Ephesians : Ephesians Walk Worthy
Written by Paul from prison about 60-62 A.D.
Key Verses 4:1
Myron G. Heavin
Ephesians – Similarities : Ephesians – Similarities Colossians: Christ who is head of the church
Ephesians: The Church of Christ
Fits well with Colossians and Philemon
Similar teachings on family relations
Ephesians - Themes : Ephesians - Themes Clearly tells us more about the church universal than do other writings in the Pauline corpus’.
God is supremely important,
He brings salvation despite unworthy sinners
The Greatness of Christ
The Church occupies an important place in God’s working out of His great purpose.
We probably know more about the Ephesian church than any other NT church
Probably a circular letter – original manuscripts do not include “at Ephesus” in the first sentence.
Ephesians – Interesting Facts : Ephesians – Interesting Facts Immediate Audience
Somewhat Immature Christians (60-62 A.D.)
Gentiles & Jews
Written from a prison in Rome
A letter circulated to all the churches
A letter specifically addressed to gentiles
The Prison Epistles of Paul : The Prison Epistles of Paul
EphesusLocated in Turkey : EphesusLocated in Turkey Ephesus was a harbor city across the Aegean Sea from Athens, Greece and 100 miles from Colossae
Map of The Roman Empire : Map of The Roman Empire
Ephesians New Testament Time Line : Ephesians New Testament Time Line 38-41 Anti-Jewish Upheaval Alexandria , Palestine, Judea
49 - 54 Claudius expels Jews from Rome
49 Church struggles, meets about Jews & Gentiles
Acts 15, Gal. 2:1-15
54 – 68 Nero becomes emperor, welcomes Jews back
Claudius poisoned by Nero’s Mother
Nero murdered Mother & possibly half-brother
Nero allows Jews back into Rome
57 Paul writes Romans
60-62 Paul arrested, writes Colossians / Ephesians
64 / 65 Rome burns – Nero blames Christians
68 Siege in Jerusalem begins after Jewish rebellion
70 Rome burns Jerusalem, temple destroyed
Ephesians Simple Outline (Dr. Martinez) : Ephesians Simple Outline (Dr. Martinez) The Spiritual Wealth of the Believer (1-3)
The Spiritual Walk of the Believer (4-6)
Ephesians Basic Outline (F.F. Bruce) : Ephesians Basic Outline (F.F. Bruce) Prescript (1:1-2)
The New Humanity A Divine Creation (1:3-3:21)
Introductory (1:3-14)
Thanksgiving & Intercessory Prayer (1:15-23)
The Saving Grace of God (2:1-10)
The Incorporation of the Gentiles (2:11-22)
The Mystery of Christ (3:2-13)
The Intercessory Prayer Concluded (3:14-19)
The New Humanity in Earthly Life (4:1-6:20)
Letter Closing (6:21-24)
Ephesians Basic Outline (F.F. Bruce) : Ephesians Basic Outline (F.F. Bruce) Prescript (1:1-2)
The New Humanity A Divine Creation (1:3-3:21)
The New Humanity in Earthly Life (4:1-6:20)
Exhortation to Unity (4:1-3)
Confession of Faith (4:4-6)
Provision for Spiritual Health and Growth (4:7-16)
Christian Conduct (4:17-5:20)
Be Subject (5:21-6-9)
Be Strong in the Lord (6:10-17)
Watch and Pray (6:18-20)
Letter Closing (6:21-24)
Ephesians - Basic Outline (Holman Bible Dictionary) : Ephesians - Basic Outline (Holman Bible Dictionary) Salutation (1:1-2)
Theology (1:3-3:21)
The Plan of Redemption (1:3-1:14)
The Blessings of Redemption (1:15-2:10)
The Propagation of Redemption (2:11-3:21)
Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
In Church life (4:1-16)
In Social life (4:17-5:21)
In Domestic life (5:22-6:9)
Conclusion (6:10-24)
Ephesians I. Salutation (1:1-2) : Ephesians I. Salutation (1:1-2) Same Prescript as 1 & 2 Corinthians, Colossians, 2 Timothy
An apostle under God’s will
Original manuscripts do not identify letter as “at Ephesus”
True grace and peace comes from God the Father
The grace of God (Eph 3:2), or same as The grace of Christ (Gal 1:6)
The peace of God (Eph. 2:14-17; 6:15 same as the peace of Christ (Col. 3:15)
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) A Praise for Redemption (1:3-6)
He chose us, He foreordained us, he has freely bestowed grace on us.
