National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series
The Epistle to the Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus, a major city in ancient Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The letter was likely written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome around AD 60-62.
In the letter, Paul emphasizes the unity of the church and the cosmic scope of God’s plan of salvation. He begins by praising God for the spiritual blessings that believers have received in Christ, including adoption as God’s children, redemption through his blood, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul then goes on to discuss the mystery of God’s plan, which was revealed to him through the Spirit: that through the gospel, both Jews and Gentiles are now fellow heirs and members of the same body, the church.
Paul also addresses practical issues facing the church in Ephesus, including the importance of living a holy and unified life, the roles of husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and slaves. He encourages believers to put on the armor of God and stand firm against spiritual warfare, and he concludes the letter with greetings and a prayer for peace and grace.
Overall, the Epistle to the Ephesians is a profound and theological letter that emphasizes the unity of the church in Christ and the power of the gospel to bring together people from all nations and backgrounds into one body.
