Apostle Paul wrote an important letter to Christians living in Ephesus. This letter teaches us many valuable things about the plan of God and how we should live as followers of Jesus Christ.
About Apostle Paul
Before discussing the letter, let’s find out Who Apostle Paul was:
Paul began as Saul of Tarsus, a devout Pharisee and fierce persecutor of the early Christian church. However, after a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul converted and became Christianity’s foremost missionary.
Paul established churches throughout the Roman Empire and authored much of the New Testament. Even while imprisoned, Paul continued teaching and writing letters to encourage believers.
Paul wrote this letter nearly 2,000 years ago to the church in Ephesus, an important cultural and commercial center in ancient Rome. Ephesus was located in what is now western Turkey. The Ephesian Christians Paul addressed came from both Jewish and pagan backgrounds.
While the original recipients lived in a different time and place, Paul’s teachings in this letter remain relevant for believers today. The Ephesians remind us that the gospel unites people of all races, backgrounds, and nations into one family. This letter calls all Christians, both then and now, to live out our new identity in Christ in practical ways each day. By following Paul’s instructions, we allow the gospel story to shape our life story.
Why Paul Wrote to the Ephesians
Paul had spent over 2 years missioning in Ephesus earlier in his ministry. He likely wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome around 60-62 AD.
Paul’s purposes in writing included:
- Reminding believers of the gospel’s implications for all of life
- Addressing doctrinal concerns about grace, unity, and holiness
- Giving practical instructions for Christian living
- Fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians
- Encouraging believers to live out their new identity in Christ
Equipping the church to stand firm against spiritual attacks
With this background, let’s explore the contents of this pivotal letter.
What is This Letter About?
Paul’s letter can be separated into two main parts.
The first part of the letter focuses on the good news about Jesus. Paul explains how all of history led up to Jesus Christ coming. In Jesus, people can be forgiven and brought into God’s family. Because of Jesus, many different types of people can become unified as God’s people.
The second part of Paul’s letter shows how the good news about Jesus should impact how followers of Jesus live. Paul gives practical instructions for how Christians should act in their personal lives, families, churches, and communities.
Overall, this letter gives a beautiful summary of the gospel message and its effects on everyday life.
Part 1: The Story Gospel
In the opening of his letter, Paul praises God for His amazing plan to bless people through Jesus Christ.
- God the Father purposed long ago to adopt people into His covenant family. This family began with Abraham in the Old Testament (Genesis 12:1-3).
- Now, because of Jesus’s sacrifice, both Jews and non-Jews can become part of God’s family by faith. Jesus makes it possible for all people to experience God’s grace and forgiveness.
- Jesus also unites Jewish and non-Jewish believers into one body of people under His Lordship. God’s purpose was to bring all creation together under the Messiah, Jesus (Ephesians 1:10).
Paul continues by praying that the Ephesian Christians would fully grasp the power of the gospel. He prays they would know the same mighty strength that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20).
In chapter 2, Paul explains in more detail how non-Jews were able to join God’s family through faith in Jesus:
- Before knowing Jesus, non-Jews were separated from God’s people Israel. The Old Testament law acted like a wall keeping most Gentiles out.
- Without Christ, the Ephesians were trapped in purposeless, selfish lives. They were under the influence of dark spiritual forces.
- But God showed His great mercy by saving them. He forgave their sins and gave them new life through their union with Christ’s resurrection.
- In Jesus, the dividing wall of the law was removed. Now Jews and Gentiles can live together in peace as one family.
Paul ends the first half of his letter by praying the Ephesian Christians would truly grasp Christ’s love for them.
Part 2: Living Out The Gospel
In the second half of his letter, Paul explores practical ways the gospel should reshape believers’ daily lives.
Being One in Christ
- The church is one body unified by one Holy Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-6).
- Jesus’ family includes many diverse people who use their unique gifts to serve each other.
- Following Jesus means taking off the “old self” and becoming a “new humanity” restored to God’s image (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Imitating Jesus and the Holy Spirit
- Instead of falsehood, Christians should speak truthfully. Instead of anger, they should peacefully resolve conflicts. Instead of stealing, they should be generous (Ephesians 4:25-28).
- Paul compares marriage roles to Christ’s sacrificial love for the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).
- Christians should be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing, giving thanks, and serving others (Ephesians 5:18-21).
Fighting Spiritual Battles
- Christians must put on God’s armor to stand against evil spiritual forces trying to divide God’s people (Ephesians 6:10-18).
- By developing godly habits through prayer and God’s word, believers can grow into maturity in Christ (Ephesians 6:18).
Paul’s letter gives us a beautiful picture of the gospel’s effects on all of life!
Frequently Asked Questions about Paul’s Letter
Here are some common questions about this important book of the Bible:
What does it mean that we have been adopted into God’s family?
By faith in Jesus, we are made children of God and co-heirs with Christ, despite not being naturally born into His family (Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:15-17).
Why does Paul emphasize unity so much in this letter?
One of Paul’s main points is how the gospel brings together Jews and Gentiles. All races & backgrounds can worship Jesus as one family.
How does being filled with the Holy Spirit change how we live?
The Spirit increases Christlike virtues in us like joy, peace, kindness, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
What spiritual armor does God provide?
Truth, righteousness, gospel peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God help protect us from Satan’s attacks (Ephesians 6:14-17).
How can we build unity in our churches today?
By loving one another, seeking reconciliation, affirming each person’s value in Christ, and serving in humility.
Paul’s letter guides all followers of Jesus to live out the gospel every day. We can have confidence in God’s purpose and power at work within us.
