Bible Commentaries
Ephesians

EPHESIANS

RICHES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

INTRODUCTION AND OUTLINE

1. Author

It was the custom in the first century to begin a letter by identifying the author. Paul begins most of his epistles in this way. "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ" is the phrase that beings this letter. There is little dispute that this letter is genuine. The vocabulary, style of writing and the kind of arguments made are Pauline in character.

2. Date

It is not easy to determine an exact date for the letter to Ephesus. It was written at a time when Paul was a prisoner (6:20), so it had to be written from either Caesera or Rome. It is the general view of most writers that it came from Rome. Tychicus was the messenger (6:21) who carried both this letter and the letter to the Colossians ( Col_4:7 ).

This information leads to a date between 60 and 64, with 62 or 63 being most likely.

3. Outline

1. DOCTRINE: OUR RICHES IN CHRIST - Chapters 1-3

A. Our spiritual possessions in Christ - 1:1-14

1. From the Father - 1:4-6

2. From the Song of Solomon - 1:7-12

3. From the Spirit - 1:13-14

First prayer - for enlightenment - 1:15-23

B. Our spiritual position in Christ - 2:1-22

1. Raised and seated on the throne - 2:1-10

2. Reconciled and set into the temple - 2:11-22

Second prayer - for enablement - 3:1-21

2. DUTY: OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN CHRIST - Chapters 4-6

A. Walk in unity - 4:1-16

B. Walk in purity - 4:16 - 5:17

1. Walk not an other Gentiles - 4:17-32

2. Walk in love - 5:1-6

3. Walk as children of light - 5:7-14

4. Walk carefully - 5:16-17

C. Walk in harmony - 5:18 - 6:9

1. Husbands and wives - 5:18-33

2. Parents and children - 6:1-4

3. Masters and servants - 6:5-9

D. Walk in victory - 6:10-24

4. Theme

The believer in Christ has the RICHES of "all spiritual blessings" (1:3) and the RESPONSIBILITY to "walk worthy" (4:1) of our life in Christ.

5. Location

The city of Ephesus is located on the western edge of modern Turkey. The ancient city was a "safe port" for ships. The city sat on a long harbor (about 4 miles inland) which was protected by mountains on each side.

It was a great city for commercial trade, a shipping port and educational center. The facade of the great library still stands. The greatest distinction at the time of Paul was the temple of Diana. This temple was known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The city has not been inhabited since the fourth century when a plague broke out and the city was wiped out. Even though there are several earthquakes each year in this area, many of the magnificient buildings remain - the library, the temple of Diana, the large theater, and the marketplace.

6. Plan of Study

I have developed an outline of material on the book of Ephesians with key words missing. As we study this material, you will want to "fill in the blanks". I realize that some of these blanks will be difficult to know what I had in mind. You will have to come to class to find out. Most of the blanks are clear and can be filled in from a study of the book of Ephesians.

I will be moving directly through the text. I will not skip around. If one blank is not found, move on to the next one. You will know that the missing blank is located between the question that preceded it and the one that followed it.