Ephesians is a “Prison Epistle,” along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (see Eph 3:1, Eph 4:1, and Eph 6:20). Written by Paul from Rome, the epistle expands on themes in Colossians, much as Romans does to Galatians. Whereas Colossians develops the all-sufficiency of Christ to the Church, Ephesians shows the blessings of that “fullness” enjoyed by the members of God’s family. The idea of unity resulting from reconciliation runs strong through the book (Eph 1:9-10; Eph 2:16-18; Eph 3:4-6; Eph 4:3-6; Eph 5:30-32; Eph 6:18-20). It is possible that the epistle was actually a circular letter to the churches of Asia. Paul’s goal is to inform the saints of their privileged status and exhort them to live in a way worthy of their standing.
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #9
Ephesians is a book of praise to God regarding His benefits to us. Ephesians 2:1-22 theme is salvation. Were were dead by nature, our way of life, and God's condemnation (Eph 2:1-5, Eph 1:12. We are spiritually dead at birth 1Co15:22. What did God do? (Eph 2:4-7). Salvation is a work for the dead in trespasses and sin (Eph 2:1-3) . Salvation is a threefold work of a triune God -- Love is an expression of Father, Mercy is the cross, Grace is applied from the Spirit (Eph 2:4-8). Salvation deals with three aspects of our experience related to time - the point of salvation, the duration of life, and eternity (Eph 2:7-10). Salvation was undertook by God for those far off and near -- Jew and Gentile (Eph 2:11-13). Salvation is building a household (Eph 2:19-22).
The anatomy of praise (Psa 103:1-22) is a recognition of God's valuable attributes, His Worth -- the reasons we appreciate Him. We need to site the reasons for our thankfulness (Psa 138:1-8). Eph 2:10 reflects the outline of Ephesians - chapters 1 through 3 "created in Christ" and chapters 4 through 6 "for good works ... that we should walk in them".
Scripture References: Psalms 138:1-8, Ephesians 2:4-7, Psalms 103:1-22, Ephesians 1:12, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 2:1-5, Ephesians 2:11-13, Ephesians 2:7-10, Ephesians 2:4-8, Ephesians 2:1-3
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.