Phrase

NT

Ephesians 1:1-2

esv

Paul,

an apostle of Christ Jesus

by the will of God,

To the saints

who are in Ephesus,

and are faithful

in Christ Jesus:

Grace to you

and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

phrasing

notes

Main point summary

The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, and wished them grace and peace, all in Christ.

Discourse

Ephesians 1:1-2

Paul,

a an apostle of Christ Jesus

b by the will of God,

actionmanner

ideaexplanation

To the saints

who are in Ephesus,

and c are faithful 1

in Christ Jesus:

locative

series

progression

d Grace to you

and peace

from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

actionpurpose

discourse

Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us

in Christ

with every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly places,

even as he chose us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and blameless

before him.

In love

he predestined us

for adoption as sons

through Jesus Christ,

according to the purpose of his will,

to the praise of his glorious grace,

with which he has blessed us

in the Beloved.

In him

we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of our trespasses,

according to the riches of his grace,

which he lavished upon us,

in all wisdom and insight

making known to us the mystery of his will,

according to his purpose,

which he set forth

in Christ

as a plan for the fullness of time,

to unite all things

in him,

things in heaven

and things on earth.

In him

we have obtained an inheritance,

having been predestined

according to the purpose of him

who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

so that we who were the first to hope in Christ

might be to the praise of his glory.

In him you also,

when you heard the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation,

and believed in him,

were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

who is the guarantee of our inheritance

until we acquire possession of it,

to the praise of his glory.

Main point summary

Paul blessed the Father for blessing the Ephesian church by choosing and adopting them in Christ for His praise; the one through whom redemption, forgiveness, and the Spirit was given for God's glory.

Ephesians 1:3-14

e Blessed be f the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us

in Christ

with every spiritual blessing

g in the heavenly places,

h even as he i chose us

in him

j before the foundation of the world,

that we should be k holy

and blameless

before him.

temporal

In love

l he predestined us 1

for m adoption as sons

through Jesus Christ,

actionresult

n according to the purpose of his will,

o to the praise of his glorious grace,

with which he has blessed us

in p the Beloved.

q In him

we have r redemption

s through his blood,

t the forgiveness of our trespasses,

u according to the riches of his grace,

which he lavished upon us,

in all wisdom and insight

v making known 1 to us the mystery of his will,

n according to his purpose,

which he w set forth

in Christ

as a plan for x the fullness of time,

y to unite all things

in him,

things in heaven

and things on earth.

In him

we have obtained z an inheritance,

a having been predestined

b according to the purpose of him

who works all things according to c the counsel of his will,

so that we who were the first to hope in Christ

might be d to the praise of his glory.

In him you also,

when you heard e the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation,

and believed in him,

f were sealed with the g promised Holy Spirit,

who is h the guarantee 1 of our i inheritance

until j we acquire k possession of it, 2

l to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:15-23

For this reason,

because I have heard

of your faith in the Lord Jesus

and your love toward all the saints,

I do not cease

to give thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers,

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of glory,

may give you

the Spirit of wisdom

and of revelation

in the knowledge of him,

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened,

that you may know

what is the hope to which he has called you,

what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,

according to the working of his great might

that he worked in Christ

when he raised him from the dead

and seated him at his right hand

in the heavenly places,

far above all rule

and authority

and power

and dominion,

and above every name that is named,

not only in this age

but also in the one to come.

And he put all things under his feet

and gave him as head over all things to the church,

which is his body,

the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Main point summary

As Paul was hearing of and remembering the Ephesian church, he did not cease giving thanks in prayer; praying they would have their hearts enlightened through the Spirit knowing the hope, riches, and power in Christ.

Ephesians 1:15-23

For this reason, m because I have heard

of your faith in the Lord Jesus

and your love 1 toward all the saints,

I n do not cease

to give thanks for you,

o remembering you in my prayers,

that p the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of glory,

inference

q may give you

the Spirit of wisdom

and of revelation

in the knowledge of him,

r having the eyes of your hearts enlightened,

that you may know

what is s the hope to which he has called you,

what are t the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,

u according to the working of v his great might

that he worked in Christ

w when he raised him from the dead

and x seated him at his right hand

y in the heavenly places,

z far above a all rule

and authority

and power

and dominion,

and above b every name that is named,

not only in c this age

but also in the one to come.

alternative

And d he put all things under his feet

and gave him as e head over all things to the church,

f which is his body,

g the fullness of him h who fills i all in all.

bilateral

Ephesians 2:1-10

And you

were dead in the trespasses and sins

in which you once walked,

following the course of this world,

following the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh,

carrying out the desires of the body and the mind,

and were by nature children of wrath,

like the rest of mankind.

But God,

being rich in mercy,

because of the great love with which he loved us,

even when we were dead in our trespasses,

made us alive together with Christ—

by grace you have been saved—

and raised us up with him

and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

so that in the coming ages

he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith.

And this is not your own doing;

it is the gift of God,

not a result of works,

so that no one may boast.

For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand,

that we should walk in them.

Main point summary

Paul taught that God graciously brought the believers of the Ephesian church, and all Christians, from death to life with Christ.

Ephesians 2:1-10

j And you were k dead in the trespasses and sins

l in which you once walked,

following the course of this world,

following m the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit that is now at work in n the sons of disobedience—

among whom we all once lived in o the passions of our flesh,

carrying out the desires of the body 1 and the mind,

and p were by nature q children of wrath,

like the rest of mankind. 2

comparison

But 1 God, being r rich in mercy,

s because of the great love with which he loved us,

ground

even t when we were dead in our trespasses,

u made us alive together with Christ—

v by grace you have been saved—

and raised us up with him

and w seated us with him

in the heavenly places

in Christ Jesus,

so that in the coming ages

he might show the immeasurable x riches of his grace

in y kindness toward us

in Christ Jesus.

For z by grace you have been saved

a through faith.

And this is b not your own doing;

c it is the gift of God,

negativepositive

d not a result of works,

e so that no one may boast.

For f we are his workmanship,

g created in Christ Jesus h for good works,

i which God prepared beforehand,

j that we should walk in them.

concessive

Ephesians 2:11-22

Therefore remember

that at one time you

Gentiles in the flesh,

called “the uncircumcision”

by what is called the circumcision,

which is made in the flesh by hands—

remember that you were at that time

separated from Christ,

alienated from the commonwealth of Israel

and strangers to the covenants of promise,

having no hope

and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus

you who once were far off

have been brought near

by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace,

who has made us both one

and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

by abolishing the law of commandments

expressed in ordinances,

that he might create in himself

one new man in place of the two,

so making peace,

and might reconcile us both to God

in one body

through the cross,

thereby killing the hostility.

