Who wrote the Book of Ephesians?
We are told in the first verse of Ephesians that it was written by “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (1:1). This book is an epistle, meaning it is a letter, and Paul wrote this particular letter while in prison in Rome.
Where is Ephesians 4 found in the New Testament?
A fragment showing Ephesians 4:16-29 on recto side of Papyrus 49 from the third century. Ephesians 4 is the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
What does Ephesians 4 say about speaking the truth?
Ephesians 4. This is a part of the old man that must be put off; and that branch of the new man that must be put on in opposition to it is speaking the truth in all our converse with others. It is the character of God’s people that they are children who will not lie, who dare not lie, who hate and abhor lying.
Did Ephesians quote Paul’s own words?
It is also significant, and generally overlooked, that some of the writers of the Nag Hammadi documents quoted Ephesians as the apostle Paul’s own words. For instance, Ephesians 6:12 is quoted in the third-century AD Hypostasis of the Archons (2.86.20 – 25) as from “the great apostle.”
Who is Paul writing to in Ephesians 4?
While most English translations indicate that the letter was addressed to "the saints who are in Ephesus" (1:1), the words "in Ephesus" do not appear in the best and earliest manuscripts of the letter, leading most textual critics, like Bart Ehrman, to regard the words as an interpolation.
Why was Ephesians 4 written?
Therefore, this thesis concludes that Paul's primary intention of writing Ephesians is to inform the recipients of the ultimate purpose and goal of Christ's bestowal of at least one of the four (or five) gifts upon each believer: The body of Christ must be built (ultimate purpose) up to perfection (goal) by equipping ...
What is the main point of Ephesians 4?
Ephesians 4 calls us to unity. The author begs us to lead a life worthy of our calling. With humility and gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we are called to remember that there is one body … one Spirit …
Who was Paul who wrote Ephesians?
Paul probably wrote the book of Ephesians during his first Roman imprisonment around A.D. 60–62. Unique Features: The book of Ephesians addresses vital gospel principles. Among these are foreordination, the latter-day Restoration, and the Holy Spirit of Promise.
Who wrote Ephesians 4 and why?
Traditionally, it is believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome (around AD 62), but more recently, it has been suggested that it was written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style.
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.
Who is speaking in Ephesians 4?
Summarize Ephesians 4:7–10 by explaining that Paul taught that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have all been given the gift of His grace. He also taught that Christ had given other gifts to mankind.
Why did Paul write letter to Ephesians?
That's what life was like for the early Christians in Ephesus. So, the Apostle Paul wrote an impassioned letter to encourage the Ephesian Christians and energize them in their faith.
What does it mean to walk in your calling?
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1-6). Fully surrender—hands open, whatever it looks like, wherever He may lead you to go.
Did Paul actually write Ephesians?
The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians (see Ephesians 1:1).
Who wrote Ephesians Catholic?
PaulPaul, who is designated as the sole author at Eph 1:1, is described in almost unparalleled terms with regard to the significant role he has in God's plan for bringing the Gentiles to faith in Christ (Eph 3:1–12).
Who wrote Paul's letters?
Paul the ApostlePauline epistles / AuthorPaul, commonly known as Paul the Apostle and Saint Paul, was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world. Wikipedia
Text
The original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 32 verses.
The Church in its Calling and Confession (4:1–6)
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.
The Character and Purpose of Ministry in the Body of Christ (4:7–16)
This section can be seen as an elaboration of Romans 12:4–8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4–31, emphasizing that the church as Christ's body can only function effectively with the recognition of each church member's function within the body, and each individual function is appointed and made to work effectively by the enabling from Christ.
To Live as the Church in the World (4:17–32)
Stretching to 5:20, this part gives a general all-purpose set of instruction, with the classic "put off (vices) and put on (virtues)" in verses 22–32, using the familiar imagery of changing clothes for changing the character and lifestyle.
Who is the author of Ephesians?
2. There is early attestation of Paul as the author of Ephesians. Ephesians appears to have been used and quoted (or alluded to) authoritatively as a Pauline letter by many of the Apostolic Fathers, including Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Hermas, Epistle to Diognetus, and Polycarp.
Who does not think Paul wrote Ephesians?
In an important article on this topic, Ernest Best (who does not think that Paul wrote Ephesians) has amply demonstrated that there are insuperable difficulties in assuming that one writer used the letter of the other.
Where is Ephesians 6:12 cited?
For instance, Ephesians 6:12 is quoted in the third-century AD Hypostasis of the Archons (2.86.20 – 25) as from “the great apostle.”. The same verse is cited in Exegesis on the Soul (2.6.131) as the words of Paul. It is significant that Ephesians was recognized from the beginning as a Pauline letter.
What was Paul capable of writing with?
5. Paul was capable of writing with a range of styles and exhibiting his own literary flair. Many of those who do not think Paul wrote Ephesians put a lot of stock in an argument based on his style. For instance, Pheme Perkins writes, “the language of Ephesians also departs markedly from Paul’s style.”.
What are the two major theological accents in Ephesians?
Two of the major theological accents in Ephesians—the cosmic Christology and the realized eschatology —can best be explained in terms of the apostle Paul’s skillful and contextually appropriate remarks to people who need to be reminded of Christ’s supremacy over the powers of darkness and the believers participation in Christ’s power and authority over this realm.
