The church at Ephesus (a city in the Roman Empire) had been established during Paul’s two-year stay (Ac 19). They heard the call, they believed, and they turned away from their old idols and practices—even if it was costly (Ac 19:19).
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the fifth of his letters. Of the 27 New Testament books, Paul wrote 13. Eight of these books are letters to local churches (like the one in Ephesus). Like his letters to the Philippians and Colossians, this epistle is meant to encourage the Ephesians to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel (Eph 4:1; Phi 1:27; Col 2:6).
Paul calls attention to three major themes: grace, peace, and love. God has shown these to the Ephesians, and Paul calls the readers to be imitators of God (Eph 5:1); therefore, we are to treat one another in like manner.
- We’re saved by God’s grace—His favor which we could not deserve (Eph 2:8–9). Paul encourages the church to deal graciously with one another in turn (Eph 4:25–32).
- Peace. We naturally deserved God’s wrath (Eph 2:3), but He has adopted us through Jesus (Eph 1:5). Furthermore, he has united the Jews and non-Jews in His Son, establishing peace between all parties (Eph 2:14). Now, the church is to preserve peace and unity with one another (Eph 4:3).
- God showed His love through Jesus (Eph 2:4), and Paul commends the Ephesians for the way they love one another (Eph 1:15). He prays that they be rooted in love (Eph 3:17) and encourages them to continue walking in love (Eph 5:2).
Quick outline of Ephesians:
- Our calling in Christ (Eph 1–3)
- Identity in Christ (Eph 1)
- Grace in Christ (Eph 2:1–10)
- Peace in Christ (Eph 2:11–22)
- Paul’s calling (Eph 3:1–13)
- Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Eph 3:14–21)
- Our walk in Christ (Eph 4–6)
- Walk in unity (Eph 4:1–16)
- Walk differently from the world (Eph 4:17–31)
- Walk carefully (Eph 5:1–21)
- Walk in love (Eph 5:22–6:9)
- Stand firm in the armor of God (Eph 6:10–24)
From: www.overviewbible.com