And he came

and preached peace to you

who were far off

and peace to those who were near.

For through him

we both have access in one Spirit

to the Father.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,

but you are fellow citizens

with the saints and members of the household of God,

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,

Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

in whom

the whole structure,

being joined together,

grows into a holy temple

in the Lord.

In him

you also are being built together

into a dwelling place for God

by the Spirit.

Main point summary

Paul reminded the Gentiles in the church that they were separated from Christ, His people, and covenants; but were brought near through Christ's blood and preaching, creating God's new temple in Him.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Therefore remember

that at one time you

Gentiles in the flesh,

called “the uncircumcision”

by what is called k the circumcision,

which is made in the flesh by hands—

remember l that you were at that time

separated from Christ,

m alienated from the commonwealth of Israel

and strangers to n the covenants of promise,

o having no hope

and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus

you who once were p far off

have been brought near

q by the blood of Christ.

For r he himself is our peace,

s who has made us both one

and has broken down t in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

by abolishing the law of commandments

expressed in u ordinances,

that he might create in himself

one v new man in place of the two,

so making peace,

and might w reconcile us both to God

in one body

through the cross,

thereby killing the hostility.

And he came

and x preached peace to you

who were y far off

and peace to those who were z near.

For a through him

we both have b access in c one Spirit to the Father.

So then you are no longer d strangers and aliens, 1

but you are e fellow citizens with the saints

and f members of the household of God,

g built on the foundation of the h apostles and prophets,

i Christ Jesus himself being j the cornerstone,

k in whom

the whole structure,

being joined together,

grows into l a holy temple

in the Lord.

In him

m you also are being built together

n into a dwelling place for God by 1 the Spirit.

Ephesians 3:1-13

For this reason

I, Paul,

a prisoner for Christ Jesus

on behalf of you Gentiles—

assuming that you have heard

of the stewardship

of God’s grace

that was given to me for you,

how the mystery was made known to me

by revelation,

as I have written briefly.

When you read this,

you can perceive my insight

into the mystery of Christ,

which was not made known

to the sons of men

in other generations

as it has now been revealed

to his holy apostles

and prophets

by the Spirit.

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs,

members of the same body,

and partakers of the promise

in Christ Jesus

through the gospel.

Of this gospel

I was made a minister

according to the gift of God’s grace,

which was given me

by the working of his power.

To me,

though I am the very least of all the saints,

this grace was given,

to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

and to bring to light

for everyone

what is the plan of the mystery

hidden for ages

in God

who created all things,

so that through the church

the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known

to the rulers

and authorities

in the heavenly places.

This was according to the eternal purpose

that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

in whom

we have boldness

and access

with confidence

through our faith in him.

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you,

which is your glory.

Main point summary

Paul encouraged the Ephesian church as his imprisonment was because of his stewardship of God's mysterious gospel that revealed that Gentiles were heirs in Christ too, which is declared through Paul and the church.

Ephesians 3:1-13

For this reason I, Paul, o a prisoner for Christ Jesus p on behalf of you Gentiles—

assuming that you have heard of q the stewardship of r God’s grace that was given to me for you,

s how the mystery was made known to me t by revelation,

u as I have written briefly.

v When you read this,

you can perceive my insight into w the mystery of Christ,

which was not made known

to the sons of men

in other generations

as it has now been revealed

to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

This mystery is 1 that the Gentiles are x fellow heirs,

y members of the same body,

and z partakers of the promise

in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

a Of this gospel I was made b a minister

according to the gift of c God’s grace, which was given me

d by the working of his power.

To me, e though I am the very least of all the saints,

this grace was given,

f to preach to the Gentiles the g unsearchable h riches of Christ,

and i to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery

j hidden for ages in 1 God

k who created all things,

so that through the church

the manifold l wisdom of God m might now be made known

to n the rulers and authorities o in the heavenly places.

This was p according to the eternal purpose

that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

in whom we have q boldness and r access

with s confidence through our t faith in him.

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering u for you,

v which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason

I bow my knees

before the Father,

from whom every family

in heaven

and on earth is named,

that according to the riches of his glory

he may grant you

to be strengthened

with power

through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell

in your hearts

through faith—

that you,

being rooted

and grounded in love,

may have strength

to comprehend

with all the saints

what is the breadth

and length

and height

and depth,

and to know the love of Christ

that surpasses knowledge,

that you may be filled

with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,

according to the power at work within us,

to him be glory

in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations,

forever and ever. Amen.

Main point summary

Paul prayed – because of God's unifying work in the church – that the Ephesian church would be strengthened, and that they’d comprehend and know Christ's love, so that Christ would dwell in and fill them.

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

from whom w every family 1 in heaven and on earth is named,

that according to x the riches of his glory

y he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit z in your inner being,

a so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—

that you, being b rooted and c grounded in love,

may have strength

to d comprehend with all the saints

what is the breadth

and length

and e height

and depth,

and to know the love of Christ

f that surpasses knowledge,

that g you may be filled with all h the fullness of God.

i Now to j him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,

k according to the power at work within us,

l to him be glory

in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations,

forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you

to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

with all humility and gentleness,

with patience,

bearing with one another

in love,

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

There is

one body

and one Spirit—

just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—

one Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

one God and Father of all,

who is over all

and through all

and in all.

Main point summary

Paul urged the Ephesian church to walk worthy of their calling of unity in Christ.

Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, m a prisoner for the Lord, urge you

to n walk in a manner worthy of o the calling to which you have been called,

with all p humility and q gentleness,

with r patience,

s bearing with one another in love,

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in t the bond of peace.

There is

u one body and v one Spirit—just as you were called to the one w hope that belongs to your call—

x one Lord, y one faith, z one baptism,

a one God and Father of all, b who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:7-16

But grace was given to each one of us

according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high

he led a host of captives,

and he gave gifts to men.”

( In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean

but that he had also descended into the lower regions,

the earth?

He who descended

is the one who also ascended

far above all the heavens,

that he might fill all things.)

