Major themes book ephesians

Key verses and themes in galatians, ephesians, and philippians. Apr 17, 2009 now let us move to some of the major theological themes found in the book. Themes in the book of james scripture confident living. Having explained gods great goals for the church, paul proceeds to show the steps toward their fulfillment. The creator, the one from whom all things consist, the all powerful one, the master of time and space, the head of the church. Though the specific purpose of the book is difficult to nail down precisely, certain theological and ethical themes play an. The purpose of this essay is to explore the book of eph. Were saved by gods gracehis favor which we could not deserve eph 2. Doctrine occupies the greatest portion of the book of ephesians. He also sent along the letter to the colossian church. Each book has a major theme that emphasizes an aspect of gods character or a way he is working to carry out his perfect plan. Another major theme in ephesians is the keeping of christs body that is, the church pure and holy. During this time he also wrote colossians and philemon.

Intro to ephesians biblica the international bible society. Introduction to the book of ephesians book of ephesians survey. Paul wrote the letter to the ephesians sometime in ad 6061, around the. The book of ephesians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. In verses 12 through 18, james returns to the first of 3 themes of the book of james trials or temptations.

View chuck swindolls chart of ephesians, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. It describes gods blessings upon his people, reconciliation of their ethnic differences, and prototypical values for a godly lifestyle in familial and communal. The book of philemon, one of the shortest books in the bible, teaches an important lesson on forgiveness. Overview and outline of ephesians bible study deeper. Key verses and themes in galatians, ephesians, and. The theme and purpose of ephesians ephesians is so broad, so sweeping in its content, that recognizing the underlying theme is easily missed. According to new testament scholar daniel wallace, the theme may be stated pragmatically as christians, get along with each other. Ephesians executable outline study resources blue letter bible. A brief look at some of the unique teachings about jesus in ephesians. Key verses and themes in colossians and philemon bible.

First, we will look at the theme of the holy spirit, who empowered the church to expand christs kingdom. People of all nations are united to christ and to one. One thing is certain ephesus was a city in darkness blinded by idolatry and material wealth. The emphasizing of this contradiction, that christ has overcome evil yet evil exists, is one of the major themes of the late swiss theologian karl barth. Ephesians major themes introduction to the book of. Each paragraph calls us to renewed thinking that leads to faithful godly lives. Mar 14, 2018 every book of the bible has a theme and a purpose, and that is true of the book of james as well. Paul wrote his prison epistles ephesians, philippians, colossians, and philemon from rome in approximately 6062 a. Jun 21, 2012 a brief look at some of the unique teachings about jesus in ephesians. The book of ephesians god provides all that we need to live out strong godly lives on earth with the power of his holy spirit. The tenth book of the new testament and the fifth of the pauline epistles.

In this article, i have addressed five themes to consider as you preach through this book. For those wanting to dig deeper into bible book paragraph summary themes go here. Believers are expected to be clad in the spiritual armor of god as mentioned in ephesians 6. Whereas the gentiles were once controlled by the powerful prince of the air, they are now in the kingdom of christ and free from trespasses and sins eph 2. Book summary colossians shows jesus christs divine characteristics. The bible is filled with countless stories that inspire and challenge. Chapter 1 lays the foundation by showing us the eternal purpose of god in choosing the elect who would be his people. Second, god has reconciled these saved individuals to each other, christ having broken down the barriers through his own death 2. People of all nations are united to christ and to one another in the church, through the working of the trinity. The apostle paul wrote this letter to the churches in ephesus and the surrounding region c. All three letters were sent with tychicus and onesimus. Paul is sending the slave onesimus back to his master philemon, in the care of tychicus. Once again, colossians must drive christendom to the affirmation of radical freedom col.

The main theme of james is that of faith and actions, but there are also other themes and key topics addressed in this book. Ephesians is a 1stcentury ce new testament letter in which a jewish writer applies the memory of jesus and pauline thought to christfollowers from different ethnic backgrounds. 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. Aug 04, 20 paul calls attention to three major themes. In light of this, this article will examine the treasure house of riches in jesus christ from the book of ephesians by exploring background information to the book, by outlining the content of the book, by identifying the themes of the book and by discussing one major theme and how it relates to the contemporary scene. The book of ephesians survey introduces a list of themes and describes six of them. Read all of ephesians 3 the whole of chapter 3 is a parenthesis unfolding the mystery. Major themes in the book of ephesians our blessings in christ ephesians 1. The apostle paul wrote the letter to the ephesians while in prison. With its exalted view of the church in gods plan of. The major themes that show up in the letter to the ephesians are those of building the body of christ and christian practice, unity, holiness in life, and responsibility in the household bowker, 429. Another of pauls themes is the deliverance from darkness into the kingdom of god eph 2.

The equipping of gods people to do what god has appointed them. Mar 06, 2020 in this article, i have addressed five themes to consider as you preach through this book. Render service with enthusiasm, as to the lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do. In an effort to drive home his main point act on your faith, james gives. Paul spent more time there than any other city about three years. Major themes in epistle to the ephesians, also called. God predestined his people to redemption and holiness in christ 1. Paul walks a fine line when it comes to society and class. Holy bible ephesians sentence block diagram method of the.

