What does the Bible say about Ephesians?
The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. Chapter 1 establishes Paul's view on the value of our salvation in Christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. He does this in the form of praise, directed at God, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven.
How to prepare for a Bible study?
Here are some tips to staying committed with your schedule:
- Start small. Just 10-15 minutes gives you time to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, read a chapter, then prayerfully reflect on what you just read. ...
- Eliminate distractions. It’s so easy to have emails or texts pinging us before we even get out of bed. ...
- Tell others. Let your spouse, parents, siblings, kids, etc., know you need this time to yourself. ...
Where is Ephesians in the Bible?
Ephesians is the great Pauline letter about the church. It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is Christ ( Eph 4:15 ), the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making God’s plan of salvation known throughout the universe ( Eph 3:9 – 10 ).
How to study your Bible?
- A Tennessee mom alleges her child's teacher discussed "how to torture a Jew" in a Bible history class.
- "The idea of my daughter feeling unsafe in class — it's gut-wrenching," Juniper Russo told Insider.
- The teacher unequivocally denied the accusation, which led to a district investigation.
What is the main message of Ephesians?
Ephesians teaches that the Gospel makes way for a new multi-ethnic family of God, transforming how we live as a new humanity unified in love. Ephesians teaches that the Gospel makes way for a new multi-ethnic family of God, transforming how we live as a new humanity unified in love.
How do you read Ephesians?
1:348:57Overview: Ephesians - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEvery part of our lives he says in chapter 1 verse 10 the God's purpose was to unify all things inMoreEvery part of our lives he says in chapter 1 verse 10 the God's purpose was to unify all things in heaven and on earth. Under. Christ which is a title that means Messiah God's.
What can we learn from Ephesians 1?
Explain that in his epistle recorded in Ephesians 1–6, the Apostle Paul addressed the Saints who were in Ephesus and surrounding areas. His aim was to strengthen those who were already members of the Church and to help recent converts grow in their spiritual knowledge and remain faithful to their covenants.
What do we learn from Ephesians 2?
“In Ephesians 2:8–10, Paul discussed the relationship between grace, faith, and good works. Ultimately, salvation comes through the merits of Jesus Christ's work, not on our own. Paul called followers of Jesus Christ '[God's] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works' (Ephesians 2:10).
Who is Paul speaking to in Ephesians?
In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he speaks to Jews and non-Jews, two groups that were divided by so many factors it would have taken an act of God to unite them. In the first three chapters, Paul teaches about the great measures God took in order to make these two groups into one new humanity in Jesus.
What was wrong with the Church of Ephesus?
Rather than uphold the sanctity of its Christian faith, the church had largely sold out to the political powers of the city. Rather than shine as a beacon of Christian faith, hope, and love. The church at Ephesus had aligned itself with the powers of darkness and embraced the vile nature of corrupt politics.
How can we apply Ephesians in our life?
Part Two: Jacob's Ladder Bible Study on Ephesians 1Knowing who you are in Christ.Stop condemning yourself.Know that you are unconditionally loved.You have God's grace – accept it!Blessed to be a blessing.Embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit.Church leaders – be encouraged.Go out and spread the Word.More items...
What does the word Ephesians mean?
(ɛˈfiʒənz ; ɪˈfiʒənz ) noun. a book of the New Testament: a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Christians of Ephesus.
Who was Ephesians written to?
In the King James Version of the Bible, Ephesians 1:1 states that the Epistle to the Ephesians is addressed “to the saints which are at Ephesus.” However, the earliest manuscripts of Ephesians do not contain the words “which are at Ephesus.” This suggests the possibility that Paul may not have written the epistle ...
What is Ephesians 3 talking about?
This chapter is a part of long prayer of Paul (from Ephesians 1:3 to 3:21), with the particular section about Paul's stewardship of the great divine mystery, the petition for Christ to dwell in the believers' heart, and a doxology.
What does it mean Ephesians 2 1 10?
Ephesians 2:1-10 speaks of how God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins and trespasses. If we break down this sacred text down verse by verse we are able to identify the ideas of Christ as our saviour and God's mercy and grace.
Who is talking in Ephesians 4?