And he gave

the apostles,

the prophets,

the evangelists,

the shepherds and teachers,

to equip the saints

for the work of ministry,

for building up the body of Christ,

until we all attain to the unity of the faith

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

to mature manhood,

to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

so that we may no longer be children,

tossed to and fro by the waves

and carried about by every wind of doctrine,

by human cunning,

by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Rather, speaking the truth in love,

we are to grow up in every way into him

who is the head, into Christ,

from whom

the whole body,

joined and held together

by every joint with which it is equipped,

when each part is working properly,

makes the body grow

so that it builds itself up in love.

Main point summary

Paul taught that the ascended Christ graciously gifted each Christian in the Ephesian church with spiritually-gifted ministers that equip them for the work of ministry until they attain maturity.

Ephesians 4:7-16

But c grace was given d to each one of us

e according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Therefore it says,

f “When he ascended on high

g he led a host of captives,

and he gave gifts to men.” 1

( h In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean

but that he had also descended into i the lower regions,

the earth? 1

He who descended

is the one who also j ascended

k far above all the heavens,

that he might l fill all things.)

And m he gave

the n apostles,

the prophets,

the o evangelists,

the p shepherds 1 and teachers, 2

q to equip the saints

for the work of ministry,

for r building up s the body of Christ,

until we all attain to t the unity of the faith

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

u to mature manhood, 1

to the measure of the stature of v the fullness of Christ,

so that we may no longer be children,

w tossed to and fro by the waves

and carried about by every wind of doctrine,

by human cunning,

by craftiness in x deceitful schemes.

Rather, y speaking the truth in love,

we are to z grow up in every way into him

who is a the head, into Christ,

b from whom

the whole body,

joined and held together

by every joint with which it is equipped,

c when each part is working properly,

makes the body grow

so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:17-24

Now this I say

and testify in the Lord,

that you must no longer walk

as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.

They are darkened in their understanding,

alienated from the life of God

because of the ignorance that is in them,

due to their hardness of heart.

They have become callous

and have given themselves up to sensuality,

greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

But that is not the way you learned Christ!—

assuming that you have heard about him

and were taught in him,

as the truth is in Jesus,

to put off your old self,

which belongs to your former manner of life

and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

and to be renewed

in the spirit of your minds,

and to put on the new self,

created after the likeness of God

in true righteousness

and holiness.

Main point summary

Paul exhorted the Ephesian church not to walk as unconverted Gentiles, who had darkened understandings, alienated lives, and callous feelings; instead they were to walk as they learned Christ: putting off their old self, renewing their minds, and putting on the new self.

Ephesians 4:17-24

Now this I say

and d testify in the Lord,

e that you must no longer walk

as the Gentiles do, f in the futility of their minds.

They g are darkened in their understanding,

h alienated from the life of God

because of the ignorance that is in them,

due to i their hardness of heart.

They j have become callous

and k have given themselves up to sensuality,

greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

But that is not the way you l learned Christ!—

assuming that m you have heard about him

and n were taught in him,

as the truth is in Jesus,

to o put off p your old self, 1

which belongs to your former manner of life

and is corrupt through q deceitful desires,

and r to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

and to put on s the new self,

t created after the likeness of God

in true righteousness

and holiness.

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Therefore, having put away falsehood,

let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor,

for we are members one of another.

Be angry

and do not sin;

do not let the sun go down on your anger,

and give no opportunity to the devil.

Let the thief no longer steal,

but rather let him labor,

doing honest work with his own hands,

so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,

but only such as is good for building up,

as fits the occasion,

that it may give grace to those who hear.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,

by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness

and wrath

and anger

and clamor

and slander

be put away from you,

along with all malice.

Be kind to one another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

as God in Christ forgave you.

Therefore be imitators of God,

as beloved children.

And walk in love,

as Christ loved us

and gave himself up for us,

a fragrant offering

and sacrifice to God.

Main point summary

Paul commanded the Ephesian church to imitate God as children and to walk in love as Christ.

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Therefore, having put away falsehood,

let each one of you u speak the truth with his neighbor,

situationresponse

for v we are members one of another.

w Be angry

and do not sin;

do not let the sun go down on your anger,

and x give no opportunity to the devil.

Let the thief no longer steal,

but rather y let him labor,

z doing honest work with his own hands,

so a that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

b Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,

but only such as is good for building up,

as fits the occasion,

conditional

that it may give c grace to those who hear.

And d do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,

e by whom you were sealed for the day of f redemption.

g Let all bitterness

and wrath

and anger

and clamor

and slander

be put away from you,

along with all malice.

h Be kind to one another,

tenderhearted,

i forgiving one another,

as God in Christ forgave you.

j Therefore be imitators of God,

as beloved children.

And k walk in love,

l as Christ loved us and m gave himself up for us,

a n fragrant o offering

and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:3-14

But sexual immorality

and all impurity

or covetousness

must not even be named among you,

as is proper among saints.

Let there be no filthiness

nor foolish talk

nor crude joking,

which are out of place,

but instead let there be thanksgiving.

For you may be sure of this,

that everyone who is sexually immoral

or impure,

or who is covetous

( that is, an idolater),

has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words,

for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Therefore do not become partners with them;

for at one time you were darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light

(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good

and right

and true),

and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness,

but instead expose them.

For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

But when anything is exposed by the light,

it becomes visible,

for anything that becomes visible is light.

Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

Main point summary

Paul warned the Ephesian church not to partner with the world's sinful sexuality and talk because of what is in store for the world, and because they were children of the light not the darkness.

Ephesians 5:3-14

But p sexual immorality

and all impurity

or covetousness

q must not even be named among you,

as is proper among saints.

Let there be r no filthiness

nor foolish talk

nor crude joking,

s which are out of place,

but instead t let there be thanksgiving.

For you may be sure of this,

that u everyone who is sexually immoral

or impure,

or who is covetous

( v that is, an idolater),

has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

w Let no one x deceive you with empty words,

for because of these things y the wrath of God comes upon z the sons of disobedience.

Therefore a do not become partners with them;

for b at one time you were c darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord.

d Walk as children of light

(for e the fruit of light is found in all that is good

and right

and true),

and f try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

g Take no part in the h unfruitful i works of darkness,

but instead j expose them.

For k it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

But when l anything is exposed by the light,

it becomes visible,

for anything that becomes visible is light.

Therefore it says,

m “Awake, O sleeper,

and n arise from the dead,

and o Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk,

not as unwise

but as wise,

making the best use of the time,

because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish,

but understand what the will of the Lord is.

And do not get drunk with wine,

for that is debauchery,

but be filled with the Spirit,

addressing one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing

and making melody

to the Lord with your heart,

giving thanks always and for everything

to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

submitting to one another

out of reverence for Christ.

