Ephesians reveals to us the great mystery of the church which is the body of christ. The theme of the book of ephesians is found at chapter 1. Washington, a twotime academy award winner widely known in hollywood for his christian beliefs, portrays a lone warrior making his way. He actually quotes from this psalm to continue his thought regarding his mention of. There are several ways of looking into this wonderful and remarkable book of ephesians, but the figure below illustrates the way in which it will be viewed in this. The themes of ephesians theology lectures in 200 words. The epistle to the ephesians chapter four objectives in studying the chapter 1 to see the importance of walking in unity and purity 2 to appreciate the gifts christ has given the church for our edification, and the need for each one to do their share summary beginning with this chapter and proceeding through the rest of the epistle, paul. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in jesus christ. The book of ephesians overview of the book of ephesians the book of ephesians is a masterpiece of revelation that bridges the principles of grace and obedience into one solid irremovable form. You may remember him from such new testament letters as romans and 1 corinthians.
Samuel coleridge called it the most divine composition of man 2. During this time he also wrote colossians and philemon. The most beautiful letter, the most beautiful words that have ever been penned by any human being. Theyre listed in the order they show up in the protestant bible. 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. 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. The entire book is divided into three sections with each section. The church has been brought from death to life in christ. Like elis sons, children grow up to disrespect god if their parents. Ephesians is the great pauline letter about the church.
The logical flow of ephesians the figure above illustrates the logical flow throughout ephesians and in particular chapters 3 and 4. While the book of elis respect for the sanctity of gods word and the. Here we have yet another letter from the apostle paul. It first presents both the historical and literary contexts followed by an overview of the passage in the context of the letter as a whole. Instead, mature believers can speak the truth in love ephesians 4. 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. If you want more, ive linked to quick, 3minute guides to every book of the bible, too. He instructed them in ephesians chapter 4 about how they should treat each other.
Paul probably wrote his letter to the ephesians while under house arrest in rome. Ive written a onesentence overview of every book of the bible. The book of eli has an incredible biblical message, which tells the story of elis unwavering faith as he honors god with his life and follows gods will no matter how hard the journey may be. Workbook on the fundamentals of the gospel of christ. Sermon notes by lee irons, who was at the time pastor of redeemer orthodox presbyterian church in van nuys, ca. However, no matter what the arguments for ephesians not being penned by ap, it continually comes back to one main conclusion supported by a sub conclusion as to why the book was indeed penned by apthe main point being to anyone making the arguments that.
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Focused in purpose, he puts on the armor of god ephesians 6. I offer the following commentary and summary for ephesians in this article. Commentary on the book of ephesians by matthew henry. The book of ephesians kjv audio holy bible high quality and best speed book 49 duration. The book of ephesians was very likely written between a. Ephesians 4, new international version niv the bible app. The gospel is often presented as though faith in jesus christ. Fortunately, given the press of time, the section in question had been assigned for exegesis before, almost 40 years ago in fact, to our esteemed and sainted prof. The church has received wondrous blessings in union with christ. Summary of ephesians chapters 3 and 4 robert walsh. Theme verse of ephesians therefore i, the prisoner of the lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.
The book of ephesians free online bible study lessons. Ephesians 4 modern english version mev unity of the body. The truths of this book have impacted the lives of many saints. Understanding the structure of the new testament books of the bible. John knox asked that calvins sermons on ephesians be read to him on his deathbed. He then urged the ephesians to change their way of thinking and to no longer live as gentiles. Christ has reconciled all creation to himself and to god. Sproul has himself written a very helpful introductory level commentary on it titled the purpose of god.
Into this world steps machetewielding road warrior eli a man on a. Ephesians and colossians summary the epistle to the ephesians. Overview of the book of ephesians reformed answers to. The book of ephesians week six workbook eeonline biblestudy. The call of christ is a call to action, and ephesians lays out gods desire for your spiritual walk like no other book of the bible. Includes jews which is what wed expect but also gentiles. 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. Commentary on the book of ephesians by matthew henry new. This time, pauls writing to the church in ephesus and, boy, does he have a lot to say. Ephesians pastor david legge 4 grace be to you, and peace, from god our father, and from the lord jesus christ. The few survivors have clumped together into ramshackle settlements that are beginning to crumble from within. Some bible scholars call it the alps of new testament, the grand canyon of scripture, and the royal capstone because of its grand theme and the revelation about jesus.
