|
|
Ephesians
|
Summary
|
Author
: Paul
Time
: A.D. 61
Summary
:
The letter is divided into two sections. The first
outlines the spiritual riches in Christ and our part
in God's eternal purpose; in the second section, Paul
discusses practical ways in which we can fulfil God's
purpose. The intent was to illustrate the abundance
of spiritual riches that Christ himself received or
would receive, namely grace, glory, mercy, immortality,
and to foster the incentive to walk as Christ himself
did. By doing so, believers would learn to walk worthy
of their calling. It is thought that this letter was
a circular letter, intended for other churches in
addition to the one in Ephesus.
Key
verse :
"God
raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the
heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the
coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of
his grace" (2:6,7).
|
|
 |
|
Outline
|
1.
Greetings 1:1–2
2.
Spiritual blessings in Christ 1:3–23
a)
The divine purpose 1:3–14
b) Prayer that Christians may realise God's purpose
1:15–23
3.
Steps toward the fulfilment of God's purpose 2–3
a)
Salvation of individuals by grace 2:1–10
b) Reconciliation of Jew and Gentile through Christ
2:11–22
c) Revelation of God's wisdom through the church 3:1–13
d) Prayer for deeper experience of God's fullness
3:14–21
4.
Practical ways to fulfil God's purpose 4:1–6:20
a)
Unity and maturity 4:1–16
b) Renewal of personal life 4:17–5:20
c) Consideration in personal relationships 5:21–6:9
d) Strength in spiritual conflict 6:10–20
5.
Conclusion and final greetings 6:21–24
(RH)
|
|
|
Ephesians
Author
–
Paul
Time – 62 – 63 A.D.
Summary
– The letter is divided into two sections. The first outlines the
blessings and spiritual riches in Christ; the second the walk in
imitation of Christ. The letter illustrates the abundance of spiritual
riches that Christ himself received, namely grace, glory, mercy,
immortality, and was written to foster the development of Christ–like
behaviour. By doing so, the believer would learn to walk worthy
of his vocation; not as Gentiles which know not God, but as children
of light who show forth love and walk correctly in all aspects of
life and action until the return of the Lord Jesus. It is thought
that this letter was one of several letters which were circulated
to the different churches in Asia and that it was written during
Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28 v 30).
Key
Verses – "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the
riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is
the exceeding greatness of His power towards us who believe, according
to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when
He raised him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in
the heavenly places." Ephesians 1 v 18 to 20
|
Our
wealth in Christ – Chapter 1 v 1 to 3 v 21
|
|
Passage
|
Subject
|
|
1
v 1 to 2
|
Salutation
|
|
1
v 3 to 23
|
The
origin of the church
|
|
2
v 1 to 22
|
The
construction of the church
|
|
3
v 1 to 21
|
The
function of the church
|
|
Our
walk in Christ – Chapter 4 v 1 to 6 v 24
|
|
Passage
|
Subject
|
|
4
v 1 to 16
|
Responsibilities
in the church
|
|
4
v 17 to 6 v 9
|
Individual
conduct
|
|
6
v 10 to 24
|
Faith’s
warfare
|
|
