Video Introduction

Summary

This chapter offers a brief overview of the content of Ephesians, followed by discussion of historical background and major themes.

In terms of historical background, the work is presented in modern New Testaments as a letter of Paul to believers in Ephesus. A good deal of information is available concerning this setting, where Paul worked extensively, and where the temple of Artemis was a revered wonder of the world. There is some evidence, however, to suggest that Ephesians may have been a “circular letter” sent to multiple locations. Many scholars, furthermore, believe the letter is a pseudepigraphical work written after Paul’s death. In any case, it has close parallels to Colossians and could have been fashioned either by Paul or by someone else to present a more generic version of what is said there.

The dominant theme of Ephesians seems to be that God’s plan to unite all things in Christ is being accomplished in two stages: first, the crucifixion of Jesus effected forgiveness of sins and, now, his exaltation to heaven allows him to eradicate the influence of hostile spiritual powers. Ephesians claims that the church has been elevated with Christ such that it evinces a divinely granted unity. Believers enjoy an idealized status that empowers them to triumph over forces of evil. In a more pragmatic vein, however, the letter also offers down-to-earth advice regarding family life, moral behavior, and protection from the devil.

Study Questions

1. What is known of the ancient city of Ephesus and Paul’s ministry there? Explain why this information may or may not be helpful for interpreting the New Testament letter to the Ephesians.

2. What two observations become evident when Ephesians is compared to other letters attributed to Paul? Based on these observations, what scenarios have scholars suggested regarding circumstances of the book’s composition?

3. Discuss the theme of “spiritual beings” evident in the letter to the Ephesians: what were these beings, what does this letter say has happened regarding them, and why does this matter for Christian believers?

4. What is the mysterious plan of God according to Ephesians and what is the primary sign that this plan has been or is being fulfilled?

5. What does the letter to the Ephesians have to say about the church? Cite at least three affirmations about the church that receive particular emphasis in this letter.

6. How is the “household code” contained in Ephesians 5:21–6:9 similar to such codes found in Greco-Roman literature in general? How does it differ from the codes found in those other writings?

7. Describe what Ephesians has to say regarding the current idealized state of believers and indicate why some scholars think this contradicts what Paul says in other letters. What would be a possible explanation for the discrepancy?

Explore Readings

These readings provide a chance for you to explore the New Testament in more depth. The boxes from the text are included here, as well as bibliographies and outlines for the books of the New Testament.

All the Explore readings can also be downloaded as PDFs here.

• 17.0. Ephesians: Outline of Contents

• 17.1. Ephesians in the Revised Common Lectionary

• 17.2. Bibliography: Ephesians

• 17.3. Parallels between Ephesians and Colossians (Box 17.1)

• 17.4. Distinctive Aspects of Ephesians (Box 17.4)

• 17.5. A Life Worthy of the Calling (Box 17.5)

• 17.6. Ephesians 5:21–6:9 and Other Household Tables in the New Testament

• 17.7. Artemis of the Ephesians

• 17.8. Acts 19:23–41—Temple of Artemis

• 17.9. Ephesians 6:1–4—Parenting Advice from Paul and Ben Sira

• 17.10. Justification for Haustafeln in the Ten Commandments

• 17.11. Powerful Spiritual Beings (Box 17.3)

• 17.12. Authorship of Ephesians

• 17.13. Literary Siblings: Relationship of Ephesians to Colossians

• 17.14. The Christian Household (Box 17.5)

Interactive: Ephesians and Body Posture

Click to see metaphors for body posture and the Christian life.