See why 1 corinthians is highly applicable for christians today. The central organizing theological idea in ephesians is that through christs atoning work god has mightily brought about the churcha new humanity, i. Christ has united people from all nations to himself and to one another in his church. Alas, you who are longing for the day of the lord, for what purpose will the day of. Ephesians 4 commentary commentary critical and explanatory.
This is a lot to take in, so if you want to start with baby steps. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries. All 66 books of the bible in easy, onesentence summaries. Sprouls work, the following are five of the most helpful commentaries on the book of ephesians. I recommend this volume to anyone who is not familiar with the basic themes of this epistle. Encounter ephesians, and get swept up into the story of jesus. If the people of your city, of your school, of your family are going to hear the gospel, its going to be from your mouth. 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. As a prisoner for the lord, then, i urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 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. Christ dwells in our hearts by faith according to ephesians 3. It was a center of learning and was near several key land routes.
View chuck swindoll s chart of ephesians, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. Christ grace of sufficient for all human needs edification what christ provided for the purpose of edification the gifts of god spiritual are through. The theme of ephesians is the church and is a book of conduct and encouragement. Ephesians 4 niv bible as a prisoner for the lord, then. It also helps us avoid being deceived by false teachings ephesians 4. Ephesians chapter one and four we are sealed with the spirit.
John calvin called it his favorite book of the bible. Greear digs into the text of ephesians versebyverse and challenges believers to live out the gospel. 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. Ephesians 4 niv bible as a prisoner for the lord, then, i. When we are seeking to understand a book of the bible, our first question must be, why was this particular book written. E phesians is one of the most encouraging books in the new testament. Christ has reconciled the whole of creation to himself and to god the father.
Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity would receive this writing. Aug 04, 20 the call of christ is a call to action, and ephesians lays out gods desire for your spiritual walk like no other book of the bible. The book of ephesians, chapter 4 king james version. Eli, the father of hophni and phinehas, is a prime and. All three letters were sent with tychicus and onesimus. March 4, 2015 july 29, 2015 kiwiandrew new testament chirstian living. This theme dominates the book, occurring in nearly every. The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new. This is paul writing to you, chosen by god to be jesus christs messenger. The book of ephesians the book of ephesians seems to encompass everything that the christian is, what he will experience, and how he is to overcome against the ancient foe, the devil. Samuel taylor coleridge, the hymnwriter, wrote these words about the book of ephesians he said. 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.
Mar 22, 2020 eli goes through ephesians showing how spiritual warfare is a main theme throughout the book. Eli goes through ephesians showing how spiritual warfare is a main theme throughout the book. Mar 04, 2015 matthew jensencentral thememjs central theme. The book of ephesians chapter four workbook eeonline biblestudy. To teach the christians at ephesus the wonder and practical implications of being the church in christ. I therefore, the prisoner of the lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2. The book of ephesians records not only what god has done chapters but also what he is doing now chapters 4 6 in the church below. 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. Ephesians 1 tlb dear christian friends at ephesus, ever. Overview of the book of ephesians reformed answers to bible. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god.
The fundamental principles of grace and mans responsibility to abide by gods laws are thoroughly revealed in the old testament. Book summary ephesians reveals to us the great mystery of the church which is the body of christ. Highdemand the ecclesiology of the book of ephesians. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the lord. Essay rome, the most important city apostle paul ap bible dictionary wbd expounds in more details of the origins of those theories.
Once we have a good idea as to why the book was written we can begin to interpret it. Another major theme in ephesians is the keeping of christs body that is, the church pure and holy. Ephesians and the mystery paul is ecstatic about what the gospel accomplishes. 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. 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. Marauding gangs haunt the ashen wastelands of america, preying on innocent passersby. Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that you discuss your answers and insights with other bible students who also completed the workbook. The book of eli casts bible as a major theme baptist standard.
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