The book of Ephesians emphasizes several things. One is that as believers in Jesus we are united. Regardless of our cultural, racial or economic background we are all brought together under Christ. A second emphasis is that we are saved by grace. We do not earn our salvation; it is a gift that God freely gives to his people. Thirdly the book of Ephesians encourages us to live out our faith. Paul is very practical (even giving advice on marriage and resisting the attacks of Satan).
Author:
- Paul the apostle
- Paul had a radical conversation experience (Acts 9:1-19)
- Before following Jesus he persecuted the church
- After conversion became an apostle and missionary
- Paul wrote several books in the New Testament (Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon)
- He was beheaded for his faith by emperor Nero
- Paul suffered many different things for following Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-33)
Date of writing:
Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome (around 62 AD)
Written to:
Paul wrote this book to the church in Ephesus from prison. Ephesus was a major city Asia Minor (what is now Turkey). The city was the home of the temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis (one of the wonders of the ancient world). The city of Ephesus was a place of trade and a center of paganism. Paul ministered in Ephesus for a couple of years (Acts 19).
Key verses:
• Ephesians 1:3
• Ephesians 2:8-10
• Ephesians 3:20-21
• Ephesians 4:2
• Ephesians 5:21
• Ephesians 6:10-17
Biography
Eerdmans Handbook to the Bible, edited by David Alexander and Pat Alexander. Lion Publishing, England, 1983.
Douglas, JD. Who’s Who in Christian History, “James, Brother of Jesus” page 351-352. Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton Illinois, 1992.
Beers Gilbert V. The Victor Handbook of Bible Knowledge. Victor books, USA, 1981.
