EPHESIANS BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTER: PAUL’S MESSAGE TO EPHESUS
Writing to the church in Ephesus, Paul shared the gospel message and how believers should respond as followers of Jesus. Paul previously spent two years in Ephesus, spreading the gospel and establishing the church (Acts 19). Years later, Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome. Despite his unfortunate circumstances, Paul encouraged believers to pursue their relationships with God and continue following Jesus. Because there were many new believers in the large city of Ephesus, Paul outlined the central message of the gospel and then showed the believers how to respond in love and faithfulness.
Paul also addressed the church in Ephesus in his letters to Timothy (1 + 2 Timothy). In those more personal letters, Paul wrote about specific issues and conflicts within the church. In Ephesians, Paul shared a broader message, meant to challenge and strengthen the church in Ephesus.
MAIN IDEAS: RESPONDING TO THE NEWS OF JESUS
Jesus is the source of redemption and salvation for all believers. (Ephesians 1:7-10)
Salvation comes from faith in Jesus alone, not by actions or good works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Believers are called to embrace their new selves and follow Jesus’ example. (Ephesians 4:22)
Followers of Jesus are God’s beloved children, called to imitate Christ. (Ephesians 5:1)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: FIGHTING SPIRITUAL BATTLES
God has not abandoned His people to fight for themselves. Instead, He has equipped them with full armor! Believers have specific weapons that they can use against spiritual opposition, including truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation. God has also given believers Scripture - a powerful weapon against spiritual attacks. By studying the Bible, you are utilizing God’s gift of protection and power (Ephesians 6:10-20)!
Although there are many epic battles throughout Scripture, the armor of God is not for battles of flesh and blood; instead, it is to be used against spiritual forces and unseen powers. John 10:10 says that the enemy wants to kill, steal, and destroy God’s good gifts, but Jesus came to provide abundant life. God wants His people to withstand the attacks of the enemy and be prepared with the weapons of victory He has given believers.
JESUS IN EPHESIANS: GOD’S PLAN FOR RESTORATION
Ephesians emphasizes the presence of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, highlighting their unique roles in the plan for salvation. The book explains that Jesus is God’s response to sin, and God’s ultimate plan is revealed through Christ. God desires to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth, and He offers this unity through the sacrifice of Jesus.
God has been on a mission to redeem humanity from the beginning. Sending Jesus to die on the cross was never the backup plan - it was the ultimate plan! Ephesians 1:4 reveals that God wanted restoration for His people before they were even created. Through Jesus, God shows His creative and intentional nature as well as His kindness towards humanity.
