Completed
Synopsis: The epistle to the Ephesians is thought to have been written by the Apostle Paul around 62 A.D., and it was concerned with and sent to the Churches in Asia Minor which today is the location of the nation Turkey. It is interesting that the book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ written by the Apostle John was also concerned with and sent to the seven Christian Churches in Asia Minor. Why? Because these seven churches, which included the church at Ephesus, represented and continues to represent all the Christian churches in the world. The character and traits of these churches exists in every church that meets in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ. It is this book or letter that Martin Luther read that caused him to separate from Catholicism and start the Protestant Reformation. It deals with predestination, the riches of Christ, the breaking down of the wall between Jew and Gentile, God’s grace and the mystery of Christ, the five fold ministry in the Church, the armor of God, and many practical teachings regarding relationships.
Key Verses: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-7
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
Note: What is an epistle? Epistle is the English version of the Greek word, epistole, and it means a letter. All the Epistles in the New Testament are letters written to converted Christian believers. They were not written to unbelievers or the unsaved. As such, the Epistles are also written to converted Christian believers living today and to those living in the future. They are the Christians’ mail. Therefore, one cannot make a plan of salvation out of any statements written in these letters. The only plan of salvation provided in the New Testament is in Acts chapter 2 where the Apostle Peter answered the question, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” and Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” That is God’s method or plan of salvation. Any thing else written in the Epistles is to people who have already done what Peter commanded in Acts chapter 2 and is simply a confirmation of their faith.