God chose you (Divine election) (Eph. 1:3; Heb. 4:3; 1Pet 1:20)
You then chose God (free choice)
Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (Shedd - Presbyterian) : Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (Shedd - Presbyterian) Divine Decrees
Founded in Wisdom
Eternal “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning” (Acts 15:18) The Kingdom was prepared before the foundation of the world (Matt. 25:34)
Immutable (cannot change)
Unconditional or absolute (execution does not depend upon anything that has not itself been decreed)
Efficacious decree determines events by physical / material causes
Efficacious - Surely will come to pass
Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (Shedd - Presbyterian) : Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (Shedd - Presbyterian) God’s decree of election respects man
“You have not chosen me but I have chosen you.” (John 15:16)
“God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise (1 Cor. 1:27-28)
“accordingly as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4)
“The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Rom 11:22); “whom he predestined them he glorified” (8:32)
The Permissive decree relates only to moral evil
God allows but does not invent evil
Man’s voluntary acts are not a series for the divine mind but all of them are present at once and therefore certain to God.
Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (F. F. Bruce) : Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (F. F. Bruce) Believers are united today with Christ in the Heavenly Realm where Christ has been raised
Christ chose His people before the world’s foundation.
It denotes divine election in eternity before creation
Our created world included created time, space, and matter
‘in Him” (Col 1:16) “all things were created”, i.e. the people of God were chosen.
“Those who he foreknew (Rom. 8:29) he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son ...”
“Christ is the foundation, the origin, and executor; all that is involved in election and its fruits depends on Him.”
(When we live forever, we will simply live outside this creation, and will someday live outside time itself.)
Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (Other) : Ephesians - Theology (1:3-3:21) (Other) “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” (Rev 13:8, NASB)
“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.” Rev 17:8)
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) Prayer for Redemption and Final Reconciliation (1:7-10)
We are redeemed by Christ’s blood (Col. 1:14; Rom. 3:25)
We are redeemed with wisdom and understanding
Grace requires personal relationships (also see Rom. 5:20)
Mystery hidden in Old Testament is now revealed. (Col 1:27)
The reconciliation in Colossians is man to God while the reconciliation in Ephesians is among fellow men (church)
God works reveal the mystery of Christ, “in the fullness of the times”, i.e. at just the right moment
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) Praise for the Assurance of the Believer’s Heritage (1:11-14)
God “destined and appointed”, “foreordained” us according to Him who works all things by the council of His will
Christ claimed us as His portion
The Holy Spirit seals us when we first believe the truth (Acts 19:2)
The Holy Spirit guarantees our future inheritance (glory yet to come)
You (gentiles) also are included in this inheritance (1:13)
This section is remarkably similar to Acts 15:6-9
God will “redeem” his own possession on resurrection day
The purpose of all of this is so we can praise God
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) Introductory Thanksgiving & Intercessory Prayer (1:15-19)
Typically Paul places this near start of a letter
Prayer for spiritual wisdom and revelation of knowledge of Him
Prayer for spiritual eyes to know
The hope of your calling (in Christ)
The glorious wealth of his inheritance in the saints
The surpassing greatness of his power in us
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21) God’s Mighty Strength Shown in Christ (1:20-23)
Raised Him from the dead
Seated Christ at His right hand in the heavenly realm
He is above all the various layers in Heaven (Eph. 4:10)
Christ rules over all the spiritual and earthly leaders
Psalm 8; 110; Heb 1:1-2:8; Col 1:16
Christ rules the church, which is His body (Col 1:18)
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)The Saving Grace of God (2:1-10) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)The Saving Grace of God (2:1-10) The New Life in Christ (2:1-7)
You (gentiles) were raised to life, when you were dead thru sin
We Jews also led our lives with fleshly desires
We are all raised up with him and are seated with him in the heavenly realm, in Christ Jesus
This is only place Paul says we are in the heavenlies now (today)
God’s New Creation (2:8-10)
God has graciously saved us through “faith / salvation”
We humans can do no works for our salvation and cannot boast
We are transformed into a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17; Isa 65:17, 66:22)
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)The Incorporation of the Gentiles (2:11-22) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)The Incorporation of the Gentiles (2:11-22) The Gentiles Former Plight (2:11-12)
The Gentiles Present Access (2:13-18)
Gentiles have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:19-22)
The barriers between Jews and Gentiles are removed
The two groups now form one body, the church
The “Mosaic” law of commandments, ordinances, and all is ended (2:15)
But “we both” remain as different members of the body
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)The Incorporation of the Gentiles (2:11-22) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)The Incorporation of the Gentiles (2:11-22) The Gentiles Membership in the House of God (2:19-22)
Gentiles are first class equal citizens to their fellow Jews (Rom. 9:25-26)
Gentile inclusion is built on foundation of apostles, prophets, and Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone (Isa. 28:16)
Jesus binds the whole structure together
You gentiles are being built together for God’s indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) Intercessory Prayer Resumed (3:1)
