Meaning of the book of ephesians

These studies will guide you through this lifechanging book of the bible and give you practical application to help you grow in your faith, gain greater intimacy with jesus, experience the victorious christian life, and. Ephesians 1 is a beautiful introduction to how we have received every. God the father planned throughout history for jesus to create a multiethnic community of followers. Epistle to the ephesians a new testament book containing the epistle from saint paul to the ephesians which explains the divine plan for the world. What stands out as unique or significant as you read.

Its authorship has traditionally been attributed to paul the apostle but starting in 1792, this has been challenged as deuteropauline, that is, written in pauls name by a later author strongly influenced by pauls thought, probably by a loyal disciple to sum up pauls teaching. It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. The book of ephesians gives practical, encouraging advice on living a life that honors god, which is why its still relevant in a conflictridden world. Feb 10, 2019 the apostle paul is credited as the author. Ephesians, theology of definition and meaning bible. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god. Diana of the ephesians lockyers all the women of the. Read the book of ephesians as if it were a letter from the apostle paul written to your own church. I, therefore, the prisoner of the lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Youll also learn about how were members of one body in this second chapter of the book of ephesians. The city of ephesus was a large commercial port city in asia minor present day turkey located at. In ephesians chapter 2 we learn that christians are saved by grace. Ephesians was written by paul to the christians in the city of ephesus, which had a significant population of gentile believers. After attempting to fathom the pauline thought of ephesians through a careful consideration of the epistle itself, as well as through the various interpretations of leading new testament scholars, one finds it quite easy to agree with john mackays suggestion that this letter is the most contemporary book in the bible.

Ephesians definition of ephesians by merriamwebster. The aim of this epistle is to confirm and to equip a maturing church. Abbott, a critical and exegetical commentary on the epistles to the ephesians and to the colossians, icc, pp. Ephesians contains a carefully reasoned and precisely worded theology presented in a systematic way. The letter is addressed to the church in the city of ephesus, capital of the roman province of asia asia minor, modern turkey. Though martin divides ephesians into three sections. Highdemand the ecclesiology of the book of ephesians. The general consensus is that these epistles were written during pauls imprisonment at rome cf. Book of ephesians synonyms, book of ephesians pronunciation, book of ephesians translation, english dictionary definition of book of ephesians. The tenth book of the new testament of the bible, an epistle to the people of ephesus which is. Ephesians our blessings in christ importance this epistle was evidently addressed to the church in ephesus cf. Paul had spent nearly three years in ephesus acts 19. Because the name ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read. Such a study shows that the meaning in ephesians is the same as in the common use of the term, a convened assemblywhat we call a local church.

The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul. Paul, an apostle of jesus christ by the will of god, to the saints which are at ephesus, and to the. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. About koinoniakoinonia is a weekly program organized by eternity network international where people come to experience worship, word, miracles and love, exp. The purpose of the book of ephesians was to warn the church elders about the false teachers that were teaching a false gospel and to maintain their first love that they held when they first became believers. As a result, pauls travel companions, gaius and aristarchus of macedonia, were dragged into the theater. In his book sit, walk, stand, the famous late chinese christian and author, watchman nee, popularized the use of these words in his book sit, walk stand. In the first place, we notice that there are some passages in ephesians which demand a local meaning for ekklesia.

Mar 31, 2020 before looking at the meaning of an individual verse or two, it is important to get a feel for the context. Jews and gentiles are partakers of the same body the church. The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new testament. The purpose and plan of ephesians preaching source.

The book of ephesians chapter four workbook eeonline biblestudy. Paul spends ephesians chapter 1 telling them of the incredible blessings they have in christ. Hence, ephesians is very consequential to understanding the nature of our walk with christ. The apostle paul describes the greatest mystery of life to the ephesians in these words. This is particularly true of the book of ephesians, which contains some of the most beautiful language in its description of the gospel. Introduction from the niv study bible go to ephesians author, date, and place of writing. This heathen goddess is not merely referred to as great because of the praise and admiration she received. Epistle to the ephesians read bible book, study verses. We also learn when we become christians were not who we used to be and were filled with new life and have the blessings of gods kindness and eternal gift to us.

The same was a standing epithet, a proper name, distinguishing her from other inferior deities bearing the same name of diana or artemis. If the words of demetrius are to be believed, she was worshipped by all asia and the world acts 19. A free bible version and commentary on the letter to the ephesians in easyenglish. Ephesians in british english finz functioning as singular a book of the new testament in full the epistle of paul the apostle to the ephesians, containing an exposition of the divine plan for the world and the consummation of this in christ. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus.

Ephesians a new testament book containing the epistle from saint paul to the ephesians which explains the divine plan for the world and the. Overview and outline of ephesians bible study deeper. Paul greets them with spiritual thoughts of grace and. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. The book of ephesians was very likely written between a. The book of ephesians free online bible study lessons. The grandeur of the ancient city of ephesus stands as a stark contrast to this rather small epistle. The indication is that the epistles to the colossians, philemon and the ephesians were carried to their destination by tychicus and onesimus cf. The logical flow of ephesians the figure above illustrates the logical flow throughout ephesians and in particular chapters 3 and 4. Unlike several of the other letters paul wrote, ephesians does not address any particular error or heresy. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries.

