Paul probably wrote his letter to the ephesians while under house arrest in rome. Into this world steps machetewielding road warrior eli a man on a. Ephesians is the great pauline letter about the church. Aug 04, 20 the call of christ is a call to action, and ephesians lays out gods desire for your spiritual walk like no other book of the bible. Understanding the structure of the new testament books of the bible. Ephesians 4, new international version niv the bible app. Greear digs into the text of ephesians versebyverse and challenges believers to live out the gospel. It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of ephesus in asia minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is christ, the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making gods plan of salvation known throughout the universe eph 3. The theme of the book of ephesians is found at chapter 1. Sermon notes by lee irons, who was at the time pastor of redeemer orthodox presbyterian church in van nuys, ca.
The church has been brought from death to life in christ. The gospel is often presented as though faith in jesus christ. The church has received wondrous blessings in union with christ. Fortunately, given the press of time, the section in question had been assigned for exegesis before, almost 40 years ago in fact, to our esteemed and sainted prof. Commentary on the book of ephesians by matthew henry. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives.
The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to ephesians, is the tenth book of the new. The book of ephesians free online bible study lessons. The themes of ephesians theology lectures in 200 words. Sproul has himself written a very helpful introductory level commentary on it titled the purpose of god. Workbook on the fundamentals of the gospel of christ.
The logical flow of ephesians the figure above illustrates the logical flow throughout ephesians and in particular chapters 3 and 4. Ephesians 1 tlb dear christian friends at ephesus, ever. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. See why 1 corinthians is highly applicable for christians today.
Ephesians reveals to us the great mystery of the church which is the body of christ. Like elis sons, children grow up to disrespect god if their parents. Ephesians pastor david legge 4 grace be to you, and peace, from god our father, and from the lord jesus christ. Commentary on the book of ephesians by matthew henry new. Book summary ephesians reveals to us the great mystery of the church which is the body of christ. The entire book is divided into three sections with each section. Ephesians 4 niv bible as a prisoner for the lord, then.
The book of ephesians the book of ephesians seems to encompass everything that the christian is, what he will experience, and how he is to overcome against the ancient foe, the devil. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole. This is a lot to take in, so if you want to start with baby steps. Theyre listed in the order they show up in the protestant bible. One thing is certain ephesus was a city in darkness blinded by idolatry and material wealth. Some bible scholars call it the alps of new testament, the grand canyon of scripture, and the royal capstone because of its grand theme and the revelation about jesus. Ephesians and the mystery paul is ecstatic about what the gospel accomplishes. During this time he also wrote colossians and philemon.
John calvin called it his favorite book of the bible. He instructed them in ephesians chapter 4 about how they should treat each other. You may remember him from such new testament letters as romans and 1 corinthians. This time, pauls writing to the church in ephesus and, boy, does he have a lot to say. He actually quotes from this psalm to continue his thought regarding his mention of. The book of ephesians records not only what god has done chapters but also what he is doing now chapters 4 6 in the church below. Mar 22, 2020 eli goes through ephesians showing how spiritual warfare is a main theme throughout the book. Mar 04, 2015 matthew jensencentral thememjs central theme. While the book of elis respect for the sanctity of gods word and the. Instead, mature believers can speak the truth in love ephesians 4. Christ has united people from all nations to himself and to one another in his church. 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. 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.
It was a center of learning and was near several key land routes. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in jesus christ. However, no matter what the arguments for ephesians not being penned by ap, it continually comes back to one main conclusion supported by a sub conclusion as to why the book was indeed penned by apthe main point being to anyone making the arguments that. The book of ephesians overview of the book of ephesians the book of ephesians is a masterpiece of revelation that bridges the principles of grace and obedience into one solid irremovable form. Once we have a good idea as to why the book was written we can begin to interpret it. The theme of ephesians is the church and is a book of conduct and encouragement. Theme verse of ephesians therefore i, the prisoner of the lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. The book of ephesians, chapter 4 king james version. March 4, 2015 july 29, 2015 kiwiandrew new testament chirstian living. Ephesians and colossians summary the epistle to the ephesians. The call of christ is a call to action, and ephesians lays out gods desire for your spiritual walk like no other book of the bible.
