Nintroduction and background to the book of ephesians

Ephesians introduction commentary commentary critical and. There is nothing more interesting in the new testament than the letters of paul. Ephesus was the most important city in western asia minor now turkey. He also sent along the letter to the colossian church. 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.

Keep a notebook handy with pencil to jot down questions, ideas and applications as you study ephesians. Ephesians intro to ephesians biblica the international bible. A salutation, and an account of saving blessings, as prepared in gods eternal election, as purchased by christs blood. Author the apostle paul date the letter to the ephesians was written during pauls roman imprisonment between 60 and 62 ad. Ephesians colossians philippians philemon paul remained in ephesus for nearly three years on his 3rd missionary journey. Ephesians, colossians and philemon written at the same time. Ephesians the niv application commentary book 10 kindle edition by snodgrass, klyne. To really jump ahead in your study of ephesians, complete our how to study a book of the bible lesson using ephesians as your subject. For the next several fridays we will be going through this book one chapter at a.

There are, however, some texts that require careful thought to rightly interpret, namely. In the book of ephesians, we see how the gospel story affects believers everyday lives. Read the short background information for ephesians below. Commentary on the book of ephesians by matthew henry new. The book of ephesians clearly leaves its mark among other bible books by displaying the powerful impact of the gospel of christ jesus in the individual and. 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. Mcconkie of the quorum of the twelve apostles taught that. The book of ephesians was very likely written between a. Ephesians the niv application commentary book 10 kindle. Some have argued that paul wrote colossians from ephesus or caesarea, but most of the evidence favors rome as the place where paul penned all the prison letters ephesians, colossians, philippians and philemon. Although colossians is similar to ephesians, it is brief while the book of ephesians is much more articulate and extensive. Paul had spent nearly three years in ephesus acts 19. Have you ever wondered how so much heretical teaching infiltrated the early church.

Ephesians 1 commentary spurgeons verse expositions of. Of all forms of literature, letters are more personal. Ephesians offers general instruction in the truths of gods redemptive work in christ. Introduction to ephesians bible exposition commentary. 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.

Ephesians major themes introduction to the book of. Ephesus forms an appropriate background to the book of ephesians because of this citys fascination with magic and the occult acts 19. The essence of goodspeed s theory is that toward the end of the first century pauls letters were collected, and ephesians was written by a disciple of paul as an introduction to the collection. Intro to ephesians biblica the international bible society. However, paul presented the gift of god in christ and the benefits we. Introduction to ephesians by matthew henry blue letter bible. Ephesians sets forth what no other book of the new testament describes so completely the nature of the body of christ, which is the true church. If the words of demetrius are to be believed, she was worshipped by all asia and the world acts 19. And they have been induced the rather to think this because it is the only one of all pauls epistles that has nothing in it peculiarly adapted to the state or case of. Understanding the book of ephesians and bible study guide.

Two theories, besides the ordinary one, have been held on the question, to whom the epistle is addressed. The below chart will help underline and point out these similarities. 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. Several years ago, a couple started coming to our church. Some suggest that pauls time in imprisonment enabled him to develop an exalted christology and a high appraisal of the privileges of believers in christ 11. Just put the appropriate words in your favorite search engine. Introduction to the book of ephesians faithlife sermons. In the seventh chapter of the third book of his testimonies, he speaks of the apostle paul writing to the ephesians and then proceeds to quote ephesians 4. For other books, devotionals and bible studies by anne graham lotz. The joy of the christian experience is the dominant theme running through the book of philippians. The general theology of ephesians is direct, unambiguous, and presents no ideas or interpretations whose meanings are seriously contended. This beautiful letter tells christians of their great riches, inheritances, and fullness in jesus christ and in his church.

Carver described the book of ephesians as the greatest piece of. Paul is sending the slave onesimus back to his master philemon, in the care of tychicus. During this time he also wrote colossians and philemon. 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. 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. No particular problem is raised in the book unlike many of pauls other letters. 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. New book study background to the book of ephesians. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus. God the father planned throughout history for jesus to create a multiethnic community of followers. This was about the same time he wrote ephesians and philemon. Writing, as he does in this epistle, on the constitution and prospects of christs universal church, he refers the ephesians, as to personal matters, to the bearer of the epistle, tychicus ephesians 6.

