Ephesians

NEW TESTAMENT

EPHESIANS

What is the book of Ephesians about in the Bible? Watch as we explain its major themes and gain a deeper understanding of its place in the biblical story.

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Background of the Book of Ephesians: Ephesians teaches that the Gospel paves the way for a new multi-ethnic family of God, transforming the way we live and making us a new, unified humanity in love.​

Who Wrote the Book of Ephesians? Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Galatians.  It is a fantastic epistle with a structure typical of Paul’s letters, featuring a theoretical section from chapters 1 to 3, and a practical section from chapters 4 to 6.

Context:

The Book of Ephesians, part of the New Testament, is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul and is addressed to the Christian community in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). The letter was likely written between 60-62 C.E., during Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The precise date and location of its writing are debated, but it is generally accepted that Paul wrote it while in custody.

Curiosities of the Book of Ephesians:

City of Ephesus: Ephesus was a prominent city known for its extensive trade, cultural significance, and religious practices, particularly the worship of Artemis, whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Audience: The letter is addressed to the believers in Ephesus, though it is believed to have been intended for a broader audience of churches in the region, suggesting it may have been circulated among several congregations

Literary Styles: Ephesians is written in the form of a letter (epistle), which was a common literary form in the ancient world. It combines doctrinal teaching with practical exhortation.

Key Themes:

• Unity in Christ: A central theme of Ephesians is the unity of believers in Christ. Paul emphasizes that through Jesus, Jews and Gentiles are reconciled and made one in the new community of the Church.

• The Church as the Body of Christ: Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ, illustrating the interconnectedness and mutual support among believers.

• Spiritual Blessings and Identity: The letter explores the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, their new identity, and the implications of this new status for their daily lives.

• Ethical Instructions: It provides practical guidance on how to live out the Christian faith, including instructions on relationships, spiritual warfare, and moral conduct.it.

Structure:

• Theological Foundation (Chapters 1-3): The first part of the epistle focuses on doctrinal teaching, detailing the spiritual blessings and the nature of the Church as the body of Christ.

• Practical Application (Chapters 4-6): The latter part of the letter shifts to practical instructions on living a Christian life, including ethical behavior, unity, and the role of the family and relationships in the faith.

To Analize:

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1. Why did Paul write this letter to the Ephesians?

2. What were the reasons for their differences?

3. What was God's vision for the new humanity?

For the courious:​

Unified Communities Through Devotion to Jesus:

Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, demonstrating that Jesus' work on the cross should permeate every aspect of their daily lives, changing the way they serve and love one another despite their differences. God's vision for the new humanity is that people unite through the Spirit and belief in the Messiah, overcoming ethnic barriers, socioeconomic status, and cultural identity.

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Embrace Your New Humanity:

Paul calls the members of the Ephesian church to become new humans who live and love like Jesus, promising that the Spirit will equip them to stand firm against divisive forces and spiritual evil.