Paul exhorts the church about its "calling", to live the whole life as a response to God's summons, while maintaining the unity in the Spirit; this a common calling for every believer, regardless of rank or ability, focusing on one common Lord, Jesus.
When did Paul write Ephesians?
Occasion for The Letter. It is believed Paul wrote Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome (61-62 AD). On that occasion, Paul was returning Onesimus (a runaway slave) to his Christian master, Philemon, who lived in Colossae. The returning group would have traveled through Ephesus on their way home.
Why is it important to understand the radical nature of the message of Ephesians?
In order to understand the radical nature of the message of Ephesians or even some of Paul’s harsh language toward Gentiles, it is important to provide some cultural and historical context for the Jew / Gentile relationship in the ancient world.
How long did Paul spend in Ephesus?
Paul spent more than two years in the city, preaching the gospel to Jew and Gentile, ministering with power and building up the church there. His farewell speech to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38) summarizes his great success while in Ephesus and stands as one of the most poignant portions of the New Testament.
What was the world divided between in the Old Testament?
From the perspective of a first-century Israelite, the world was divided between those who belonged to the covenant community of God (the Jews) and those that did not (the Gentiles). Indeed, the entire Old Testament reflected God’s election, love, blessing and discipline for the chosen nation of Israel.
Did Paul mention the Gentiles?
But the view of Gentiles outside of those who had professed faith in Christ still remained nearly unchanged. Paul’s letters are especially filled with references to our former (sinful) way of life, in reference to Gentiles.
Is Ephesians a Pauline letter?
Ephesians is unlike other Pauline letters in that it is NOT addressed to a particular situation or problem. (We see the particularity in the divisions mentioned in 1 Corinthians or the compromise of the gospel which Paul fought against in Galatians.)
How long is Ephesians chapter 6?
Since the book is only six chapters long, it provides a very good length for Bible study groups to commit to roughly three months of study once per week . The lessons are designed as a resource which can help teachers both understand and teach the text of Ephesians.
What is the second book of the Bible?
Ephesians is the second book we would recommend to a Bible study group to dive into after the book of Mark. The first three chapters of Ephesians expound on the very core foundations of faith which we have as believers. Salvation, Holy Spirit, predestination, redemption, faith, and Jesus are just a few of the doctrines which Paul covers.
What is the theme of the Book of Ephesians?
The concept that the elect Jews and Gentiles compose the one family of God, the one holy nation, is a central theme of the Book of Ephesians. The traditional idea, that God deals in one manner with the Gentiles and another with the Jews, and that the races are identifiable in the Kingdom of God, has wrought havoc in the interpretation ...
What is the purpose of Ephesians 2:21-22?
Ephesians 2:21,22 is one of the passages that emphasize God’s purpose in all His workings. He is creating a holy temple. The Temple of God is being constructed. The eternal Temple of God, the House of God, is Christ—Head and Body. Here is one of the central truths of all Scripture.
What does Ephesians 2:21 mean?
Ephesians 2:21 is a significant statement. Some passages of the Scriptures teach us of God’s ways. Other passages of Scripture inform us of God’s purpose, God’s goal, God’s mark toward which He is pressing. Ephesians 2:21,22 is one of the passages that emphasize God’s purpose in all His workings.
What is the first verse of chapter 3?
The first verse of Chapter Three begins with the phrase, “For this cause.” As we learned from Chapter Two, Paul was ministering to the Gentile nations so that those people may become fellow members of the Body of Christ, fellow partakers of the promises in Christ, rooms in the eternal Temple of God. This was Paul’s burden for prayer and service.
What is the traditional idea that God deals in one manner with the Gentile Christians and in another with the Jewish Christians?
The traditional idea, that God deals in one manner with the Gentile Christians and in another with the Jewish Christians, and that the races are identifiable in Christ, has created havoc in the interpretation of the Scriptures—particularly the writings of the Hebrew Prophets.
Is the idea of serving Christ and suffering for Christ a Christian teaching?
The idea of serving Christ and suffering for Christ has nearly disappeared from present-day Christian teaching. No member of the Body of Christ is without a purpose, a use, a function, a job to do, a work to accomplish, a task to fulfill.
What does the Book of Ephesians tell us?