Main point summary

Through three contrasts and commands, Paul told the Ephesian church to walk carefully toward maturity.

Ephesians 5:15-21

p Look carefully then how you walk,

not as unwise

but as wise,

p making the best use of the time,

because q the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish,

but understand what r the will of the Lord is.

And s do not get drunk with wine,

for that is t debauchery,

but u be filled with the Spirit,

addressing one another

in v psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

and making melody

to the Lord with your heart,

w giving thanks always and for everything

to God the Father x in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

y submitting to one another

out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives, submit to your own husbands,

as to the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife

even as Christ is the head of the church,

his body,

and is himself its Savior.

Now as the church submits to Christ,

so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives,

as Christ loved the church

and gave himself up for her,

that he might sanctify her,

having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

so that he might present the church to himself in splendor,

without spot

or wrinkle

or any such thing,

that she might be holy

and without blemish.

In the same way husbands should love their wives

as their own bodies.

He who loves his wife loves himself.

For no one ever hated his own flesh,

but nourishes and cherishes it,

just as Christ does the church,

because we are members of his body.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother

and hold fast to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh.”

This mystery is profound,

and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,

and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Main point summary

Paul commanded the Ephesian church that marriage is to portray Christ's relationship to the church; wives submit to their husbands as the church does to Christ, and husbands sacrificially love their wives as the head just like Christ to the church. This displays a Spirit-filled marriage, as a couple carefully walks to maturity.

Ephesians 5:22-33

z Wives, a submit to your own husbands,

b as to the Lord.

For c the husband is the head of the wife

even as d Christ is the head of the church,

his body,

and is e himself its Savior.

Now as the church submits to Christ,

so also wives should submit f in everything to their husbands.

g Husbands, love your wives,

as Christ loved the church

and h gave himself up for her,

that he might sanctify her,

having cleansed her by i the washing of water j with the word,

so k that he might present the church to himself in splendor,

l without spot

or wrinkle

or any such thing,

that she might be holy

and without blemish. 1

In the same way m husbands should love their wives

as their own bodies.

He who loves his wife loves himself.

For no one ever hated his own flesh,

but nourishes and cherishes it,

just as Christ does the church,

because n we are members of his body.

o “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother

and hold fast to his wife,

and p the two shall become one flesh.”

This mystery is profound,

and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

However, q let each one of you love his wife as himself,

and let the wife see that she r respects her husband.

Ephesians 6:1-4

Children,

obey your parents in the Lord,

for this is right.

“Honor your father and mother”

(this is the first commandment with a promise),

“that it may go well with you

and that you may live long in the land.”

Fathers,

do not provoke your children to anger,

but bring them up in the discipline

and instruction of the Lord.

Main point summary

Paul commanded the Ephesian church that children obey and honor their parents, and fathers discipline and instruct their children. This displays a Spirit-filled household, as a family carefully walks to maturity.

Ephesians 6:1-4

s Children, obey your parents in the Lord,

for this is right.

t “Honor your father and mother”

(this is the first commandment with a promise),

“that it may go well with you

and that you may live long in the land.”

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,

u but bring them up in the discipline

and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:5-9

Bondservants,

obey your earthly masters

with fear and trembling,

with a sincere heart,

as you would Christ,

not by the way of eye- service,

as people- pleasers,

but as bondservants of Christ,

doing the will of God

from the heart,

rendering service

with a good will

as to the Lord

and not to man,

knowing that whatever good anyone does,

this he will receive back

from the Lord,

whether he is a bondservant

or is free.

Masters,

do the same to them,

and stop your threatening,

knowing that he who is both their Master

and yours

is in heaven,

and that there is no partiality with him.

Main point summary

Paul commanded the Ephesian church's bondservants to obey their masters with fear, sincerity, and service, knowing they will be repaid by Christ, whom they truly obey; and masters to have the same character rather than threatening their bondservants. This displays a Spirit-filled relation, as they carefully walk to maturity.

Ephesians 6:5-9

v Bondservants, 1 obey your earthly masters 2

with fear and trembling,

w with a sincere heart,

x as you would Christ,

not by the way of eye-service,

as y people-pleasers,

but as bondservants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart,

rendering service with a good will

as to the Lord and not to man,

z knowing that whatever good anyone does,

this he will receive back from the Lord,

a whether he is a bondservant 1 or is free.

Masters, do the same to them,

b and stop your threatening,

knowing that c he who is both their Master 1 and yours

is in heaven,

and that d there is no partiality with him.

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong

in the Lord

and in the strength of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh

and blood,

but against the rulers,

against the authorities,

against the cosmic powers

over this present darkness,

against the spiritual forces of evil

in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand firm.

Stand therefore,

having fastened on the belt of truth,

and having put on the breastplate

of righteousness,

and, as shoes for your feet,

having put on the readiness given

by the gospel of peace.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,

with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

and take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God,

praying at all times

in the Spirit,

with all prayer

and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance,

making supplication

for all the saints,

and also for me,

that words may be given to me

in opening my mouth boldly

to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

for which I am an ambassador in chains,

that I may declare it boldly,

as I ought to speak.

Main point summary

Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to be strong with God's strength through God's spiritual armor to war against evil and devils.

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, e be strong in the Lord

and in f the strength of his might.

g Put on h the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to stand against i the schemes of the devil.

For j we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,

but against k the rulers,

against the authorities,

against l the cosmic powers

over m this present darkness,

against n the spiritual forces of evil

o in the heavenly places.

Therefore p take up the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to withstand in q the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand firm.

Stand therefore,

r having fastened on the belt of truth,

and s having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

and, t as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

In all circumstances take up u the shield of faith,

with which you can extinguish all v the flaming darts of w the evil one;

and take s the helmet of salvation,

and x the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God,

praying y at all times z in the Spirit,

a with all prayer and supplication.

To that end b keep alert with all perseverance,

making c supplication for all the saints,

and d also for me,

that words may be given to me in opening my mouth e boldly

to proclaim f the mystery of the gospel,

for which I g am an ambassador h in chains,

that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:21-24

So that you also may know how I am

and what I am doing,

Tychicus

the beloved brother

and faithful minister

in the Lord

will tell you everything.

I have sent him to you

for this very purpose,

that you may know how we are,

and that he may encourage your hearts.

Peace be to the brothers,

and love with faith,

from God the Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ

with love incorruptible.

