also portrayed in the oneness of believers. Those who were once "far off" and separated from GOD "have been made near by the blood of christ" (2:13). In fact, believers are now raised with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly places (2:5-6). Since believers are with Him, they are accordingly to be like Him - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (4:3). "He [Christ] Himself is our peace" (2:14), says Paul, and He removes the walls and barriers that formerly divided Jews and Gentiles, and draws them together in one Spirit to the Father (2:14-22).
Having spoken of these marvelous spiritual blessings, Paul then appeals to believers "to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (4:1). This appeal is a helpful insight on Christian ethics. Rather than setting down laws and regulations, Paul says, in effect, Let your life be a credit to the One who called you. The Christian is set free by Christ; yet he is responsible to Christ. Paul makes several statements about how believers can honor Christ (4:17-5:9), but the goal is not to earn merit through morality. Instead of looking for nice people, Paul envisions new persons, the "perfect person", remade according to the stature of Christ Himself (4:13). This "mature manhood" (RSV) could refer to the desired, and still unattained unity of the church.
Sprcial Considerations (IBD): The term "heavenly places" (1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12) is not the same as heaven, for in one instance Paul speaks of "spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (6:12). "Heavenly places" implies the unseen, spiritual world beyond our physical senses. It is the region where the most difficult, and yet authentic, Christian discipleship is lived out - the world of decisions, attitudes, temptations, and commitments. It is the battleground of good and evil (6:12).
Christ has raised believers to the heavenly places with the assurance that the One in whom we hope is more powerful, real, and eternal than the forces of chaos and destruction which threaten our world.
Personal Application: Ephesians uncovers awesome blessings of divine grace ("acceptable in the Beloved", 1:6) and the surprising dimensions of the believer's spiritual authority over evil ("according to the power that works in us", 3:20). But this requires the prior acceptance by the believer of the discipline of unity (4:1-16), purity (4:17-31), forgiveness (4:32), and walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit (5:1-21). With this, evey type of relations between believers should develop in an orderly way (5:22-6:9), by staying firmly rooted in the idea that true spiritual power sprouts from strict obedience to GOD's established order for interpersonal relations and individual conduct.
Christ Revealed: The epistle to the Ephesians has been called "the Alps of the New Testament", "the Great Canon of the Scriptures" and "the Kingdom of the epistles", not only for its grandiose theme, but for the majesty of the Christ who is revealed here. Chapter 1: Christ is the Redeemer (1,7), one in whom and for whom history will find its consummation (1:10); and He is the risen LORD who has not only risen from among the dead and hell, but who reigns as sovereign, pouring out his life through his body, the Church, his present expression on earth (1:15-23). Chapter 2: Christ is the peacemaker who has reconciled the human being with GOD and who also makes mankind's reconciliation with himself possible (2:11-18); and the principal cornerstone of the new temple that is made up of his own people, which serves as a dwelling place of GOD Himself (2:19-22). Chapter 3: Christ is the treasure in which is found the inscrutable riches of life (3:8); he who dwells in human hearts and roots us in the love of GOD (3:17-19). Chapter 4: Jesus is the giver of the gift ministries of his Church (4:7-11); and the victorious one who has defeated hell's ability to hold mankind captive (4:8-10). Chapter 5: Christ is the model husband, giving of himself without any selfishness to fulfill his wife, the Church (5:25-27,32). Chapter 6: Christ is the LORD, mighty in battle, the source of the power of his own, while they arm themselves for the spiritual struggle (6:10).
The Holy Spirit in Action: Just as it happens with Christ, the Holy Spirit is revealed in an ample variety of ministries carried out by believers. In 1:13, the Holy Spirit is the one who seals the believers, authorizing them to represent Christ; in 1:7 and 3:5, the Spirit is the one who reveals and illuminates the heart to perceive GOD's purpose; in 3:16, he is the power that Christ gives to strengthen the inner being; in 4:3,4 he is the Spirit of holiness, that can be aggrieved if one insists on satisfying the appetites of the flesh; in 5:18, he is the source, who will continually satisfy the thirst of all; in 6:17,18, he gives the Word as a sword for battle, and the heavenly helper who has been given to us to help us in prayer and intercession until the victory is gained.
| Home | Site Index | Bible Index |
| Kingdom Dynamics | Truth in Action | Links |