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. The indication is that the epistles to the colossians, philemon and the ephesians were carried to their destination by tychicus and onesimus cf. We therefore welcome all the more warmly the following contribution to the debate which is based on a paper given to the tsf group in oxford. John knox asked that calvins sermons on ephesians be read to him on his deathbed. October 2000 this sermon was delivered at the iron hall assembly in belfast, northern ireland, by pastor david legge. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. Ephesians our blessings in christ importance this epistle was evidently addressed to the church in ephesus cf. Ephesians introduction new testament matthew henry. Ephesians major themes introduction to the book of ephesians ephesians 4 book of ephesians survey setting background book of ephesians purpose.

Father, son, and spirit are seen in pauls epistle to the ephesians as operating from before the foundation of the world for the redemption of the church. Ephesians introduction new testament matthew henry st. This morning we come for our bible study to a book that is indeed a treasure of mine and of every believer, the book of ephesians. The central organizing theological idea in ephesians is that through christs atoning work god has mightily brought about the churcha new humanity, i. I asked and you voted, so welcome to the study of ephesians. This would further seem to suggest, as i have believed, that not only did paul write the book of colossians, but that he wrote colossians before writing the book of ephesians. Zanchy observes that we have here an epitome of the whole christian doctrine, and of almost all the chief heads of divinity. All three letters were sent with tychicus and onesimus. Book summary ephesians reveals to us the great mystery of the church which is the body of christ. Ephesians 16 nkjv greeting paul, an apostle of jesus. The book of ephesians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. Some think that this epistle to the ephesians was a circular letter sent to several churches, and that the copy directed to the ephesians happened to be taken into the canon, and so it came to bear that particular inscription. The letter opens with a sequence of statements about gods blessings, which are interspersed with a remarkable variety of expressions drawing attention to gods wisdom, forethought and purpose. Goodspeeds epochmaking book, the meaning of ephesians.

Ephesians, more than any other book, presents the purpose and plan of god for the church. It is clear from the bible account that these mens lives were in danger. Feb 16, 2018 new book study background to the book of ephesians. The apostle paul wrote this letter to the churches in ephesus and the surrounding region c. The apostle paul wrote this letter to christians living in the small city of colossae. Its origin has customarily been credited to paul the apostle however, beginning in 1792, this has been tested as deuteropauline, that is, composed in pauls name by a later creator. Video video download options bible book introduction videos share. Acts 19, but may have been intended as a circular letter to be read by neighboring churches. It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of ephesus in asia minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is christ, the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making gods plan of salvation known throughout the universe eph 3. Introduction to colossians bible exposition commentary.

Paul emphasizes that we have been saved, not only for our personal benefit, but also to bring praise and glory to god. Overview of the book of ephesians third millennium ministries. Comprised of jews and nonjews, these followers form the covenant family god promised to abraham. The truths of this book have impacted the lives of many saints.

Watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Audience paul wrote to the network of house churches in western asia minor, in and near ephesus. The book of ephesians is held in great reverence by both biblical scholars and lay people. This summary of the book of ephesians provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of ephesians. He has imputed his righteousness to his body, for now we have been bought with a price and therefore no longer our own but all things are gods. To teach the christians at ephesus the wonder and practical implications of being the church in christ. Ephesians 1 background information with maps and images. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries. The city of ephesus was a large commercial port city in asia minor present day turkey located at. The church has been brought from death to life in christ. Ephesians bible study the christian church in the world. Every day on my 3045 minute commute, i turned over these words in my mind and heart.

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. The letter is addressed to the church in the city of ephesus, capital of the roman province of asia asia minor, modern turkey. The book of ephesians was written to gods holy people in ephesus ephesians 1. To the saints in ephesus, a the faithful in christ jesus. The apostle paul wrote this letter to the churches in ephesus and the surrounding. Early in the history of grace church, the history of john macarthur at grace church at least, it was obvious to me that god had something very special in mind for this church. Ignatius epistle to the ephesians, 12, which alludes to the frequent and affectionate mention made by paul of the christian state, privileges, and persons of the ephesians in his epistle. Pauls doctrine of the church shines in ephesians unlike any other epistle. Historical background on the book of ephesians 1 historical. Ephesians background information fbc seguin students.

