Ephesians is the tenth book of the New Testament, part of the Christian Bible. It is written by the apostle Paul to the Church in Ephesus, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Paul was familiar with the city, having previously spent two years teaching in the area (Acts 19:1-41). He used his letter to the Ephesians to address the Church’s spiritual condition and encourage its members to live as gracious and holy people.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians centers on a major theme of unity in diversity. He calls believers to be “united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1:5). He also wrote of the Church’s relationship with the world, emphasizing that they are to “walk worthy of the calling with which [they have] been called” (4:1).
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians also introduced several core Christian doctrines. He describes God’s grace and mercy, salvation by faith in Jesus alone, the power of the Holy Spirit, unity in the Body of Christ, and the importance of good works. In addition, Paul emphasizes the need for believers to live out the realities of their new life in Christ, by showing love and dedication to God and to one another.
The epistle of Ephesians can be found in the New Testament canon between Galatians and Philippians and is comprised of six chapters. Throughout the work, Paul emphasizes the unity in diversity of the church body as he elaborates on his message of grace, and speaks of the spiritual maturity that must be attained. His command to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” he has given them (4:1) serves as a sobering reminder to all generations of believers.
The epistle of Ephesians is widely considered to be one of the most influential documents in the New Testament and is quoted or referenced in passages throughout the other books. Though it doesn’t feature the same narrative structure found in the other epistles or books of the Bible, its import lies in the timeless lessons it communicates to the Church. Paul encourages the Church at Ephesus to be made holy and to live lives that show others the power of God’s grace and the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.
God’s Grand Design
Central to Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians is the idea of God’s grand design and the part each person plays in it. He tells them that they have been chosen by God and have been given the wonderful gift of salvation. He wants them to be enlightened and understand their spiritual place, to be marvel at all that God has done, and to fully appreciate their divine calling. He tells them that they are no longer slaves to sin, but members of a chosen people, and that they should put all of their faith in Him and act accordingly.
Paul’s emphasis on the individual’s spiritual destiny can be further seen in his usage of four specific phrases: “in Christ,” “inhim,” “in the beloved,” and “in whom.” All of these terms help to emphasize how each person is directly connected to God and to each other. Through the use of these phrases, Paul makes it clear that individual believers have a special relationship with God and that no one is excluded from the body of Christ.
Paul also speaks of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ, and how through faith in Him, salvation can be attained. He reminds the Ephesians of the love and grace that have been freely given to them, and encourages them to live a life that glorifies God in all they do. Finally, Paul speaks of the unity found among believers, predicting that one day all of God’s children will be gathered together in His plan of redemption.
Christ in Us, Our Hope of Glory
For Paul, the hope of salvation was Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—and this hope provided the motivation and power for the Church to live the transformed life that is so important. Christ’s presence in us is a reminder of the grace of God and how His spirit continually works in us to change us and make us into the likeness of His Son. Paul uses the phrase “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27) to remind believers of the promise of salvation, and of the work that Christ continues today within them.
Perhaps one of the most significant messages within Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the importance of unity among believers. He tells them to “be humble, gentle, and patient, bearing with one another in love” (4:2). His words speak to the significance of the body of believers, how each one is essential to it, and how each should strive to treat one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paul also reminds the Ephesian church of the spiritual warfare they faced, and the role truth and prayer played in their victory. He calls believers to be “armed with the full armor of God, so that [they] may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil”(6:11). It was by being strong in the Lord and wearing His armor that the Church was able to stand firm and maintain their faith in Christ.
Live a Life That Brings Honor to God
The epistle of Ephesians ends with the famous words in Chapter 6: “to the end that [you] may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (6:11). Paul’s words here remind us that we all have a battle to fight and that, by staying strong in the Lord, we will be able to see the plans of the enemy crumble. He encourages believers to live a life that brings honor to God, to think and speak and act in a manner befitting our calling, and to walk in a manner worthy of it (4:1).
The message of Ephesians, though written two thousand years ago, is just as necessary today. We are all part of the same body and should strive to be unified and to treat one another in love. We must live as people of hope, ever mindful of the grace of God and the spiritual victory He has made possible.
The Power of Life in The Spirit
At the core of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the importance of living according to the power of the Spirit. He reminds the church that it is through the Spirit that they can realize the possibilities of Christ. He states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (2:8-9). His emphasis on the importance of faith and the power of grace reflects the transformative effect that the gospel has on individuals and communities.
The epistle of Ephesians also teaches that repentance and holiness are expected of believers if they want to enjoy the benefits of their salvation. Through Paul’s letter, believers are reminded that their lives are to reflect the holiness of the one who calls them. He calls them all to “put away, concerning [their] former conduct . . . [and] be renewed in the Spirit of [their] mind” (4:22-23).
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians also encourages believers to be filled with the fruits of the Spirit and to use the gifts of the Spirit for the glory of God and for the building up of His Church. He reminds them that the gifts of the Spirit are given to those who are faithful and obedient, and that those who do not use their gifts to the glory of the Lord misuse their calling.
Outward Repentance: Action Speaks Louder than Words
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is clear that believers must show their trust in God and their commitment to Him through their actions. Thus, repentance must not take place in words alone, but in outwardly visible acts of obedience. He urges his readers not only to confess their sins to one another, but also to “put off the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (4:22).
Paul also calls for an inward transformation, for believers to put off their old selves and to put on the new self that has been created in the image of Christ (4:22-24). He encourages the Ephesian church to live a life of holiness that brings glory to God and attracts others to the faith. This is the life of the Spirit, and Paul gives us a clear reminder that as believers, we must strive to make it our own.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and love in the Church, he encourages us to remember the hope that is found in the gospel, and he teaches us the practical steps we must take in order to live a life that is worthy of our calling. His words here provide an invaluable reminder to believers of all generations that salvation comes to those who faithfully embrace their new life in Christ.
The Blessing of Adoption
In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the blessing of adoption and the new life we have in Christ. He states, “For [God] chose us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before [Him]” (1:4). He goes on to describe the promises given to believers and the inheritance that awaits them in the Kingdom of God.
Paul also speaks to the individual’s place in Christ, reminding them of the special relationship they have with the Father. He says “you have been made complete in [Christ], and He is the head over all the rule and authority” (1:22). These words emphasize the wonderful truth that believers are in union with Him, we are His children, and we have a lifelong relationship with the One who loves us.
The epistle of Ephesians serves to remind us that, as part of God’s family, we are called to live in a manner that reflects His kindness and mercy. We are to live in a way that brings Him glory, to demonstrate true repentance and faith, and to humbly seek after His will for our lives. As we live in a way that brings honor to Him, we are promised the blessing of adoption and the hope of eternity.
The Immeasurable Power of the Gospel
The epistle of Ephesians finishes with a true testament to the glorious and immeasurable power of the gospel. Paul reminds us that God is the source of all our hope, His grace abounds, and it is only in Him that we have the victory. Through Christ, we have peace, joy, and eternal life, and we are empowered to live lives that are free of sin and full of righteousness.
Paul’s words in Ephesians show us that he had a deep understanding of the human condition and of the spiritual warfare that exists in the world. His letters serve as a reminder to us of our spiritual identity and destiny, and of all that God has done in His mercy and grace. Through Christ, we have new life, and Paul calls us to live in confidence and holiness, always mindful of the great love and hope that are found
