The book of philippians shows how living as a christian means seeing your own story as a living expression of jesus story. The first three chapters of ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. This book is also available for purchase here on amazon. T he book of ephesians is 6 chapters of solid christian teachings. The purpose of the book of ephesians was to warn the church elders about the false teachers that were teaching a false gospel and to maintain their first love that they held when they first became believers. He did this for those of us who are in christ jesus. We will study chapters 1 through 3, thus completing the exposition of this book begun several years ago with chapters 4 through 6 messages which are already available in print. It is therefore critical to understand the nature and calling of the church that we might be effective members of the one body that is called to bear witness to gods grace in this world. Ephesians, theology of definition and meaning bible. Because the name ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read. With extensive research and thoughtful chapterbychapter exegesis, this lucidly written commentary leads readers through all aspects of the book of ephesianssociological, historical, and theologicalto help us better understand its meaning and onging relevance. 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. From chapter 1 to 6, in that order, you will read about.
Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works. 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. What does it mean that satan is prince of the power of the air ephesians 2. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god. Book of ephesians explained go to ephesians index title. You can find the best commentary on ephesians for you using the tools on the right side. Bible teaching online in audio, video, notes from the pauls epistle to the ephesians by galyn wiemers of generation word. What does it mean that god is rich in mercy ephesians 2. Paul doesnt specify a specific heresy but does seem to want them to be identified with christ and one in a sense of purpose.
The book of ephesians gives practical, encouraging advice on living a life that honors god, which is why its still relevant in a conflictridden world. A new testament book containing the epistle from saint paul to the ephesians which explains the divine plan for the world and the consummation of this in christ. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the will of. Your christian walk in other words, your daily life is to be characterized by unity, holiness, love, wisdom, and perseverance in spiritual warfare. Ephesians, theology of definition and meaning bible dictionary. Ephesians 2, international childrens bible icb the bible app. This designation of jewish christians as gods people occasionally occurs in special contexts in other pauline literature as well. Finally, be strong in the lord and in his mighty power. The meaning of the greek words is that god will add up everything. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries. Comprised of jews and nonjews, these followers form the. 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. Its authorship has traditionally been attributed to paul the apostle but starting in 1792, this has been challenged as deuteropauline, that is. Chapter 1 establishes pauls view on the value of our salvation in christ, and the blessings we obtain from it.
Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the bible. The more the church grows in her understanding of gods great purpose for her, the more she will live it out and display his glory. The opening address of ephesians is to the church at ephesus, meaning that this epistle was written to the ephesians. This letter is one of pauls four imprisonment letters. Put on the full armor of god, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. The book of ephesians is a letter from paul to christians at ephesus. He functioned somewhat as a priestly servant sent to be a minister of christ jesus to the gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of god, so that the. Verse by verse teaching through the book of ephesians. The importance and style of prayer needed for the welfare of the church. It was written around 60ad during pauls house arrest in rome. Because the name ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read among all the churches in asia. The book of ephesians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. Ephesians a new testament book containing the epistle from saint paul to the ephesians which explains the divine plan for the world and the consummation of this in christ. Watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought.
Paul spent more time there than any other city about three years. For a brief time at the end of his second missionary journey, and then for more than two years on his third missionary journey, paul. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the will. It is listed among pauls letters in the early manuscripts and cited as such by early christian authors such as irenaeus against heresies 5. Lets study the letter of ephesians together with the bible teachers guide. Comprised of jews and nonjews, these followers form the covenant family god promised to abraham. Paul wrote this letter while enduring his first roman imprisonment in house arrest. The book of ephesians tells how the gospel affects our. Ephesus was the chief city of the coastal area of asia minor. As we continue in our faith from day to day, month to month, and year to year, the temptation to get comfortable will always exist. Each paragraph calls us to renewed thinking that leads to faithful godly lives. He does this in the form of praise, directed at god, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. In the book of ephesians, we see how the gospel story affects believers everyday lives.
The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus. Knowing jesus is a deeply personal and transformative encounter. They must be like his feet to take his gospel to all the people in the world. A free bible version and commentary on the letter to the ephesians in easyenglish. Mar 31, 2020 what does it mean that satan is prince of the power of the air ephesians 2. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity would receive this writing. It is clear from the bible account that these mens lives were in danger. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the. It is therefore critical to understand the nature and calling of the church that we might be effective members of the one body that is called to bear witness to gods grace in. We turn now to the epistle of paul to the ephesians, one of the greatest letters of the new testament. You followed the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. Ephesians synonyms, ephesians pronunciation, ephesians translation, english dictionary definition of ephesians.
Pauline authorship of ephesians does not appear to have been doubted in the early church. 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. This letter, in many ways, is the crowning glory of the new testament. Highly recommend to get a much better understanding of ephesians. If the words of demetrius are to be believed, she was worshipped by all asia and the world acts 19. It is likely that the gospel was first brought to ephesus by priscilla and aquila. A third key element in the theology of ephesians is the differentiation between jewish and gentile christians by the consistent use of the words gods people in reference to jewish christians. 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. I hope that, as we begin this doctrinal portion of ephesians, your heart. She is the bride of christ and a soldier fighting demonic forces. What is the meaning of ephesians chapter 1 answers. As a result, pauls travel companions, gaius and aristarchus of macedonia, were dragged into the theater. The letter is addressed to the church in the city of ephesus, capital of the roman province of asia asia minor, modern turkey.
Ephesians presents many significant themes which bring major contributions of thought. Nov 18, 2015 the book of ephesians is an incredible book, rich in the doctrines of god that gives the reader hope, assurance, and the protection theyll need and well need it because the enemy is out. Ephesians 2, international childrens bible icb the. As we begin our leisurely devotional trek through ephesians, i thought i might whet your appetite a bit. Ephesians definition is a letter addressed to early christians and included as a book in the new testament. Ephesians verse by verse teaching in the book of ephesians. When christ redeemed us from sin and death, he incorporated all believers into his body. Issues of authorship, and the history the text are also covered in detail. The book of ephesians was very likely written between a.
God the father planned throughout history for jesus to create a multiethnic community of followers. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity. Learn what the bible teaches in the book of ephesians. 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. While he already does a great job with the history and meaning, i think he has nailed it with bridging context and contemporary significance sections. Ephesians definition of ephesians by the free dictionary. Generation word bible teaching ministry enjoy fast paced verse by verse teaching of scripture with exegetical insight, historical information and relevant. Ephesians definition, a book of the new testament, written by paul. Ephesians sets forth what no other book of the new testament describes so completely the nature of the body of christ, which is the true church.
What does it mean that we are gods workmanship in ephesians 2. The book of ephesians is an incredible book, rich in the doctrines of god that gives the reader hope, assurance, and the protection theyll need and well need it because the enemy is out there. A key theme of the letter is the mystery meaning a heretofore unrevealed truth. Ephesians definition and meaning collins english dictionary. The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new. However, paul presented the gift of god in christ and the benefits we. The latter half of ephesians makes clear that spiritual growth occurs primarily in community with others, iron sharpening iron proverbs 27. I believe that this book of scripture is desperately needed today. This is well done enough book to use for a seminary class, but practical enough and engaging enough to use for a bible study. Ephesians 1, new international version niv the bible app. Ephesians is the goto book in the new testament for an understanding of gods sovereignty in salvation by grace, and therefore it shares much in common with pauls other masterwork.
529 475 1167 903 300 1257 220 423 696 1257 1247 372 210 787 385 390 930 1550 807 716 1212 8 814 314 671 440 1043 1345 1036 1085 601 661 116 1386 734 196 552 773 648 188 1306 177 1128 380 1389