Continuation of Eph. 1:15-19
Paul is a prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles
Paul was arrested specifically for taking gentiles into inner temple (Acts 21:17-36; Rom. 15:14-32) per F. F. Bruce
The Mystery of Christ (3:2-13)
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) Paul revealed the Mystery of Christ (3:2-7)
The gospel of faith was always there
Previous generations did not know about Christ or that God cared about Gentiles and Jews equally
God revealed the Mystery of Christ to Paul
Gentiles are now fellow-heirs, members of same body, joint-partakers of the promise
The Law which kept them apart was now gone
Incorporation of Gentiles into the church is revealed
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) The Eternal Purpose (3:8-13)
Paul was the one chosen to reveal the Mystery of Christ
God had in mind from eternity to form a church, a third race, of men and women of faith for eternal salvation
God revealed that mystery through Paul and the church to the angels in heaven as well as to those on earth
This kept Satan in the dark about Christ’s sacrificial death until it was done
Therefore do not lose heart; everything is working for your good
Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) : Ephesians Theology (1:3-3:21)Prayer and the Mystery of Christ (3:1-21) Intercessory Prayer Concluded (3:14-19)
Pray for knowledge that culminates in knowing love of Christ
This knowledge comes from Christ being in your heart
Indwelling of Christ and Holy Spirit in heart are same thing
That you may be filled up with the fullness of God
Doxology (3:20-21)
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
“Therefore” transitions from doctrine to doing
In Church life (4:1-16)
Exhortation to Unity (4:1:3)
General principals instead of specific rules
Unity between Gentiles and Jews is implied
Confession of Faith (4:4-6)
Spirit – Lord – God expresses our experience
In Social life (4:17-5:20)
In Domestic life (5:22-6:9)
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
In Social life (4:17-5:20)
Provision for Spiritual Health and Growth (4:7-16)
Each church member has distinct & needed gifts
(See Psalm 68:18)
Each is to use those gifts to build up the church
Each is to be mature in their faith
Each is to speak the truth with love
Christ holds everything together
Christian Conduct (4:17-5:20)
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
In Social life (4:17-5:20)
Christian Conduct (4:17-5:20)
The Old Man and the New (4:17-24)
You (gentiles) were once pagans
You have been taught by Christ
Therefore renew your mind & change your ways
Col 3:9 for mature Christians, this for new converts
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
In Social life (4:17-5:20)
Christian Conduct (4:17-5:20)
Negative and Positive Precepts (4:25-32)
Do not lie, steal, be angry, and watch your tongue
People tend to see themselves with righteous anger but others as sinful angry. Put a “lid” or a “cap” on anger
Clamor probably refers to shouting
Husbands are forbidden to use harshness or bitterness towards wives (Col. 3:19)
Build each other up, be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
In Social life (4:17-5:20)
The Imitation of God (5:1-2)
These new Believers had no previous example
Our youth today have few examples to follow
From Darkness to Light (5:3-14)
Walk the talk and talk the walk
Be careful who you associate with & what you do
Be careful with empty arguments & beliefs
Col 3:5 also lists 5 categories of wrongs
Secret deeds/rites will be exposed in the light
People repeatedly sinning will face God’s wrath
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
In Social life (4:17-5:20)
Be Filled with the Spirit (5:15-20)
Live as wise persons
Discern what the Lord’s will is
Don’t get drunk (Prov. 23:31)
Be happy, joyous, of good spirit
Always give thanks
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption) in Domestic Life (5:21-6:9)
In Domestic life (Christ is our example “head” today – act like Him
“Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Most of us daily fall into both columns below
We need to treat each other with more love
We need more reverence (fear) of God and others
We will be judged and rewarded based on our actions
Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) : Ephesians III. Ethics (4:1-6:20) Ethics (The Application of Redemption)
“Be Strong in the Lord” (6:10-17)
We are fighting against evil spiritual forces in the heavens
We must be equipped with truth, righteousness, being prepared, faith, the Word, and salvation
“Watch and Pray” (6:18-20)
Pray at all times in the spirit
Pray also for me that I am boldly speak the mystery of the gospel
The Armor of God : The Armor of God
Armor of God : Armor of God For we are fighting against spiritual forces located in the heavens, not against flesh and blood
Ephesians IV. Conclusion (6:21-24) : Ephesians IV. Conclusion (6:21-24) Personal Notes (6:21-22)
Tychicus will inform and comfort you about my situation
There is no list of greeters or those greeted
This supports a circular letter rather than a specific one (“as Ephesus” 1:1 is not in earliest manuscripts)
Final Benediction (6:23-24)
Typical Paul Benediction of Grace
Practical Applications : Practical Applications Believers are chosen by God
Then we freely choose God
We are saved by faith, not by any works of us
We need to better love those that report to us
We need to respect those we report to (God)
We need to “walk the talk” and “talk the walk”
We are in spiritual warfare against dark forces
Our weapons are truth, faith, righteousness, preparation, and salvation
Bibliography : Bibliography Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and the Ephesians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984.
Garland, David E. Colossians /Philemon. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.
Gundry, Robert H. A Survey of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
Holman Bible Dictionary. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1991.
Arnold, Clinton E. Colossians. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Vol 3. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002.
Martinez, Ted. Talbot New Testament Survey Lectures, Talbot Theological Seminary, Summer 2003.