Book introduction
The book of Ephesians
Ephesians lays out what God has done in Christ, then what that means for daily life. Chapters 1–3 are about grace, the church, and God’s plan to bring all things together. Chapters 4–6 cover unity, speech, family, and the armor of God.
Read Ephesians 2Start at chapter 1
Who wrote Ephesians?
The letter names Paul. Many scholars think a follower of Paul wrote it after his death, pointing to its style and its closeness to Colossians. Others hold that Paul wrote it, perhaps as a letter for several churches.
When was it written?
About AD 60–62 if by Paul in prison; about AD 80–90 on the other view.
Main themes
- Saved by grace
- Not by works, so no one can boast.
- One new people
- Jews and Gentiles made one in Christ.
- Walk worthy
- A new life of truth, kindness, and love.
- The armor of God
- Stand firm in God’s strength.
Outline of Ephesians
Key verses
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this does not come from you; it is God’s gift, not from works, so that nobody can boast.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us,
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Clothe yourselves with God’s full armor so that you are able to hold your ground against the devil’s tactics.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Read chapter 2, then the whole letter in one sitting.
Ask about this book
Questions about Ephesians?
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