The spiritual wars Ephesians

 Ephesus Capital of western Turkey Financial center of Asia Minor Temple of Artemis (one of seven wonders of the world)  Paul lived in Ephesus two to three years  Written from “Paul” in prison (3:1) early 50s CE?  Addressed to Gentiles  Encourages believers in God’s plan for them and in their identity in Christ Date and Place

 BUT letter is distant, less personal Has Paul met these people?  “To Ephesians” added later A circular letter? A general letter for broad distribution?  Similar to contents of Colossians  Dissimilar to Paul’s seven “undisputed” letters Authorship

 Paul wrote Ephesians together with Colossians and Philemon. He sent three letters to Asia with Tychicus, late 60s CE.  A disciple of Paul wrote Ephesians as a generic statement of Paul’s teaching, 70– 80s CE.  An admirer of Paul later wrote Ephesians to continue Paul’s teaching, early 90s CE. Three Scenarios for Authorship

 God’s mysterious (hidden) plan To unite all things in Christ (1:9–10) Crucifixion: all are forgiven Cross destroys law that divides Jews and Gentiles Christ exalted over all spiritual powers Signs: arrival of Holy Spirit and unity of church  Elevation of the universal “church” Christ died for and sanctified the church Church is Christ’s body, a living, holy temple What you do to yourself, you do to Christ’s body Theological Themes

 The idealized believer  Growth in knowledge  Speaking truth  Liturgical tone with emphasis on prayer  Love Theological Themes

 Salutation, blessing, thanksgiving (1:1–23)  In Christ (2:1–18) A new creation United from afar (all people) with Christ Built into the holy temple of God (2:19–22)  Mystery of Christ revealed to Paul (3:1–13) Prayer for Ephesians (3:14–21)  Unity of life in Christ (4:1–5:20) Humility, love, new life  Household codes (5:21–6:9)  Wear the armor of God, closing (6:10–24) Outline