Main point summary

Paul sent Tychicus to the Ephesian church so that they would be encouraged with his status. He also prayed peace, love, faith, and grace from God for them.

Ephesians 6:21-24

i So that you also may know how I am

and what I am doing,

j Tychicus the beloved brother

and faithful minister in the Lord

will tell you everything.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose,

that you may know how we are,

and that he may k encourage your hearts.

l Peace be to the brothers, 1

and m love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all who n love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Main point summary

Paul wrote to the Ephesian church to inform them of their unity in Christ as one diverse Church.

Ephesians 1:1-6:24

Paul, a an apostle of Christ Jesus b by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and c are faithful 1 in Christ Jesus: d Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

e Blessed be f the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing g in the heavenly places, h even as he i chose us in him j before the foundation of the world, that we should be k holy and blameless before him. In love l he predestined us 1 for m adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, n according to the purpose of his will, o to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in p the Beloved. q In him we have r redemption s through his blood, t the forgiveness of our trespasses, u according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight v making known 1 to us the mystery of his will, n according to his purpose, which he w set forth in Christ as a plan for x the fullness of time, y to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained z an inheritance, a having been predestined b according to the purpose of him who works all things according to c the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be d to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard e the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, f were sealed with the g promised Holy Spirit, who is h the guarantee 1 of our i inheritance until j we acquire k possession of it, 2 l to the praise of his glory.

For this reason, m because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love 1 toward all the saints, I n do not cease to give thanks for you, o remembering you in my prayers, that p the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, q may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, r having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is s the hope to which he has called you, what are t the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, u according to the working of v his great might that he worked in Christ w when he raised him from the dead and x seated him at his right hand y in the heavenly places, z far above a all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above b every name that is named, not only in c this age but also in the one to come. And d he put all things under his feet and gave him as e head over all things to the church, f which is his body, g the fullness of him h who fills i all in all.

j And you were k dead in the trespasses and sins l in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following m the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in n the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in o the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body 1 and the mind, and p were by nature q children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 2 But 1 God, being r rich in mercy, s because of the great love with which he loved us, even t when we were dead in our trespasses, u made us alive together with Christ— v by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and w seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable x riches of his grace in y kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For z by grace you have been saved a through faith. And this is b not your own doing; c it is the gift of God, d not a result of works, e so that no one may boast. For f we are his workmanship, g created in Christ Jesus h for good works, i which God prepared beforehand, j that we should walk in them.

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called k the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember l that you were at that time separated from Christ, m alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to n the covenants of promise, o having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were p far off have been brought near q by the blood of Christ. For r he himself is our peace, s who has made us both one and has broken down t in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in u ordinances, that he might create in himself one v new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might w reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and x preached peace to you who were y far off and peace to those who were z near. For a through him we both have b access in c one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer d strangers and aliens, 1 but you are e fellow citizens with the saints and f members of the household of God, g built on the foundation of the h apostles and prophets, i Christ Jesus himself being j the cornerstone, k in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into l a holy temple in the Lord. In him m you also are being built together n into a dwelling place for God by 1 the Spirit.

For this reason I, Paul, o a prisoner for Christ Jesus p on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of q the stewardship of r God’s grace that was given to me for you, s how the mystery was made known to me t by revelation, u as I have written briefly. v When you read this, you can perceive my insight into w the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is 1 that the Gentiles are x fellow heirs, y members of the same body, and z partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. a Of this gospel I was made b a minister according to the gift of c God’s grace, which was given me d by the working of his power. To me, e though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, f to preach to the Gentiles the g unsearchable h riches of Christ, and i to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery j hidden for ages in 1 God k who created all things, so that through the church the manifold l wisdom of God m might now be made known to n the rulers and authorities o in the heavenly places. This was p according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have q boldness and r access with s confidence through our t faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering u for you, v which is your glory.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom w every family 1 in heaven and on earth is named, that according to x the riches of his glory y he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit z in your inner being, a so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being b rooted and c grounded in love, may have strength to d comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and e height and depth, and to know the love of Christ f that surpasses knowledge, that g you may be filled with all h the fullness of God. i Now to j him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, k according to the power at work within us, l to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I therefore, m a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to n walk in a manner worthy of o the calling to which you have been called, with all p humility and q gentleness, with r patience, s bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in t the bond of peace. There is u one body and v one Spirit—just as you were called to the one w hope that belongs to your call— x one Lord, y one faith, z one baptism, a one God and Father of all, b who is over all and through all and in all.

But c grace was given d to each one of us e according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, f “When he ascended on high g he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 1 ( h In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into i the lower regions, the earth? 1 He who descended is the one who also j ascended k far above all the heavens, that he might l fill all things.) And m he gave the n apostles, the prophets, the o evangelists, the p shepherds 1 and teachers, 2 q to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for r building up s the body of Christ, until we all attain to t the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, u to mature manhood, 1 to the measure of the stature of v the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, w tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in x deceitful schemes. Rather, y speaking the truth in love, we are to z grow up in every way into him who is a the head, into Christ, b from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, c when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Now this I say and d testify in the Lord, e that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, f in the futility of their minds. They g are darkened in their understanding, h alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to i their hardness of heart. They j have become callous and k have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you l learned Christ!— assuming that m you have heard about him and n were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to o put off p your old self, 1 which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through q deceitful desires, and r to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on s the new self, t created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you u speak the truth with his neighbor, for v we are members one of another. w Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and x give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather y let him labor, z doing honest work with his own hands, so a that he may have something to share with anyone in need. b Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give c grace to those who hear. And d do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, e by whom you were sealed for the day of f redemption. g Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. h Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, i forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. j Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And k walk in love, l as Christ loved us and m gave himself up for us, a n fragrant o offering and sacrifice to God.

But p sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness q must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be r no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, s which are out of place, but instead t let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that u everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( v that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. w Let no one x deceive you with empty words, for because of these things y the wrath of God comes upon z the sons of disobedience. Therefore a do not become partners with them; for b at one time you were c darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. d Walk as children of light (for e the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and f try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. g Take no part in the h unfruitful i works of darkness, but instead j expose them. For k it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when l anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, m “Awake, O sleeper, and n arise from the dead, and o Christ will shine on you.”

p Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, p making the best use of the time, because q the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what r the will of the Lord is. And s do not get drunk with wine, for that is t debauchery, but u be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in v psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, w giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father x in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, y submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

z Wives, a submit to your own husbands, b as to the Lord. For c the husband is the head of the wife even as d Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is e himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit f in everything to their husbands. g Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and h gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by i the washing of water j with the word, so k that he might present the church to himself in splendor, l without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 1 In the same way m husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because n we are members of his body. o “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and p the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, q let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she r respects her husband.

s Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. t “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, u but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

v Bondservants, 1 obey your earthly masters 2 with fear and trembling, w with a sincere heart, x as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as y people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, z knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, a whether he is a bondservant 1 or is free. Masters, do the same to them, b and stop your threatening, knowing that c he who is both their Master 1 and yours is in heaven, and that d there is no partiality with him.

