Ephesians Introduction

Who wrote Ephesians? Paul Jewish Pharisee who persecuted the church Was converted to Christ and began preaching Jesus as the Messiah Major author of the NT 13 canonical letters Each letter was written to address specific situations

Where was Paul when he wrote Ephesians? Prison in Rome

Why did Paul write Ephesians? General encouragement for the believers who may have been suffering persecution Remind the believers of the greatness of their salvation Converts to Christianity in the region needed instruction on how to live the Christian life

Major Themes God’s work of salvation Unity in the Church 1:3-14 2:1-10 Unity in the Church 2:12-16 4:1-7 Universal Authority of Jesus as Lord 1:19-21 3:10, 20 6:12

Distinctive Christian Ethic 4:17, 25-32 5:3-5 Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare 6:11-12

Ephesians 1:1-2 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Three Elements of the Introduction Identity of the Author Identity of the Recipients Greeting (Well-wish/prayer)

1. The Identity of the Author

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus” Paul has been sent to preach, teach, and write God’s words with authority. 1 Thessalonians 1:13 “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”

“By the will of God” Paul did not choose to be an apostle, rather God chose him. God has a plan and purpose for everything he does, and he is working out all things according to his plan of salvation and redemption. Ephesians 1:11 “him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”

2. The Identity of the Recipients

“to the saints who are in Ephesus” “Holy ones” Separated by God from the world for his purposes. The believers in Ephesus have been made holy in the sense that they have been saved and set apart. They will be made practically holy throughout their lives. Exhortations in Ephesians 4-6

“and are faithful in Christ Jesus” Those who are believing in Jesus When a person places his or her faith in Christ, he or she becomes so closely related with Christ that Paul can speak of that person as being “in Christ.”

3. Greeting (well-wish/prayer)

”Grace to you and peace” “Both are key words that describe God’s initial salvation, and both describe God’s continuing work among his people.” (Kyle Snodgrass)

Grace “God’s unmerited or undeserved favor in providing salvation for sinners through Christ’s sacrificial death . . . and enablement for the believer.” ( Harold Hoehner) 1 Corinthians 15:10 Ephesians 4:7 Appreciate grace and appropriate it in your life

Peace “The grace of God that brings salvation to sinners effects peace between them and God, and that same grace enables believers to live peaceably with one another.” (Harold Hoehner) Be at peace with one another as an expression of God’s gracious work in our lives.

“from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” God is described as “our Father” Ephesians 1:5 “In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.” Jesus is described as “the Lord” Ephesians 1:19b-21 “according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and dominion, and above every

What Can I Take Home? God works all things according to his will, and we can trust that his will is “good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). We have been set apart by God’s gracious salvation, such that our trust is not in ourselves but in God. We have access to God’s grace and his peace. We should give thanks and make use of these gifts.