A guide to key events, characters, and themes of the bible. Now let us move to some of the major theological themes found in the book. First, god has reconciled individuals to himself as an act of grace 2. 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. To put it succinctly, the prevailing theme in ephesians is gods eternal purpose and the place of christ and his people in that purpose. 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.

Finally, be strong in the lord and in his mighty power. The purpose of this essay is to explore the book of ephes. Themes of bible books simplified in one or two sentences. The indication is that the epistles to the colossians, philemon and the ephesians were carried to their destination by tychicus and onesimus cf. It describes gods blessings upon his people, reconciliation of their ethnic differences, and prototypical values for a godly lifestyle in familial and communal contexts. Ephesians consists of a series of statements about god, christ and salvation, followed by exhortation urging readers to. Ephesians essaysas one begins to read the letter to the ephesians, he is intrigued not only by the many topics that the letter mentions, but also the fact that there are some major differences between this book and pauls other writings. God has shown these to the ephesians, and paul calls the readers to be imitators of god eph 5. Ephesians has a unique focus in its first chapter on how all the persons of the triune god, father, son and holy spirit are active in the saving work of the gospel. E phesians is one of the most encouraging books in the new testament. Ephesus was the chief city of the coastal area of asia minor. But while all those subjects are vital, none of them, i believe, is the central theme of the letter. A guide to key events, characters and themes of the bible.

Maintain the unity practically which christ has effected positionally by his death. The book of ephesians was very likely written between a. Those that like to get into studying the bible and its heavy doctrines prefer to study the first part of pauls letters and often treat the latter part as secondary or of less value see the right diagram where a wall separates the two sections. Major themes in epistle to the ephesians, also called letter.

Written in 6162, when paul was a prisoner in rome cf. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus. Paul uses several word pictures to describe the church. Major bible themes presenting 49 vital doctrines of the scriptures, abbreviated and simplified for popular use, including suggestive questions on each topical and textual indices.

Ephesians has a unique focus in its first chapter on how all the persons of the triune god, father, son and holy spirit are active in. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity would receive this writing. Explores the three major concepts that luke addressed as he unfolded the unhindered spread of the gospel of gods kingdom in the days of the early church. It was written around 60ad during pauls house arrest in rome. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries. 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.

The book of ephesians in the bible was written in rome. Gods glory, the mystery, unity of the body, redemption, calling of the. Ephesians reveals to us the great mystery of the church which is the body of christ. You cant live with them, you cant move to a desert island to escape them. Book summary ephesians reveals to us the great mystery of the church which is the body of christ. The early christians banded together to form small local communities where they could worship together and support each other christianity wasnt the most popular religion around. Holy bible ephesians sentence block diagram method of. The letter to the ephesians essay example graduateway.

Major themes pauls second missonary journey to ephesus map chronology chart of pauline letters ephesians 1 ephesians 1. This infinite eternal powerful being is shown in this epistle to be personal, he. Every book of the bible has a theme and a purpose, and that is true of the book of james as well. The purpose of this essay is to explore the book of ephesians by commenting on critical issues, such as date, authorship, and setting, major theological themes, the purpose of the letter, and to offer an outline of the book itself. Ephesians presents many significant themes which bring major contributions of thought. The book of ephesians is a letter from paul to christians at ephesus. The epistle to the ephesians introduction author the apostle paul 1. Ephesians overview and outline of ephesians author. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god. He explains that when christ followers endure trials and pass the testing of their faith, god rewards them with the promised crown of life verse 12.

The passages listed below include some of the most familiar stories and passages from the old and new testaments. Put on the full armor of god so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. Bible commentary produced by tow project galatians 2. Early sources in church history that attribute this letter to paul include.

Ephesians consists of a series of statements about god, christ and salvation, followed by exhortation urging readers to reflect gods truth and will in their lives. What follows is an attempt to capture these themes its simplest form. A grand epistle like ephesians almost defies coming up with one main theme. Jesus did away with the need for all social norms and class distinctions. It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. The book of ephesians exploring the treasure house of. We will explore three major themes that are introduced in the opening of the book of acts and developed throughout its chapters.

The importance and style of prayer needed for the welfare of the church. 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. The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new. 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. This letter is one of pauls four imprisonment letters. Some believe that rather than writing to a specific church in. The worship of god because of redemption unfortunately, what has often been missed in ephesians chapter 1, especially verses 1 through 14, which has become a battleground for the debate over election, specifically, and reformed versus nonreformed. This infinite eternal powerful being is shown in this epistle to be personal, he is shown to be the one who becomes our life.

If such is truly the case, then paul wrote ephesians around 6163 a. Gods general purpose for the church and the believers. I offer the following commentary and summary for ephesians in this article. Asked in books and literature, new testament, jesus christ. Introduction as one begins to read the letter to the ephesians, he is intrigued not only by the many topics that the letter mentions, but also the fact that there are some major differences between this book and pauls other writings.