Ephesians definition and meaning collins english dictionary. As stated above, ephesians can be divided into two general sections. If such is truly the case, then paul wrote ephesians around 6163 a. The book of ephesians hits on a wide range of moral and ethical behaviors, designed to ensure believers are living up to our heavenly calling. Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that you discuss your answers and insights with other bible students who also completed the workbook. Some have taken the absence of the usual personal greetings and the verbal similarity of many parts to colossians, among other reasons, as grounds for doubting authorship by the apostle paul. There is no letter in the pauline corpus that more precisely and succinctly presents the rudimentary elements of his understanding of salvation history than this one. In chapter 1 the first occurrence of the word ekklesia in ephesians defines the word from the very outset as. Furthermore, a study in ephesians will help to fortify and to establish the believer so he can fulfill the purpose and calling god has given. Intro to ephesians biblica the international bible society. Concisely stated, the theology of ephesians is that in the life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of jesus christ, the church, which is his body, declares by its unity, the lordship of jesus, not only over the church, but over the cosmos as well. The book of colossians is very similar to that of ephesians, in fact both books have passages with similar themes and phrases.

I believe that this book of scripture is desperately needed today. Diana of the ephesians lockyers all the women of the bible. This theme dominates the book, occurring in nearly every chapter of the book. May 21, 2016 most scholars agree that no other book of the new testament contains such a lofty and detailed doctrine of the church as the book of ephesians. May 02, 2020 enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity would receive this writing. Book of ephesians definition of book of ephesians by the. The deeper christian bible study series in ephesians is an indepth versebyverse study of pauls letter to the ephesians. Because the name ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read among all the churches in asia minor and was simply sent first to. Bible functioning as singular a book of the new testament in full the epistle of paul the apostle to the ephesians, containing an exposition of the divine plan for the world and the consummation of this in christ. Ephesians chapter 1 in the greek verses 314, comprise one sentence and it is pauls outline of gods master plan for salvation. Ephesians definition of ephesians by the free dictionary.

Watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. This epistle is addressed to the saints at the church in ephesus, a prosperous port city in the roman province of asia minor. The meaning of the greek words is that god will add up everything. Ephesians is a tremendous book to study if you desire to find a firm foundation in your spiritual life long for greater intimacy with jesus seek to have greater unity with the body of christ the church. They must be like his feet to take his gospel to all the people in the world. Paul doesnt specify a specific heresy but does seem to want them to be identified with christ and one in a sense of purpose.

Paul the apostle writes to encourage believers to live wellweve been lifted from the graveyard of sin and called to shout the gospel into the darkened world. Ephesus boasted international trade, a thriving silversmith guild, and a theater that seated 20,000 people. The epistle to the ephesians is a complete body of divinity. But without the references to the whole armour of god and the foundation of the church being built upon the apostles. Waymentapart from a few memorable phrases, the epistle to the ephesians often passes by our attention without significant notice or comment. The book of ephesians explains how the church comes to full spiritual maturity in christ. Paul begins his letters with the indicative truth about who jesus is and what he has done. But whereas colossians focuses on christ of the church, ephesians focuses on the church of christ.

Ephesians chapter 2 free online bible study lessons. Ephesians definition is a letter addressed to early christians and included as a book in the new testament. The book of ephesians is both deep in the truth and practical when it comes to doctrines. Because the name ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read among all the churches in asia minor and was simply sent first to believers in ephesus. The book of ephesians concerns what god is doing in redemptive history by making the church. After attempting to fathom the pauline thought of ephesians through a careful consideration of the epistle itself, as well as through the various interpretations of leading new testament scholars, one finds it quite easy to agree with john mackays suggestion that this letter is the most contemporary book.

The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the according to new testament. Paul wrote to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of gods eternal purpose and grace and come to appreciate the high goals god has for the church. Concisely stated, the theology of ephesians is that in the life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of jesus christ, the church, which is his. Our blessing god is the paying him our solemn and grateful acknowledgments, both on account of his own essential blessedness, and of the blessings which he bestows on us. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to god. In the same light, the bibles book of ephesians tells us to ask god to equip us with his armor of strength, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit that is the word of god, and stand firmly on the good news of peace. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel. Colossians aims at presenting the head of the church christ, ephesians focuses on the body of christ the church. For this reason i, paul, a prisoner for christ jesus on behalf of you gentiles assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of gods grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as i have written briefly. Two prayers and one request for prayer in ephesians each revolves around revelation and mystery eph. Book summary ephesians follows a theme common in pauls writings. Ephesians synonyms, ephesians pronunciation, ephesians translation, english dictionary definition of ephesians. The word predestination comes from the greek verb proorizo. The book of ephesians is a survival manualit equips believers to thrive in a world that hates the message of jesus christ.

Comprised of jews and nonjews, these followers form the covenant family god promised to abraham. Feb 07, 2015 the book of ephesians was written to gods holy people in ephesus ephesians 1. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at ephesus, this is an important look at how christian belief should translate into christian action. Blessed be god, who hath blessed us gods blessing us is his bestowing spiritual and heavenly blessings upon us. Ephesians, theology of definition and meaning bible dictionary. The mysterious plan for the fullness of time ephesians 1. It is pauls outline of gods master plan for salvation. Dividing the book of ephesians into two sections of believers position and believers practice allows for a very simplistic outline. Chapters 1 to 3 deal with the truth doctrines, and chapters 4 and 6 deal with the. It is listed among pauls letters in the early manuscripts and cited as such by early christian authors such as irenaeus against heresies 5.

It is clear from the bible account that these mens lives were in danger. In the greek verses 314, comprise one sentence and encompass the past, present, and future of gods eternal purpose for the church. A key theme of the letter is the mystery meaning a heretofore unrevealed truth, of the church, which is that the gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the. Acts 19, but may have been intended as a circular letter to be read by neighboring churches.