Finally, e be strong in the Lord and in f the strength of his might. g Put on h the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against i the schemes of the devil. For j we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against k the rulers, against the authorities, against l the cosmic powers over m this present darkness, against n the spiritual forces of evil o in the heavenly places. Therefore p take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in q the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, r having fastened on the belt of truth, and s having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, t as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up u the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all v the flaming darts of w the evil one; and take s the helmet of salvation, and x the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying y at all times z in the Spirit, a with all prayer and supplication. To that end b keep alert with all perseverance, making c supplication for all the saints, and d also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth e boldly to proclaim f the mystery of the gospel, for which I g am an ambassador h in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

i So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, j Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may k encourage your hearts. l Peace be to the brothers, 1 and m love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who n love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Notes

EPHESIANS : The Church's Unity in Christ Section and Passage Titles Introduction to God's Work in Christ (1:1-2:10) 1. For Ephesus and Us (1:1-2) 2. God's Work of Redemption (1:3-14) 3. The Posture and Pattern of Prayer (1:15-23) 4. From Death to Life (2:1-10) God's Unifying Work in Christ ( 2:11-4:16 ) 5. God's New Temple People (2:11-22) 6. God's Mystery Revealed (3:1-13) 7. The Strengthened Church (3:14-21) 8. The Church's Calling (4:1-6) 9. The Maturing Church (4:7-16) Walking Toward Maturity in Christ (4:17-5:21) 10. Walk As You Learned Christ (4:17-24) 11. Walk in Love like God (4:25-5:2) 12. Walk in the Light of God (5:3-14) 13. Walk Carefully (5:15-21) Contexts for Spirit-Filled Submission in Christ (5:22-6:9) 14. Wives to Husbands: Submission and Love (5:22-33) 15. Children to Fathers: Obey and Instruct (6:1-4) 16. Bondservants to Masters: Serving and Sincerity (6:5-9) Strength and Farewell in Christ (6:10-24) 17. God's Strong Spiritual Armor (6:10-20) 18. A Gracious Farewell (6:21-24) Main Idea of the Text(s) (MIT) 1:1-6:24 - Paul wrote to the Ephesian church to inform them of their unity in Christ as one diverse Church. 1:1-2 - The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, and wished them grace and peace, all in Christ. 1:3-14 - Paul blessed the Father for blessing the Ephesian church by choosing and adopting them in Christ for His praise; the one through whom redemption, forgiveness, and the Spirit was given for God's glory. 1:15-23 - As Paul was hearing of and remembering the Ephesian church, he did not cease giving thanks in prayer; praying they would have their hearts enlightened through the Spirit knowing the hope, riches, and power in Christ. 2:1-10 - Paul taught that God graciously brought the believers of the Ephesian church, and all Christians, from death to life with Christ. 2:11-22 - Paul reminded the Gentiles in the church that they were separated from Christ, His people, and covenants; but were brought near through Christ's blood and preaching, creating God's new temple in Him. 3:1-13 - Paul encouraged the Ephesian church as his imprisonment was because of his stewardship of God's mysterious gospel that revealed that Gentiles were heirs in Christ too, which is declared through Paul and the church. 3:14-21 - Paul prayed – because of God's unifying work in the church – that the Ephesian church would be strengthened, and that they’d comprehend and know Christ's love, so that Christ would dwell in and fill them. 4:1-6 - Paul urged the Ephesian church to walk worthy of their calling of unity in Christ. 4:7-16 - Paul taught that the ascended Christ graciously gifted each Christian in the Ephesian church with spiritually-gifted ministers that equip them for the work of ministry until they attain maturity. 4:17-24 - Paul exhorted the Ephesian church not to walk as unconverted Gentiles, who had darkened understandings, alienated lives, and callous feelings; instead, they were to walk as they learned Christ: putting off their old self, renewing their minds, and putting on the new self. 4:25-5:2 - Paul commanded the Ephesian church to imitate God as children and to walk in love as Christ. 5:3-14 - Paul warned the Ephesian church not to partner with the world's sinful sexuality and talk because of what is in store for the world, and because they were children of the light not the darkness. 5:15-21 - Through three contrasts and commands, Paul told the Ephesian church to walk carefully toward maturity. 5:22-33 - Paul commanded the Ephesian church that marriage is to portray Christ's relationship to the church through wives submitting to their husbands as the church does to Christ, and husbands sacrificially loving their wives as the head just like Christ to the church. This displays a Spirit-filled marriage, as a couple carefully walks to maturity. 6:1-4 - Paul commanded the Ephesian church's children to obey and honor their parents, and fathers to discipline and instruct their children. This displays a Spirit-filled household, as a family carefully walks to maturity. 6:5-9 - Paul commanded the Ephesian church's bondservants to obey their masters with fear, sincerity, and service, knowing they will be repaid by Christ, whom they truly obey; and masters to have the same character rather than threatening their bondservants. This displays a Spirit-filled relation, as they carefully walk to maturity. 6:10-20 - Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to be strong with God's strength through God's spiritual armor to war against evil and devils. 6:21-24 - Paul sent Tychicus to the Ephesian church so that they would be encouraged with his status. He also prayed peace, love, faith, and grace from God for them. Key : Title : A provisional title for a sermon. MIT : The main idea of the text (MIT), Paul's main point in the passage to the church in Ephesus. Exegetical Outline : Paul's outline/skeleton that drives his argument. Application : Clear implications and commands in the passage. Questions : Questions on the text that can be used in a Bible Study setting. Phrase : A visual representation of the relationship between the many phrases in a passage, displaying which phrases are subordinate to others, in order to discover an author’s outline. Discourse Bracket/Arc : A visual representation of the relationship between the many propositions in a passage, displaying how they relate to one another to advance an author’s argument, in order to discover the main point. Bibliography : Ephesians (EGGNT), Benjamin Merkle Ephesians (EEC), S. M. Baugh Propositional Outlines , Logos Bible Software 1:1-2 Introduction to God's Work in Christ (1:1-2:10) Title : For Ephesus and Us MIT : The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, and wished them grace and peace, all in Christ. Exegetical Outline : 3 Points of Introduction... 