Names of the Book
English: | Ephesians |
Greek: | Εφέσιος |
Transliterated: | Ephesios |
Other names: | Paul's epistle to the Ephesians |
Who
Wrote the book: | Paul |
Are the key people: | Paul, Tychicus |
Is it written to: | The believers in Ephesus |
What
Unity in Messiah (Ephesians 1:1-3:21) |
Unity in the body of Messiah (Ephesians 4:1-6:24) |
When
Was it written: | c 60 CE |
Did the events occur: | c 60 CE |
Was it canonized: | c 70-170 CE |
(see the Timeline of the First Century) |
Where
Was it written: | Rome (while Paul was in prison) |
Did the events occur: | Ephesus |
Why
Ephesians was written to inform us that: |
G-d has a purpose for each of us. |
Messiah is the center of our faith and of our lives. |
Believers are the body of Messiah. |
Gentile believers have become part of the commonwealth of Israel: G-d's family. |
Believers should live their lives in a way that glorifies G-d. |
Introduction
Paul's letter to the believers in Ephesus shares G-d's eternal plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. The "book" of Ephesians tells them that this plan is a mystery that has been hidden for ages but has been revealed in the Messiah Yeshua. Paul extols the riches of the glory of Messiah, His work of salvation, and the redemption through His blood. Paul informs the believers that G-d has graciously saved them through the faith that He has implanted within them as a gift: G-d did not save them because of their actions, deeds, or works. Paul warns them that, as part of G-d's Kingdom, they will come under spiritual attack and should put on the spiritual armor of G-d to take a stand against the schemes of the devil. He concludes with an exhortation to pray at all times in the spirit, with a warning to be on the alert, and with a blessing of grace upon all those who love the Messiah Yeshua.
Scripture- Book Selection