The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new testament. Its origin has customarily been credited to paul the apostle however, beginning in 1792, this has been tested as deuteropauline, that is, composed in pauls name by a later creator. Comprised of jews and nonjews, these followers form the covenant family god promised to abraham. Gifts are given as equally distributed among the members. To gods holy people in ephesus, the faithful in christ jesus. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. The letter to the ephesians pillar new testament commentary by peter t. The first half of the book is almost nothing but gospel explanation, while the second half is almost entirely gospel applicationmindboggling indicatives followed by gracefilled. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus. All men can enter, but it is only by grace, through faith in christ, and this is gods free gift. The book of ephesians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. Ephesians 1 niv paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the.
Apr 17, 2019 the book of ephesians is full of gospel from start to finish. Sproul has himself written a very helpful introductory level commentary on it titled the purpose of god. Finally, be strong in the lord and in his mighty power. The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new. Summary of the book of ephesians summary of hebrews. If youre going to choose a church to join, you must do it based on the churchs doctrines. Having explained gods great goals for the church, paul proceeds to show the steps toward their fulfillment. The aim of this epistle is to confirm and to equip a maturing church. The holy spirit seals us as a guarantee of our salvation so we dont have. Paul wrote to the early church in asia ephesus was a major city in turkey, what was considered asia at the time declaring our position in christ and what that looks like lived out in everyday living. Ephesians 1 commentary matthew henry commentary on the.
For a defense of the pauline authorship of ephesians, see ephesians. It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that you discuss your answers and insights with other bible students who also completed the workbook. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel. The book of ephesians hits on a wide range of moral and ethical behaviors, designed to ensure believers are living up to our heavenly calling.
The first three chapters of ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. A study in the book of ephesians fresh life series. These important questions are answered in the book of ephesians. It often takes several readings which is also a good thing to do to craft an outline of the book, titling the main sections with something that makes sense to you. The central organizing theological idea in ephesians is that through christs atoning work god has mightily brought about the churcha new humanity, i. Ephesians with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Book of ephesians ephesians chapter 1 ephesians chapter 2 ephesians chapter 3 ephesians chapter 4 ephesians chapter 5 ephesians chapter 6. In the book of ephesians, we see how the gospel story affects believers everyday lives. The introduction to the whole epistle, which is much the same as in others v. Paul wrote the letter to the ephesians sometime in ad 6061, around the same time. Doctrine occupies the greatest portion of the book of ephesians. A study in the book of ephesians fresh life series heitzig, lenya on.
Murrays notes on the greek text are indispensible for reading ephesians in its original language. Ephesians intro to ephesians biblica the international bible. The book of ephesians free online bible study lessons. This summary of the book of ephesians provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of ephesians. Watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Here we have yet another letter from the apostle paul. When paul wrote the book of ephesians, paul was in prison. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries. In fact, there may be no other book in all the bible that packs in as much gospel per square inch. Best ephesians commentaries updated for 2020 best bible. The ancient city was situated at the mouth of the river cayster, on the shore of the aegean sea, about 50 miles south of smyrna. I recommend this volume to anyone who is not familiar with the basic themes of this epistle.
Chapter 1 establishes pauls view on the value of our salvation in christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. You may remember him from such new testament letters as romans and 1 corinthians. Paul was excited about gods good gifts ephesians 1. Grace and peace to you from god our father and the lord jesus christ.
A hebraic perspective teachings series book 8 kindle edition by liebenberg, prof dr wa. The book of philippians shows how living as a christian means seeing your own story as a living expression of jesus story. It was the power that god used to raise jesus from death. The book of colossians is very similar to that of ephesians, in fact both books have passages with similar themes and phrases. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god. David guzik commentary on ephesians 1 talks about the work of the triune god. The letter is addressed to the church in the city of ephesus, capital of the roman province of asia. Summary of the book of ephesians story of the bible. Paul wrote this letter to the church at ephesus, which he had led for over two years acts 19. Its authorship has traditionally been attributed to paul the apostle but starting in 1792, this has been challenged as deuteropauline, that is, written in pauls name by a later author strongly influenced by pauls thought, probably by a loyal. The book of ephesians hits on a wide range of moral and ethical behaviors. Ive been studying the book of ephesians for a long time now. Knowing jesus is a deeply personal and transformative encounter. You can find the best commentary on ephesians for you using the tools on the right side.
Pdf bible study the book of ephesians john ndhlovu. Verse 9 this verse is about the fruit of the spirit galatians 5. Tom constables expository notes on ephesians this is also available in the net. However, paul presented the gift of god in christ and the benefits we. The knowledge of salvation comes by hearing about jesus christ romans 10. Put on the full armor of god so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. First, god has reconciled individuals to himself as an. Preface to the epistle of paul the apostle to the ephesians ephesus was a city of ionia, in asia minor, and once the metropolis of that part of the world. Ephesians is the great church epistle, intended for all churches irrespective of geography, for the church is one body and its location is in the heavenlies. The apostles thanksgivings and praises to god for his inestimable blessings bestowed on the believing ephesians v. And i pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all. Ephesians commentary verse by verse precept austin. Ephesians also contains two of the most memorable passages in the new testament.
Ephesians and colossians summary the epistle to the ephesians. He does this in the form of praise, directed at god, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. Paul instructs the church that christianity is for all men, jews, gentiles, male female, bond, free, all are united in christ. Praise for spiritual blessings in christ praise be to the god and father of our lord jesus christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in christ. Part two of pastor dougs series on spiritual warfare. Understanding the book of ephesians and bible study guide. The book of ephesians is a beautiful revelation of the church and the spiritual blessings we have in christ jesus. Colossians, philemon, ephesians, new international commentary on the new testament by f. This instructional letter is packed with practical advice, all given in an encouraging tone. The book of ephesians chapter two workbook eeonline biblestudy. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul. His introduction to the tenth book of the new testament covers its content and form, its relationship to colossians, the time and place of its writing, and its intended audience. Some have taken the absence of the usual personal greetings and the verbal similarity of many parts to colossians, among other reasons, as grounds. God the father planned throughout history for jesus to create a multiethnic community of followers.
This time, pauls writing to the church in ephesus and, boy, does he have a lot to say. An introduction to the book of ephesians an argument of the book of ephesians selected bibliography on the book of ephesians. The book of ephesians is in the bibles new testament. Paul explains the mystery of the church and gives practical insight into living as believers. Once you know the main purpose of the book, it is extremely helpful to outline the book. What was hidden throughout the ages was revealed to us when christ came. The contents are much akin to those of colossians, but also differ greatly from them. Furthermore, a study in ephesians will help to fortify and to establish the believer so he can fulfill the purpose and calling god has given. The holy spirit forbade paul, on his second missionary journey, to enter the province of asia where ephesus was the prominent center.
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