49. Ephesians (Bible Summary)

Greetings (1:1–2)

Paul’s Salutation: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, greets the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus. He offers grace and peace to them from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Divine Purpose: The Glory and Headship of Christ (1:3–14)

Spiritual Blessings in Christ: Paul begins by praising God for blessing believers with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. He emphasizes that God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world, predestining us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ.
Redemption and Forgiveness: Through Christ’s blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of God’s grace, which He lavished on us.
Inheritance in Christ: Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

Prayer That Christians May Realize God’s Purpose and Power (1:15–23)

Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians: Paul prays that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give the Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they may know Him better. He prays that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened in order to know the hope to which they have been called, the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for those who believe.
Christ’s Supremacy: Paul emphasizes that God has raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given. Christ is the head of the church, His body, which is the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.

Steps Toward the Fulfillment of God’s Purpose (chs. 2–3)

Salvation of Individuals by Grace (2:1–10)

From Death to Life: Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were once dead in their transgressions and sins, following the ways of this world. But because of God’s great love for us, He made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in sin. It is by grace that we have been saved.
God’s Workmanship: Paul underscores that believers are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Reconciliation of Jew and Gentile through the Cross (2:11–18)

Peace through Christ: Paul urges the Ephesians to remember their past separation from God and from Israel. But now, through Christ’s death on the cross, the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down, and both groups have been reconciled to God through the cross.
Access to the Father: Through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by one Spirit, and they are no longer foreigners or strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household.

Uniting of Jew and Gentile in One Household (2:19–22)

A Holy Temple: Paul speaks of the church as being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. He highlights that the church is not a physical building, but a living structure of people, united in Christ, and growing into a holy temple in the Lord.

Revelation of God’s Wisdom through the Church (3:1–13)

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles: Paul explains that the mystery of Christ has been revealed to him by the Spirit, a mystery that was not made known to previous generations, but is now revealed to the apostles and prophets. This mystery is that the Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel, members of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s Suffering: Paul speaks of his own suffering for the sake of the Gentiles and expresses that it is through his ministry that the manifold wisdom of God is being made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.

Prayer for Deeper Experience of God’s Fullness (3:14–21)

Paul’s Prayer for Strength: Paul prays that the Ephesians, through the Spirit, will be strengthened in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. He prays that they, being rooted and established in love, may have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Doxology: Paul concludes this section with a doxology, praising God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.

Practical Ways to Fulfill God’s Purpose in the Church (4:1—6:20)

Unity (4:1–6)

Living Worthy of the Calling: Paul urges the Ephesians to live a life worthy of the calling they have received. He emphasizes humility, gentleness, patience, and love, and calls them to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
One Body, One Spirit: Paul speaks of the unity of the church, highlighting that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Maturity (4:7–16)

Spiritual Gifts: Paul explains that Christ has given different gifts to each believer, to equip the saints for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Growing in Christ: Paul encourages the Ephesians to no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching, but to grow up in every way into Christ, who is the head of the church.

Renewal of Personal Life (4:17—5:20)

Living a New Life: Paul urges the Ephesians to no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking, but to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Instructions for Holy Living: Paul provides instructions for living as children of light: speaking truthfully, not letting anger lead to sin, not stealing, speaking words that build up, and being kind and compassionate. He also encourages them to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity, and being filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.

Deference in Personal Relationships (5:21—6:9)

Submission to One Another: Paul teaches mutual submission, where believers submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. He gives specific instructions for relationships in the household:
- Husbands and Wives: Wives are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands are to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.
- Children and Parents: Children are to obey their parents, and fathers are not to exasperate their children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
- Slaves and Masters: Slaves are to obey their earthly masters with respect and sincerity, as if serving Christ, and masters are to treat their slaves with respect, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.

Strength in the Spiritual Conflict (6:10–20)

The Armor of God: Paul instructs the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. He outlines the spiritual armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Prayer and Alertness: Paul calls for constant prayer, being alert and always keeping on praying for all the Lord’s people. He also asks for prayer that he may be bold in proclaiming the gospel, even while in chains.

Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (6:21–24)

Personal Greetings: Paul sends Tychicus to the Ephesians to give them an update on his situation and to encourage their hearts.
Benediction: Paul concludes with a prayer for peace, love, and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to be with all those who love Christ with an undying love.