1. Paul: Apostle of Christ (1:1a) 2. Ephesus: Faithful in Christ (1:1b) 3. Greeting: Grace and Peace from God and Christ (1:2) Application : Embrace Christ's will Live faithfully in Christ Receive the grace and peace offered in God and Christ Questions : Who is this letter written by and to whom? What is special about the author and the recipients? Who is the central figure in these two verses? Read Acts 19:1-41, what did you glean about the setting of Ephesus? Who is someone that you can personally reach out to, wishing them grace and peace in the Lord? 1:3-14 Introduction to God's Work in Christ (1:1-2:10) Title : God's Work of Redemption MIT : Paul blessed the Father for blessing the Ephesian church by choosing and adopting them in Christ for His praise; the one through whom redemption, forgiveness, and the Spirit was given for God's glory. Exegetical Outline : 3 Person's Work... 1. The Father's Work (1:3-6) When... a. before the foundation of the world What... a. the One who blessed us - in Christ b. the One who chose us - in Christ c. the One who adopted us - in Christ Why... a. so we would be holy b. to the praise of his glorious grace 2. The Son's Work (1:7-12) When... a. when Christ's blood was shed What... a. the One through whom we're redeemed b. the One through whom we're forgiven c. the One through whom we receive an inheritance Why... a. to unite all things at the right time b. so we would be the first to hope in Him c. to the praise of His glory 3. The Spirit's Work (1:13-14) When... a. when you believed the gospel What... a. the One we're sealed with - in Christ b. the One who guarantees our inheritance - in Christ Why... a. to the praise of His glory Application : Live holy and blameless before God Give God glory for election, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and the Spirit Praise God for the gospel and salvation Questions : How many members of the Trinity are mentioned in this passage? What is attributed to each member? How many times does Paul say, "in Christ?" What is the doctrine of Union With Christ and its importance? If you're unfamiliar with this doctrine, research it and note your findings. How many times do the words "grace," "glory," and "praise" occur in this passage? Why might this be significant? How would you describe God's plan and will for heaven and earth in a sentence according to this passage? Make a list of all the reasons this passage gives you to praise God. Take a moment to sing to the Lord! 1:15-23 Introduction to God's Work in Christ (1:1-2:10) Title : The Posture and Pattern of Prayer MIT : As Paul was hearing of and remembering the Ephesian church, he did not cease giving thanks in prayer; praying they would have their hearts enlightened through the Spirit knowing the hope, riches, and power in Christ. Exegetical Outline : 2 Standards for Prayer... 1. The Posture of Prayer (1:15-17) a. Hearing a.1. of faith in Jesus a.2. of love toward the church b. Giving b.1. ceaseless thanks c. Remembering c.1. to plead to God for the church 2. The Pattern of Prayer (1:17-23) a. Request = give the Spirit b. Result = Enlightened H earts c. Reason = ... c.1. hope of calling c.2. riches of inheritance - God's gain c.3. immeasurably great power in Christ - salvation c.3.a. risen Christ c.3.b. seated Christ c.3.c. reigning Christ c.3.d. leading Christ Application : Pray like Paul Let godly matters drive you to prayer Know your hope, God's gain, & Christ's salvation Questions : What about the church led Paul to pray? What is true about Jesus Christ according to this passage? What was Paul's purpose in praying for the church in Ephesus? Compare your last few prayers to Paul's prayer, what similarities and dissimilarities are there? What about the gospel and the church should lead you to prayer? 2:1-10 Introduction to God's Work in Christ (1:1-2:10) Title : From Death to Life MIT : Paul taught that God graciously brought the believers of the Ephesian church, and all Christians, from death to life with Christ. Exegetical Outline : 2 Truths on Our Vertical Spiritual Journey... 1. You Were Dead (2:1-3) Following... a. The World b. Satan b.1. your passions aligned with him b.2. your actions aligned with him b.3. your fate aligned with him 2. You Are Alive (2:4-10) a. Because God is Merciful and Loved You, Despite You b. God Raised You Up with Christ c. God Seated You with Christ So that... His riches of salvation by grace are known: 1. not earned < a gift 2. not from works < no boasting 3. not for yourself < for God Application : Recognize your former state Live as you are, raised and seated with Christ Work for God's glory Questions : Prior to being made alive in Christ, how does this passage describe a person's natural spiritual situation? What has God's mercy supplied for us in Christ? What was God's chief vehicle, or manner, through which He saved mankind? In what ways do you live as if salvation were by works rather than grace? How can your life better represent your "workmanship" status before God? 2:11-22 God's Unifying Work in Christ ( 2:11-4:16 ) Title : God's New Temple People MIT : Paul reminded t he Gentiles in the church that they were separated from Christ, His people, and covenants; but were brought near through Christ's blood and preaching, creating God's new temple in Him. Exegetical Outline : 3 Truths on Our Horizontal Spiritual Journey... 1. Separated Without Hope and God (2:11-12) a. From Christ b. From Israel c. From the Covenants 2. Brought Near to the Father in the Spirit (2:13-18) a. By Christ's Blood b. By Christ's Preaching 3. Made into God's One People (2:19-22) 5 Descriptions ... a. one man (2:15) b. citizens c. household c.1. foundation = New Testament c.2. cornerstone = Christ c.3. structure = church d. temple e. dwelling place Application : Remember your former separation and God's redemptive, unifying work Live without division and hostility Live reconciled to God drawing near to Him and His people Questions : Relying on the background of the Old Testament, why might verse 12 be considered a horrible position to be in? Why is it significant for Paul to use the language of "temple" in this passage? How does the theme of temple and God's dwelling place develop across the canon? If you're unfamiliar with this theme, research it and note your findings. How would you summarize Paul's train of thought here on God's corporate people? What are common topics that cause division, separation, and hostility in churches? How can this be alleviated according to this passage? What would it look like to live as people who are "brought near" together to God? 3:1-13 God's Unifying Work in Christ ( 2:11-4:16 ) Title : God's Mystery Revealed MIT : Paul encouraged the Ephesian church as his imprisonment was because of his stewardship of God's mysterious gospel that revealed that Gentiles were heirs in Christ too, which is declared through Paul and the church. Exegetical Outline : Intro: Prisoner for Christ (3:1) 2 Movements of God's Mystery... 