This is paul writing to you, chosen by god to be jesus christs messenger. Samuel coleridge called it the most divine composition of man 2. The book of ephesians was very likely written between a. 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.
I therefore, the prisoner of the lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2. The epistle to the ephesians chapter four objectives in studying the chapter 1 to see the importance of walking in unity and purity 2 to appreciate the gifts christ has given the church for our edification, and the need for each one to do their share summary beginning with this chapter and proceeding through the rest of the epistle, paul. The most beautiful letter, the most beautiful words that have ever been penned by any human being. Here we have yet another letter from the apostle paul. Paul intended that all who long for christlike maturity would receive this writing.
Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that you discuss your answers and insights with other bible students who also completed the workbook. Samuel taylor coleridge, the hymnwriter, wrote these words about the book of ephesians he said. Ephesians 4 modern english version mev unity of the body. The central organizing theological idea in ephesians is that through christs atoning work god has mightily brought about the churcha new humanity, i. Enclosed within the book of ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of god.
Ephesians chapter one and four we are sealed with the spirit. If you want more, ive linked to quick, 3minute guides to every book of the bible, too. 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. I offer the following commentary and summary for ephesians in this article. View chuck swindoll s chart of ephesians, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. It also helps us avoid being deceived by false teachings ephesians 4. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the lord. 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. Ive written a onesentence overview of every book of the bible. Focused in purpose, he puts on the armor of god ephesians 6. The book of eli has an incredible biblical message, which tells the story of elis unwavering faith as he honors god with his life and follows gods will no matter how hard the journey may be.
Marauding gangs haunt the ashen wastelands of america, preying on innocent passersby. Christ has reconciled all creation to himself and to god. The book of ephesians kjv audio holy bible high quality and best speed book 49 duration. Christ grace of sufficient for all human needs edification what christ provided for the purpose of edification the gifts of god spiritual are through. Ephesians 4 niv bible as a prisoner for the lord, then, i. This theme dominates the book, occurring in nearly every. Highdemand the ecclesiology of the book of ephesians. To teach the christians at ephesus the wonder and practical implications of being the church in christ. Washington, a twotime academy award winner widely known in hollywood for his christian beliefs, portrays a lone warrior making his way. There are several ways of looking into this wonderful and remarkable book of ephesians, but the figure below illustrates the way in which it will be viewed in this. The truths of this book have impacted the lives of many saints. All three letters were sent with tychicus and onesimus. Eli, the father of hophni and phinehas, is a prime and.
Encounter ephesians, and get swept up into the story of jesus. It first presents both the historical and literary contexts followed by an overview of the passage in the context of the letter as a whole. John knox asked that calvins sermons on ephesians be read to him on his deathbed. E phesians is one of the most encouraging books in the new testament.
Ephesians sets forth what no other book of the new testament describes so completely the nature of the body of christ, which is the true church. If the people of your city, of your school, of your family are going to hear the gospel, its going to be from your mouth. Ephesians 4 commentary commentary critical and explanatory. All 66 books of the bible in easy, onesentence summaries.
Christ has reconciled the whole of creation to himself and to god the father. Eli goes through ephesians showing how spiritual warfare is a main theme throughout the book. I recommend this volume to anyone who is not familiar with the basic themes of this epistle. The book of eli casts bible as a major theme baptist standard. As a prisoner for the lord, then, i urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Overview of the book of ephesians reformed answers to bible. We see elis faith remain steadfast as he faces many trials and tribulations, including.
Includes jews which is what wed expect but also gentiles. The book of ephesians week six workbook eeonline biblestudy. Overview of the book of ephesians reformed answers to. Another major theme in ephesians is the keeping of christs body that is, the church pure and holy. The book of ephesians chapter four workbook eeonline biblestudy. Alas, you who are longing for the day of the lord, for what purpose will the day of. When we are seeking to understand a book of the bible, our first question must be, why was this particular book written. Christ dwells in our hearts by faith according to ephesians 3. He then urged the ephesians to change their way of thinking and to no longer live as gentiles. 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. Most scholars agree that no other book of the new testament contains such a lofty and detailed doctrine of the church as the book of ephesians. Summary of ephesians chapters 3 and 4 robert walsh. Essay rome, the most important city apostle paul ap bible dictionary wbd expounds in more details of the origins of those theories.
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