Ephesians: Introduction Theme: The Riches in Christ Jesus – Author: Paul v. 1 – Time period: considered to be AD – Written from prison in Rome – General encyclical None of the early manuscripts said Ephesus – 1 st three chapters are doctrine/theology – 2 nd three chapters are about practical behavior

God’s Mysteries – Unrevealed truth Deuteronomy 29:29 – Revealed truth Romans 1:19-20; Ps 25:14; Proverbs 3:2 – Truth revealed—just in time musteria Primary Purpose – To explain the Mysteries of the Church Matt. 13:34-35; Col. 1:26-27 To be in Christ The fullness in Christ The inheritance of being fellow heirs in Christ The Kingdom purpose for the church The Church: – Christ’s Body – Bride and Wife Ps. 107:41; Jer. 31:1; Eph. 2 – Flock Isa. 40:11; Ps. 23; Luke 12:32; Acts 20 – Vineyard or vine branches Isa. 5:1-7; John 15:5

Our Riches – Based on His grace 1:2, 6-7; 2:7 – His peace 1:2 – His will 1:5 – His kind intention 1:9 – His purpose 1:9, 11 – His glory 1:12, 14 – His calling 1:8 – His inheritance 1:18 – His power 1:19 – His love 2:4 – His workmanship 2:10 – His Spirit 3:16 – His gifts 4:11 – His sacrifice 5:2 – His strength 6:10 – His armor 6:11, 13

Paul’s salutation v. 1:1-2 – Paul writes will dual authority Apostleship of Christ Jesus The Will of God – Giving believers their dual designations Saints Faithful in Christ Jesus – Identifying believers dual blessings Grace Peace shalom – Identifying the dual source of the blessing God our Father The LORD Jesus Christ