Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity. Bible teaching online in audio, video, notes from the pauls epistle to the ephesians by galyn wiemers of generation word. 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. In the book of ephesians, we see how the gospel story affects believers everyday lives. Issues of authorship, and the history the text are also covered in detail. 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 believe that this book of scripture is desperately needed today.
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. 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. This designation of jewish christians as gods people occasionally occurs in special contexts in other pauline literature as well. Ephesians synonyms, ephesians pronunciation, ephesians translation, english dictionary definition of ephesians. Ephesians definition, a book of the new testament, written by paul. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the. 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. It is likely that the gospel was first brought to ephesus by priscilla and aquila. Your christian walk in other words, your daily life is to be characterized by unity, holiness, love, wisdom, and perseverance in spiritual warfare. 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. Ephesus was the chief city of the coastal area of asia minor. God the father planned throughout history for jesus to create a multiethnic community of followers. 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. Watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought.
Ephesians definition of ephesians by the free dictionary. The latter half of ephesians makes clear that spiritual growth occurs primarily in community with others, iron sharpening iron proverbs 27. Paul wrote this letter while enduring his first roman imprisonment in house arrest. 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.
Ephesians verse by verse teaching in the book of ephesians. The letter is addressed to the church in the city of ephesus, capital of the roman province of asia asia minor, modern turkey. Ephesians definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Highly recommend to get a much better understanding of ephesians. You followed the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. What does it mean that we are gods workmanship in ephesians 2. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries. Ephesians definition of ephesians by merriamwebster. 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. Chapter 1 establishes pauls view on the value of our salvation in christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. It was written around 60ad during pauls house arrest in rome. 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. Ephesians presents many significant themes which bring major contributions of thought. The meaning of the greek words is that god will add up everything.
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. 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. It is clear from the bible account that these mens lives were in danger. From chapter 1 to 6, in that order, you will read about. Each paragraph calls us to renewed thinking that leads to faithful godly lives.
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. As we begin our leisurely devotional trek through ephesians, i thought i might whet your appetite a bit. As a result, pauls travel companions, gaius and aristarchus of macedonia, were dragged into the theater. 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. Comprised of jews and nonjews, these followers form the. Pauline authorship of ephesians does not appear to have been doubted in the early church. Paul continues the prayer he began in verse 14 with a focus on the glory of god. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity would receive this writing. Ephesians, theology of definition and meaning bible dictionary. What is the meaning of ephesians chapter 1 answers. We turn now to the epistle of paul to the ephesians, one of the greatest letters of the new testament.
Knowing jesus is a deeply personal and transformative encounter. He does this in the form of praise, directed at god, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. 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 is listed among pauls letters in the early manuscripts and cited as such by early christian authors such as irenaeus against heresies 5. 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. The book of ephesians tells how the gospel affects our. 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. 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. Lets study the letter of ephesians together with the bible teachers guide. The importance and style of prayer needed for the welfare of the church. She is the bride of christ and a soldier fighting demonic forces. Verse by verse teaching through the book of ephesians. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the bible. I hope that, as we begin this doctrinal portion of ephesians, your heart.
However, paul presented the gift of god in christ and the benefits we. Its authorship has traditionally been attributed to paul the apostle but starting in 1792, this has been challenged as deuteropauline, that is. He did this for those of us who are in christ jesus. 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. Ephesians, theology of definition and meaning bible. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus.
Comprised of jews and nonjews, these followers form the covenant family god promised to abraham. The book of ephesians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. A free bible version and commentary on the letter to the ephesians in easyenglish. T he book of ephesians is 6 chapters of solid christian teachings. 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. Paul doesnt specify a specific heresy but does seem to want them to be identified with christ and one in a sense of purpose. This letter, in many ways, is the crowning glory of the new testament. When christ redeemed us from sin and death, he incorporated all believers into his body. If the words of demetrius are to be believed, she was worshipped by all asia and the world acts 19. 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. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the will. Finally, be strong in the lord and in his mighty power. Paul spent more time there than any other city about three years.
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 first three chapters of ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. This letter is one of pauls four imprisonment letters. Book of ephesians explained go to ephesians index title. This is well done enough book to use for a seminary class, but practical enough and engaging enough to use for a bible study. The book of ephesians was very likely written between a. This book is also available for purchase here on amazon. The book of ephesians is a letter from paul to christians at ephesus.
Ephesians free bible study commentary in simple english. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god. Put on the full armor of god, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. Ephesians definition is a letter addressed to early christians and included as a book in the new testament. Learn what the bible teaches in the book of ephesians. Ephesians 1, new international version niv the bible app. The opening address of ephesians is to the church at ephesus, meaning that this epistle was written to the ephesians. Generation word bible teaching ministry enjoy fast paced verse by verse teaching of scripture with exegetical insight, historical information and relevant. The book of philippians shows how living as a christian means seeing your own story as a living expression of jesus story. What does it mean that satan is prince of the power of the air ephesians 2. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the will of. What does it mean that god is rich in mercy ephesians 2. 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. 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 2, international childrens bible icb the bible app. You can find the best commentary on ephesians for you using the tools on the right side. The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new. They must be like his feet to take his gospel to all the people in the world. Ephesians 2, international childrens bible icb the. A key theme of the letter is the mystery meaning a heretofore unrevealed truth. 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. Mar 31, 2020 what does it mean that satan is prince of the power of the air ephesians 2. Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works.
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