Ephesians
God's plan from before the world began: one new people in Christ, and how to live it out.
Who wrote it
The letter names Paul as its author (1:1; 3:1), and the church has long accepted that. Many modern scholars question it, pointing to the style (very long sentences), vocabulary, and a more developed picture of the church, and suggest it was written by a close follower of Paul, perhaps after his death. Others point out that a secretary or a changed setting can explain the differences. The question is open and the letter claims Paul in any case.
Who it was for
Several of the oldest manuscripts leave out the words "in Ephesus" in 1:1, and the letter has no personal greetings, even though Paul spent about three years in Ephesus. Many scholars think it was a circular letter meant for several churches in the region, with Ephesus as one stop; others think "in Ephesus" was original. Its readers are mostly Gentiles (2:11; 3:1).
When it happens
Paul calls himself a prisoner (3:1; 4:1; 6:20) and says Tychicus will deliver the letter and bring news (6:21-22). Rome is the traditional place (Acts 28), but Caesarea or Ephesus have been suggested. The letter has close parallels with Colossians, which was sent at about the same time with Tychicus (Colossians 4:7-9). If the letter was written later by a follower of Paul, the date would be somewhat later.
How to read it
A letter that reads like a blend of prayer, praise, and teaching. The first half (chapters 1 to 3) is largely praise and prayer about what God has done in Christ, and the second half (chapters 4 to 6) turns to how to live. It opens with a single long sentence in Greek (1:3-14).
Map: Ephesus, Colossae, and Rome
Open mapThe letter is addressed to believers in and around Ephesus and was carried by Tychicus, who was sent from Paul's prison, traditionally in Rome.
Timeline
Open timelineIn order, not to scale.
Before the world began, God planned to unite everything in Christ; he has made Jew and Gentile one new people, the church, and calls that people to live in unity, love, and holiness, standing firm in his strength.
- God's plan and Christ's headship
- Grace, not works
- Jew and Gentile made one
- The church as Christ's body
- Walking worthy and standing firm
Who’s who
Paul
The apostle, a prisoner for Christ, whose name is on the letter.
- Chapters: 1, 3
Tychicus
A beloved brother and faithful servant who carried the letter and brought news (6:21-22).
- Chapters: 6
Jesus
The Christ, head of the church, in whom God unites all things.
- Parents: Joseph, Mary
- Siblings: James, Joses, Jude, Simon
- Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The Gentile believers
Non-Jews who were once "far off" and have been brought near (2:11-13).
The Jewish believers
Those who were "first to hope in Christ" (1:12), now one body with the Gentiles.
The rulers and powers
The spiritual forces opposed to God that the letter says are under Christ's feet and that believers stand against (1:21; 6:12).
Family links and chapters: Theographic Bible Metadata, CC BY-SA 4.0. About our sources