Book of Ephesians Summary
When:
Around A.D. 60
Who:
Traditionally ascribed to Paul
People & Places:
Christ; Paul; Tychicus
Sound-Bites:
—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Ch.1:13)
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ch.2:8)
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. (Ch.3:20)
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise. (Ch.5:15)
The Messianic Link:
He is the Head over All Things (Ephesians 1:22) and the Cornerstone in Ephesians 2:20
Ephesians Summary:
Paul starts of this letter by greeting the church at Ephesus, who unlike the church at Corinth, are predominantly Gentiles and get along very well, but have need of further teaching in order to mature as Christians in the Faith.
Chapters 1 and 2 encourage them to understand the depth of their conversion, that they have been ‘made alive’ (Ch.2:5) through Grace alone.
In the following chapters he encourages the Ephesian church to work as a family, and look to their brothers and sisters needs before their own, and to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (Ch.4:1).
He finishes his letter in chapter 6 with a dire warning about the wiles of the enemy, and the need to always look to God for protection and deliverance; to ‘put on the full armor of God’ (Ch.6:10-18) in order to defeat him and stand ‘in the evil day’ of persecution.
Notes & Quotes:
The book of Ephesians is an excellent read for anyone who is unsure of their standing in Christ. The fact that they are ‘sealed in Him’ (Ch.1:13) should be enough in itself to convince the reader that on repentance and confession of Faith in Christ, they are indeed heaven-bound.
This letter is however probably better known for the ‘Armor of God’ passages in chapter 6; and not without good reason.
Often we are persuaded to believe that our troubles come from the things that we can see with our 5 senses. Paul makes it clear however that this is not the case, there are spiritual forces at work amongst us, and what we find with our own senses are a mere reflection of what is really going on in the spiritual dimension.
To take control of our physical circumstances – we must first of all prepare ourselves in the spiritual realm with ‘prayer and petition’ in the Spirit.
Book of Ephesians In A Nutshell:
Written by the Apostle Paul whilst in Prison around 62 AD. The book of Ephesions highlights the security of the believer, and how to deal with persecution as a Christian and walk as fruitful followers of Christ.
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