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Introduction to the Book of Ephesians
Scripture Passage:
Ephesians 1:1 - THE AUTHOR OF THE EPISTLE
- The Identity of the Author
- “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
See All...) - “For this cause I Paul” (Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
See All...) - The Human Penman
- Why not Paul
- His infirmity of the flesh (Galatians 4:13Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
See All...) - Could be connected to the “thorn in the flesh”
- I see two real possibilities those being the “Infirmities and persecution” and the “eye problems”
- What do we know about it
- It was attributed to Satan (2 Corinthians 12:7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
See All...) - God could have removed it (2 Corinthians 12:8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
See All...) - It was in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
See All...) - It brought weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
See All...) - I lean toward the eye problem (Galatians 4:15Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
See All...) - Note: It could be that when God met the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus he left him with a reminder much like He did Jacob in Genesis 32:25And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
See All..., 31 - More importantly what is the purpose of the “thorn in the flesh”?
- For Paul it was “lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations”
- Paul had received many revelations from God
- On the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6 [3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
See All...) - In Jerusalem (Acts 22:17-21 [17] And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
[18] And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
[19] And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
[20] And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
[21] And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
See All...) - At Troas (Acts 16:8-10 [8] And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
[9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
[10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
See All...) - In Corinth (Acts 18:9-11 [9] Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
[10] For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
[11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
See All...) - In Jerusalem (Acts 23:11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
See All...) - On the way to Rome (Acts 27:22-25 [22] And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
[23] For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
[24] Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
[25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
See All...) - The vision of Paradise (2 Corinthians 12:1-6 [1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
See All...) - Paul could have very easily gloried in the revelations but rather he gloried in the infirmities (2 Corinthians 11:30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
See All..., 2 Corinthians 12:5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
See All..., 9) - Paul’s typical approach (Romans 16:22I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
See All...) - Paul speaks
- The penman writes
- Paul’s exception (Galatians 6:11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
See All...) - The identity of the penman
- Tychicus was going to Ephesus (Ephesians 6:21-22 [21] But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
[22] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
See All...). - Tychicus was responsible for filling in the Ephesians on the apostle Paul (Ephesians 6:22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
See All...). - The subscript of Ephesians states that the epistle was written by Tychicus.
- The Circumstances of the Author
- “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,” (Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
See All...) - “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,” (Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
See All...) - “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
See All...) - THE RECIPIENTS OF THE EPISTLE
- Paul’s Ministry at Ephesus
- Second missionary journey
- Paul came to Ephesus but left Aquila and Priscilla at Syria (Acts 18:19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
See All...) - He entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews (Acts 18:19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
See All...) - When they desired him to stay longer, he could not because he said he needed to keep the feast in Jerusalem (Acts 18:20-21 [20] When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
[21] But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
See All...) - Third missionary journey
- Paul found disciples who only knew of the After divers were hardened Paul departed the synagogue to dispute daily in the school of Tyrranus (Acts 19:9But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
See All...)baptism of John and he told them of the purpose of John’s baptism and baptized them in the name of Jesus (Acts 19:5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
See All...) - Paul laid hands on them and the Holy Ghost came upon them and they spake with tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
See All...) - Paul went into the synagogue for about three months disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God (Acts 19:8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
See All...) - All that dwelt in Asia heard the word (Acts 19:10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
See All...) - They took handkerchiefs or aprons from the body of Paul and healed the sick and the evil spirits went out of them (Acts 19:12So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
See All...) - Certain vagabond Jews, exorcists, tried to cast out evil spirits, but the spirits knew them not and overtook them (Acts 19:13-16 [13] Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
[14] And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
[15] And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
[16] And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
See All...) - Fear fell on all, and many believed. Many also which used curious arts brought their books and burned them (Acts 19:17-19 [17] And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
[18] And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
[19] Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
See All...) - Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
See All...) - Paul sent Timotheus and Erastus to Macedonia but he stayed in Asia for a season (Acts 19:22So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
See All...) - Then Demetrius stirred up the silversmith against Paul because people were turning from worshipping the work of their hands. (Acts 19:23-26 [23] And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
[24] For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
[25] Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
[26] Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
See All...) - The people gathered in the theatre and were confused shouting different things. The people were silenced and the assembly dismissed. (Acts19:29-41)
- Paul addressed the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-35 [17] And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
[18] And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
[19] Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
[22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
[23] Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
[25] And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
[26] Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
[27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
[28] Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
[29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
[30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
[31] Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
[32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
[33] I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
See All...) - Paul said he had a fight on his hands in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
See All...) - John’s Letter to Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7 [1] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
[2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
[3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
[4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
[5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
See All...) - I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience,
- And how thou canst not bear them which are evil:
- And thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
- And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
- Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
- Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent,
- And do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
- But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
- Timothy’s Ministry in Ephesus
- Paul had Timothy stay at Ephesus and work while he went to Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
See All...) - This was during the third missionary journey (Acts 19:1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
See All...; Acts 20:1And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
See All...) - THE BREAKDOWN OF THE EPISTLE
- Book Statistics
- Chapters - 6
- Verses – 155
- Words – 3039
- Book Structure
- Doctrinal (Ephesians 1-3)
- Chapter 1 – God’s Purpose in Christ
- From before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
See All...) - Ending with the world to come (Ephesians 1:21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
See All...) - Chapter 2 – God’s Purpose in Us in Time
- From those “who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
See All...) - To “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
See All...) - Chapter 3 – God’s Purpose in Time
- Note the words connected to time
- Dispensation (Ephesians 3:2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
See All...) - Ages (Ephesians 3:5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
See All...) - Now (Ephesians 3:5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
See All...) - From the beginning (Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
See All...) - Now (Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
See All...) - Eternal (Ephesians 3:11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
See All...) - Ages (Ephesians 3:21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
See All...) - Practical (Ephesians 4-6)
- Chapter 4 – God’s Purpose in Us in the Church
- Six of the seven occurrences of the word walk come in chapters 4-6.
- The two occurrences of the word unity come in chapter 4.
- Chapters 5 & 6 – God’s Purpose in Us Concerning Others
- The world (Ephesians 5:3-17 [3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
[16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
[17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
See All...) - The home (Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
See All...-Ephesians 6:4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
See All...) - The workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9 [5] Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
[6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
[7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
[8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
[9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
See All...) - The warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20 [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
[19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
[20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
See All...) - The Order of Doctrine then Practice
- Doctrine affects practice
- We are to take the doctrinal information and apply it to our personal lives.
- Simon Peter had the wrong practice because of his mixed up doctrine.
- Jesus said if His kingdom were of this world, His servants would fight (John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
See All...) - Peter rebuked the Lord concerning His crucifixion (Matthew 16:21-23 [21] From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
[22] Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
[23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
See All...) - Peter was rebuked for cutting off Malchus’ ear (John 18:1-11 [1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
[2] And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
[3] Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
[4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
[5] They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
[6] As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
[7] Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
[8] Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
[9] That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
[10] Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
[11] Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
See All...) - If we get the doctrinal lessons of the Bible correct, then we will have no problem with the practical lessons of the Bible
Proverbs 30:9
Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.