Ephesians explodes with treasures of truth in every chapter.

Paul’s description of our blessings in Christ Jesus will stir our hearts to worship him (1:3-14). His exposition of God’s amazing grace in raising us from death to life will humble us and move us toward devotion and ministry (2:1-10). Paul’s vision of the church—a new society united by Christ and under Christ that causes cosmic creatures to stand in awe (3:1-13)—will strengthen our commitment to God’s people. The gifts Christ gives to his church for ministry will strengthen our ministry—to one another and to the world (4:7-16). The book is full of precious promises and radical grace. We study it to strengthen our love for Christ, for one another, and for all who are yet to hear of Christ’s grace.

“...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
— Ephesians 1:18

THEOLOGICAL THEMES IN THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

  • Christology. The branch of Christian theology relating to the person, nature, and role of Christ. Ephesians emphasizes what Jesus has done—from before the foundation of the earth and into eternity future—to save us from our sin. The blessings and privileges of believers are based firmly on the work of Christ, a new life that his resurrection secures and that matters now. (These are present benefits, not merely future hopes.)

  • Ecclesiology. Theology as applied to the nature and structure of the Christian Church. Ephesians celebrates the truth that Christ has saved—not persons, but a people. According to this letter, the Church is a glorious new society that walks in unity and love, transcends ethnic barriers, and submits to the headship of Christ.

  • Sanctification. The action of making or declaring something holy. Christians’ lives must be consistent with the reality of the new creation. Ephesians reminds readers to be who they already are—walking in godliness (4:1-6), holiness (4:17-24), love (5:1-2), and wisdom (5:15-21).

OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

  • Ephesians 1:1-2:10

  • Ephesians 2:11-3:21

  • Ephesians 4:1-5:21

  • Ephesians 5:21-6:24

    Because Ephesians’ teaching on marriage runs against the grain of cultural trends, we will slow down through 5:21-33, supplementing Paul’s teaching with other biblical passages on gender (Gen 2:18-25) and singleness (1 Cor 7:25-38).