Style and genre in ephesians q m t qdonovan the authorship of ephesians is an increasingly open question in current discussion. Written in 6162, when paul was a prisoner in rome cf. An exposition, with practical observations, of the epistle of st. Samuel coleridge called it the most divine composition of man 2. Feb 07, 2015 the book of ephesians is held in great reverence by both biblical scholars and lay people. The church of jesus christ is now the spiritual body of believers who represent christ on earth. There are a huge number of sites on the internet that offer pictures of ephesus as it looks today and other background information. John calvin called it his favorite book of the bible. While paul was in prison he had been thinking about his work as an apostle.

May 12, 2017 the epistle to the ephesians, additionally called the letter to the ephesians and frequently abbreviated to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new testament. Overview of the book of ephesians reformed answers to. He realized that christ came to unite himself with man, and unity was the core purpose of the book of ephesians. It was transcribed from the first tape in his ephesians series, titled introduction and background transcribed by preach the word. Video series bible book introduction videos english bible book introduction videos.

If such is truly the case, then paul wrote ephesians around 6163 a. 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. Its authorship, origin and purpose, published in 1951, in which he basically agreed with goodspeeds hypothesis. Introduction the book of ephesians is charged with weighty doctrines that reveal the glory of the triune god. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity would receive this writing.

And they have been induced the rather to think this because it is the only one of all pauls epistles that has nothing. One cannot step over the threshold of this letter into the book of ephesians without being inundated with thoughts of gods mercy and grace. Ephesians is the great pauline letter about the church. This exposition consisted of readings from 1 corinthians. The fundamental principles of grace and mans responsibility to abide by gods laws are thoroughly revealed in the old testament. Introduction to the book of ephesians introduction. This time ive selected the amazing book of ephesians. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god. Against the view that ephesians is a tract or an introduction to the pauline corpus, we find in it several characteristics of other pauline epistles. Ephesians introduction commentary commentary critical. When he does, record the verse number, what it is he seems to be saying to you and your response to him in this final step. Intro to colossians biblica the international bible.

Introduction to the book of ephesians summary of hebrews. Did you know that the apostle paul was in prison at the time he wrote this letter to the ephesians. This book sets forth one of the clearest presentations on the relation between positional truth and experiencing positional truth in ones life. Paul instructs the church that christianity is for all men, jews, gentiles, male female, bond, free, all are united in christ. Introduction from the niv study bible go to ephesians. Those that like to get into studying the bible and its heavy doctrines prefer to study the first part of pauls letters and often treat the latter part as secondary or of less value see the right diagram where a wall separates the two sections. This helps explain pauls emphasis on the power of god over all heavenly authorities and on christs triumphant ascension as head over the church and over all things in this age and the next.

The book of ephesians is a masterpiece of revelation that bridges the principles of grace and obedience into one solid irremovable form. Abbott, a critical and exegetical commentary on the epistles to the ephesians and to the colossians, icc, pp. He may not speak to you through every verse, but he will speak. As a result, pauls travel companions, gaius and aristarchus of macedonia, were dragged into the theater. Purpose, background and structure posted on may 12, 2014 by matt dabbs 1 comment a few weeks ago, i started a wednesday night series on the book of ephesians. This letter, in many ways, is the crowning glory of the new testament. The church has received wondrous blessings in union with christ. Read ephesians prayerfully, objectively, thoughtfully, and attentively as you listen for god to speak.

Paul wrote all four epistles during his first imprisonment. Ephesians was a circular letter intended for a number of churches. I offer the following commentary and summary for ephesians in this article. It was famous for its trade, art, and science, but it was even more renowned for its temple of diana greek artemis, which was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Ephesians is one of four prison letters of paul in addition to colossians, philemon, and philippians. Introduction to the book of ephesians one cannot step over the threshold of this letter into the book of ephesians without being inundated with thoughts of gods mercy and grace. E phesians is one of the most encouraging books in the new testament. As we continue in our faith from day to day, month to month, and year to year, the temptation to get comfortable will always exist. The book of ephesians tells how the gospel affects our. Ephesians is a book that combats this and therefore the letter has been given such titles as the believers bank, the christians checkbook, and the treasure house of the bible. Ephesians and colossians were probably composed at the same time in rome. Introduction to the book of ephesians juli camarin february 24, 2015 introduction. Picture study bible with maps and background information. The words joy and rejoice are used 16 times in the epistle.