What does Paul say in the second intercessory prayer?
He indicates that he is praying for his readers (1:15 – 23) and even emphatically introduces his second intercessory prayer with the words, “I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus [pray] on behalf of you Gentiles” (3:1). He even describes his posture when he prays (3:14).
Was Ephesians a literary source?
The hypothesis that the author of Ephesians used Colossians as a literary source is not persuasive. Many advocates of pseudonymity contend that the author of Ephesians edited Colossians as a literary source in the composition of Ephesians.
What is the meaning of Ephesians chapter 4?
Ephesians chapter 4. 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, ...
What is the focus of the first half of Ephesians?
The first half of Ephesians focuses mostly on doctrine, setting up ideas related to the Christian faith. The last half, beginning in chapter 4, puts those theories into practice.
What is the importance of the Ephesus letter?
As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus , this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer.
What does Paul begin by emphasizing?
Paul begins by emphasizing the ultimate unity of all Christians, regardless of individual spiritual gift s. Paul also begins to explain how knowledge of the truths should translate into action. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 feature specific, real-world applications of Christianity to daily life.
What is the purpose of chapter 4 of the Bible?
We may observe that in this, as in most others of Paul’s epistles, the former part is doctrinal, and fitted to inform the minds of men in the great truths and doctrines of the gospel, the latter is practical, and designed for the direction of their lives and manners, all Christians being bound to endeavour after soundness in the faith, and regularity in life and practice. In what has gone before we have heard of Christian privileges, which are the matter of our comfort. In what follows we shall hear of Christian duties, and what the Lord our God requires of us in consideration of such privileges vouchsafed to us. The best way to understand the mysteries and partake of the privileges of which we have read before is conscientiously to practise the duties prescribed to us in what follows: as, on the other hand, a serious consideration and belief of the doctrines that have been taught us in the foregoing chapters will be a good foundation on which to build the practice of the duties prescribed in those which are yet before us. Christian faith and Christian practice mutually befriend each other. In this chapter we have divers exhortations to important duties. I. One that is more general ( v. 1 ). II. An exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them ( v. 2-16 ). III. An exhortation to Christian purity and holiness of life; and that both more general ( v. 17-24) and in several particular instances ( v. 25 to the end).
What is the hope of the Bible?
Hope is here put for its object, the thing hoped for, the heavenly inheritance, to the hope of which we are called. All Christians are called to the same hope of eternal life. There is one Christ that they all hope in, and one heaven that they are all hoping for; and therefore they should be of one heart.
What does the Bible say about renewing your mind?
23 ); that is, use the proper and prescribed means in order to have the mind, which is a spirit, renewed more and more.’’.
When did Paul write the Ephesians?
Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon, as he sent all three letters by the hand of Tychicus, accompanied by Onesimus ( Ephesians 6:21 ; Colossians 4:7–9; Philemon 1:10–12 ).
What is the book of Ephesians about?
The book of Ephesians hits on a wide range of moral and ethical behaviors, designed to ensure believers are living up to our heavenly calling. As we continue in our faith from day to day, month to month, and year to year, the temptation to get comfortable will always exist.
Where did Paul go on his third missionary journey?
For a brief time at the end of his second missionary journey, and then for more than two years on his third missionary journey, Paul ministered to the church at Ephesus ( Acts 18:18–21; 19:1 –41 ). During his time in this city that housed the famous temple to the Greek goddess Artemis, Paul saw many converted to faith in Jesus Christ ...
Overview
Ephesians 4 is the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome (around AD 62), but more recently, it has been suggested that it was written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style. This chapter is a part of Paul's exh…
Text
The original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 32 verses.
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are:
• Papyrus 46 (~200)
• Papyrus 49 (3rd century; extant verses 16–29; 31–32).
• Codex Vaticanus (325–50)
The Church in its Calling and Confession (4:1–6)
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.
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
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.
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
The Character and Purpose of Ministry in the Body of Christ (4:7–16)
This section can be seen as an elaboration of Romans 12:4–8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4–31, emphasizing that the church as Christ's body can only function effectively with the recognition of each church member's function within the body, and each individual function is appointed and made to work effectively by the enabling from Christ.
Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”
To Live as the Church in the World (4:17–32)
Stretching to 5:20, this part gives a general all-purpose set of instruction, with the classic "put off (vices) and put on (virtues)" in verses 22–32, using the familiar imagery of changing clothes for changing the character and lifestyle.
See also
• Holy Spirit
• Jesus Christ
• Trinity
• Related Bible parts: Psalm 4, Psalm 68, Zechariah 8, Ephesians 1, Ephesians 3, Hebrews 7
Bibliography
• Dunn, J. D. G. (2007). "68. Ephesians". In Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.). The Oxford Bible Commentary (paperback) (first ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 1165–79. ISBN 978-0-19927718-6. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
• Kirkpatrick, A. F. (1901). The Book of Psalms: with Introduction and Notes. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Vol. Book IV and V: Psalms XC-CL. Cambridge: At the University Press. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
External links
• Ephesians 4 King James Bible - Wikisource
• English Translation with Parallel Latin Vulgate
• Online Bible at GospelHall.org (ESV, KJV, Darby, American Standard Version, Bible in Basic English)
• Multiple bible versions at Bible Gateway (NKJV, NIV, NRSV etc.)