Chapter 1
Paul begins his letter to the churches of Ephesus by reciting praise to our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ has blessed us beyond comprehension with His redeeming work on the cross. The adoption of us into His family, was predestined before time began. Paul shares his awe of God’s amazing work in a doxology of divine election and spiritual union. Once a mystery, Christ the Messiah has now been revealed to us, through whom we have purpose according to His redemptive blood. As those who were the first to believe (Paul and Jewish Christians), so have we received the seal and promise of His Holy Spirit. Paul then shares his great praise and thanksgiving towards the Ephesian churches, who have demonstrated a strong faith and bountiful love in serving one another. Paul shares his on-going prayers for the Ephesians, that the Lord may bestow his great wisdom and knowledge upon them, revealing more of the called purpose in their lives according to the revelation of Jesus Christ who is far above any ruler and set above all.
KEY VERSES: Ephesians 1:4 ~ “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love” Ephesians 1:7 ~ “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:21 ~ “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
Chapter 2
Life without Christ is one that is already dead, one in accordance with the devil. Due to the fall, the human condition is naturally drawn to this world consumed by sin. Our hearts and minds have dawned dirty lenses, shading us with pride, lust, dread, and selfishness. Those without Christ are dominated by their fleshly ambitions. Through the merciful work of God through Christ Jesus on the cross, we have received the opportunity for reconciliation with our loving Father in heaven. Paul writes in praise that while we were dead in spirit, Christ died for humanity, that we may have new life through His resurrected body. It is God’s delight to be merciful to us, all of salvation is a gift, not done as a joint operation between God and man (so that no one may boast in any work). This saving work of God leaves humanity with a choice; Acceptance of this gospel, receiving Christ into one’s heart, reconciled to Him and living anew brimming with grace, faith, temperance and love or we can continue to still be dead, rejecting this gospel and one day dwell in eternal suffering. We have been made one in Christ, Jew and Gentile are no longer separate peoples, one far off and one within God’s holy temple. The dividing wall which once read death to the Gentiles has been ripped down by the work of Christ. Christians have become the one united household of God: the foundation being built upon God’s appointed prophets and apostles and with Christ as the cornerstone.
KEY VERSES: Ephesians 2:8 ~ “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:13 ~ “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Chapter 3
Paul discusses his missionary purpose appointed to him directly by God, being chosen out of obscurity, with Christ Jesus being his only boast. Though Paul may suffer physically due to his unique ministry, the spiritual gain outweighs any pain ten-fold. As stated before, the mystery of Christ has now been revealed, no more divisions, no more temples, Christ makes His dwelling place within all those who take refuge in Him. These people embody His church, a vital part of His redemptive plan. The unsearchable mystery was never found but revealed so that we may become partakers of the promised gospel. Through the church, the manifold wisdom of God may shine like a stunning multicolored jewel and be declared to all nations. Paul concludes the first half of his letter by praying that the church would continue to receive inner spiritual strength through God’s internal dwelling, and receive understanding in spiritual virtue, all through faith in Jesus Christ. The ultimate work of the Holy Trinity is that we be rooted in love and be made whole in Christ who can do far more than we could understand. A believer’s attitude must be worthy of his appointed calling, the first three chapters of Ephesians serve as the ultimate statement of belief.
KEY VERSES Ephesians 3:6 ~ “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Ephesians 3:20-21 ~ “Now to him who can do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Chapter 4
Paul writes about the mission born again Christians are to accept when maturing in the gospel. He advises Christians to walk out a life that is worthy of God’s purpose and promotes His good news in speech and action. We should be eager to do good works according to the fruits of the Spirit, waiting to blossom as we continue in obedience with Christ. Paul continues by stating the importance of Church unity, for the Church acts as one harmonic body. There is no division in Christ, we are to not diminish one aspect of the body, prioritizing the rest. Christ equips all members of His body to do good works. The prophets, chosen vessels in foretelling and forthtelling the works of God. The apostles, tasked with the divine mission of Christ, to establish His church across the globe. Pastors and teachers, responsible for teaching the word of God in a truthful matter in accordance with scripture. All these roles in church serve in honoring the Lord and equipping the body for ministry and effective evangelism. Paul reminds the church to leave your old self behind, for its passions were crucified along with Christ (Galatians 5:24). The world’s wisdom holds no form, for Christ is the truth of life’s meaning (John 14:6). Freedom from sin and death has already been achieved, walking in purity, however, is a constant daily pursuit. Paul then instructs Christians in acts they ought to perform, each one beginning in a negatively put intonation (focuses on ridding oneself of fleshly reactions), followed by positive comparatives (adopt a Christ-like mannerism), which bridge to a spiritual principle in conclusion (so the truth of the gospel may spread effectively).
KEY VERSES: Ephesians 4:1 ~ “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:7 ~ “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:17 ~ “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.”
Chapter 5
Paul reminds the church to walk in love, that is, to be imitators of Christ’s love for us. This love is self-sacrificial, working to produce fruits of light for the kingdom of heaven. We are to reflect the character of God in all that we say, think and do, not partnering with those who intend to do the opposite. As Christians, we adopt counter cultural living, navigating this world as the luminous sons and daughters of the highest. Paul warns the church to avoid unfruitful works of darkness which bring nothing of value to our lives nor especially to the works of God’s kingdom. We are to invest our time wisely, for if our activities are not done out of good for the glory of God, then they are considered evil works of the flesh. Walk in submission to Christ, through the Holy Spirit and you will not gratify the lusts of the flesh (see Galatians 5:16). Paul closes with the perspective of Christ’s relationship with the church, one that every marriage between husband and wife should mirror. Wives are to submit to their husbands in honor to the Lord, showing respect. Husbands are to love their wives fully, withholding no ounce of care and concern. As a man loves and nurtures his own body, he must do the very same for his wife, for she is one with him.
KEY VERSES: Ephesians 5:1-2 ~ “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:15-16 ~ “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:21 ~ “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Chapter 6
Paul continues with instruction now to the children, advising them to obey the wise teaching of their parents so they may be mighty in the land (see Psalm 112:2-3) and their days may be full. Parents are instructed to lovingly discipline their children and not provoke them to rebellious wrath. Servants are also to obey their masters, showing respect with a genuine heart as working unto the Lord (see Colossians 3:23-24). Masters are to act likewise, understating that God is Master over all his people, having no bias. Lastly, Paul tells the church to be strong in the Lord, standing firm in their faith. Our battle is not with the sinners of this world, but against the evil invisibles, the dark forces which roam the earth, devouring those given to their sin. To defend against our spiritual enemies, we are to put on the armor of God, which makes us complete in the height of battle. The truth must be wrapped around us daily, as a belt that holds everything in place. Salvation must be a constant reminder stamped in our brains, a helmet which guards our minds from any doubt. The righteousness we receive through Christ Jesus must be affirmed in our hearts, serving as an impenetrable breastplate when dark powers attack. The gospel of peace we are to put on as shoes for our feet, a peace which covers us from head to toe, rendering it impossible for any evil to rise above your feet. Our faith must continually serve as a shield which defends against every fiery scheme and temptation of the devil. On the offensive, the sword of the Spirit, which through constant prayer, aids us in fending off the wickedness of this world and beyond. Paul reminds the church of his role as an ambassador in chains, a bondservant of Christ for the glory of His kingdom, always being diligent and alert, ready for spiritual warfare. He encourages the church to follow this crucial activity.
KEY VERSES: Ephesians 6:11-12 ~ “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:24 ~ “Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”