Book of Ephesians - Chapter One. -- Chapter one of Ephesians tells us that we are spiritually blessed. In this chapter of our Ephesians Bible study we learn that Christians are chosen by the Father (vs 3-6), redeemed by the Son (vs 7-12), and sealed by the Holy Spirit (vs 13 and 14). What a great God we have who loves us so much!
What does the Bible say about the Ephesians?
In this Ephesians Bible study we learn that Paul tells of the great privilege of the Ephesians. In times past they lived as idolatrous heathens; but now they're converted to Christianity and received into covenant with God. Paul illustrates this from a view of their deplorable state before their conversion.
What does Ephesians chapter 2 teach us?
We also learn when we become Christians we are not who we used to be and we are filled with new life and have the blessings of God's kindness and eternal gift to us.
What is the mystery in Ephesians chapter 3?
-- Chapter three of Ephesians reveals to us the mystery that was kept secret since the beginning of time. As if that wasn't enough, we learn about the deepest riches of God's loving grace.
What does chapter 5 teach us?
-- Chapter five teaches us how to walk in love, light, and wisdom while watching around us so as to be wary. We also learn the Christian principles of submission in different relationships.
Why did Paul write the Book of Ephesians?
It's also said that because of his afflictions, Paul had the greatest relish and appreciation of the things of God.
How does Paul illustrate this from a view of their deplorable state before their conversion?
Paul illustrates this from a view of their deplorable state before their conversion. Paul then instructs them in the duties of the Christian life. He also exhorts and encourages them to be faithful in their walk.
Where did Paul first visit Ephesus?
Paul first came to Ephesus for a short visit toward the end of his second missionary journey (Ac 18:18-19). Located on the SW coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), Ephesus was one of the greatcities in that part of the world. A Roman capital, it was a wealthy commercial center and home for theworship of the goddess Diana (cf. Ac 19:23-41). Though Paul briefly studied with the Jews at thelocal synagogue and was invited to stay longer, he made plans to visit them again after a quick trip toJerusalem (Ac 18:20-21).
What does Paul say about unity?
Withhumility, gentleness, longsuffering, forbearance and love, they should be diligent to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The unity of the Spirit is then defined as consisting of one body, oneSpirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God (1-6).
Introduction
Steps to Prepare For Your Study
- The following steps will be helpful in getting the most from your Ephesians Bible study: 1. Read an introduction to Ephesians in a study Bible, Bible dictionary or one-volume commentary (you can check out my Bible Study Tools page for some of my recommendations.) 2. Study the Ephesians outline. Notice where the natural divisions occur. You can view...
Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
- Paul first visited Ephesus on his return from his second missionary journey (Acts 18:21). He promised to return shortly thereafter, a promise he kept with his third missionary foray (Acts 18:23; 19:1-20:1), a majority of which was in Ephesus. Paul spent more than two years in the city, preaching the gospel to Jew and Gentile, ministering with power and building up the church ther…
Occasion For The Letter
- It is believed Paul wrote Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome (61-62 AD). On that occasion, Paul was returning Onesimus (a runaway slave) to his Christian master, Philemon, who lived in Colossae. The returning group would have traveled through Ephesus on their way home. Paul took this opportunity to craft the letter to Philemon, as well as Colossians and Ephesians a…
Main Themes
- Ephesians is unlike other Pauline letters in that it is NOT addressed to a particular situation or problem. (We see the particularity in the divisions mentioned in 1 Corinthians or the compromise of the gospel which Paul fought against in Galatians.) There is a breathtaking and cosmic quality to the themes that are covered in Ephesians. Here we are treated to God’s universal plan which h…
Overview of Ephesians
- In the first three chapters, we are treated to the way in which God joined Jew and Gentile into one glorious body. This is a grand picture of the church, replete with the sinful past we left behind and the spiritual blessings that are now accrued to every believer. Once Paul has established our position in Christ, he then makes an appeal on what it means to walk worthy of our calling in Chr…
Cultural and Historical Background For Ephesians
- In order to understand the radical nature of the message of Ephesians or even some of Paul’s harsh language toward Gentiles, it is important to provide some cultural and historical context for the Jew / Gentile relationship in the ancient world. From the perspective of a first-century Israelite, the world was divided between those who belonged to the covenant community of God (the Jew…