1. The Mystery Revealed (3:2-7) a. A Mystery Stewarded by Apostles and Prophets b. A Mystery Partook of by Gentile Heirs 2. The Mystery Declared (3:8-12) a. The Mystery Preached b. The Mystery Made Known through the Church Conc: Sufferer for You (3:13) Application : Awe of God's mystery now revealed Partake of the promises and body Minister and preach the gospel Bring to light God's plan as a church Boldly and confidently access Christ Don't lose heart over Christian persecution Questions : Who has God's mystery been revealed to and how is it revealed? What insights do we get about who God is in these verses? What is God's mysterious plan, and why would this be a big deal? How can you and your church make known the riches of Christ and this mystery? What kind of access do we have to God, and what might that look like? How can this access be wielded by Christians? 3:14-21 God's Unifying Work in Christ ( 2:11-4:16 ) Title : The Strengthened Church MIT : Paul prayed – because of God's unifying work in the church – that the Ephesian church would be strengthened, and that they’d comprehend and know Christ's love, so that Christ would dwell in and fill them. Exegetical Outline : Intro: The Church's Father (3:14-15) 2 Prayer Requests and 2 Grounds ... (3:16-19) 1. To Have Strengthened Inner Beings (3:16-17) a. Ground = Christ's Dwelling 2 Affects ... a.1. rooted in love a.2. grounded in love 2. To Comprehend and Know Christ's Love (3:18-19) a. Ground = To Be Filled with God Conc: Doxology: God's Glory in Christ and the Church (3:20-21) Application : Bow in prayer to God Pray for your inner being, and other's Have faith in Christ's dwelling Pray to comprehend and know Christ's love Pray to be filled with God's fullness Glory and praise in God Questions : What reason led Paul to bow in prayer? What is it that Paul wanted them to know? Take a moment to dwell on this. What did Paul request for the church in his prayer? Take a moment to pray for your church and specific members there. Pray for the two requests given by Paul. Take a moment to give your own doxology to God, start by praising God with Paul's words, and extend it with a personal praise. I also suggest singing a song to the Lord. 4:1-6 God's Unifying Work in Christ ( 2:11-4:16 ) Title : The Church's Calling MIT : Paul urged the Ephesian church to walk worthy of their calling of unity in Christ. Exegetical Outline : 2 Parts to the Calling of Unity ... (4:1-6) a. The Walk of Unity The Manner of the Walk... a.1. humility a.2. gentleness a.3. patience The Means of the Walk... a.4. bearing in love a.5. making effort to keep unity b. The Doctrine for Unity b.1. One Body b.2. One Spirit b.3. One Hope b.4. One Lord b.5. One Faith b.6. One Baptism b.7. One Father Application : First great commandment ( 4:4-6 ), second great commandment ( 4:1-3 ) Character is foundational for unity Actively pursue of unity, not to create unity from scratch but live out Christ’s reconciling work Doctrinal belief is foundational for unity Questions : Glancing through the book of Ephesians, what words does Paul use to describe his ministry? Why is this important? How many characteristics and doctrines does Paul list here? How would you define each term? Why is unity ultimately built on the foundation of a humble congregation that's founded on the core truths of Christianity? What would a proud and heretical congregation produce? How would you respond, in light of this passage, if a person says that doctrine only produces division? Are you eager to maintain unity in the church? 4:7-16 God's Unifying Work in Christ ( 2:11-4:16 ) Title : The Maturing Church MIT : Paul taught that the ascended Christ graciously gifted each Christian in the Ephesian church with spiritually-gifted ministers that equip them for the work of ministry until they attain maturity. Exegetical Outline : 3 Observations on a Maturing Church... 1. The Church Matures because of Christ's Grace (4:7-10) a. We Need Christ the Gift Giver b. We Need Christ Incarnate c. We Need Christ Ascended 2. The Church Matures because of Gifted Believers (4:11-13) a. The Gifts Given a.1. Apostles a.2. Prophets a.3. Evangelists a.4. Shepherd-Teachers b. The Goal of the Gifts b.1. Equip the Saints b.1.a. for Ministry b.1.b. for Building up the Church b.2. The Goal Upon Equipping b.2.a. Unity of Faith b.2.b. Knowledge of Jesus b.2.c. Mature Manhood b.2.d. Measure to Christ's Stature 3. The Church Matures so that it isn't Childish but Grown (4:14-16) a. Spiritual Childishness a.1. Tossed by Waves a.2. Carried by False Doctrine a.3. Falling for Human Cunning a.4. Falling for Deceit b. Spiritual Growth b.1. Speaking Truth in Love b.2. Become Like Christ Our Head Application : Use your spiritual gifts to build up the church Be equipped by other gifted Christians and do ministry to grow in maturity Speak the truth (Jesus) in love Pursue growing into Christlikeness Questions : How has Christ gifted the church? Is the list in verse 11 a list of spiritual gifts or church offices? Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 in verse 8, what is the context of that Psalm, and Paul's use and interpretation of the quotation? Why did Christ gift the church? How does this passage describe Christian maturity and immaturity? How does this passage say a Christian grows in maturity? 4:17-24 Walking Toward Maturity in Christ (4:17-5:21) Title : Walk As You Learned Christ MIT : Paul exhorted the Ephesian church not to walk as unconverted Gentiles, who had darkened understandings, alienated lives, and callous feelings; instead they were to walk as they learned Christ: putting off their old self, renewing their minds, and putting on the new self. Exegetical Outline : 1. Don't Walk Like Gentiles (4:17-19) They Had... a. Darkened Understandings b. Alienated Lives c. Callous Feelings - impurity Because of Their... 1. ignorance 2. hard hearts 2. Walk As You Learned Christ (4:20-24) a. Putting Off Your Old Self b. Renewing Your Mind c. Putting On Your New Self Application : Don't walk like Gentiles - in your understanding, life, and feelings, particularly impurity Put off your old manner of life and deceitful desires Be renewed in your minds (passive) Put on the new self of likeness to God's righteousness and holiness Questions : How is the Gentile's walk described? What is the true walk that is found for those in Christ? Why does Paul urge the Christians not to walk as Gentiles, if up to this point, he has been expounding God's acceptance of Gentiles and many of them are Gentiles? What habits and thoughts do you need to put off by Christ's power? How can you have your mind renewed? 4:25-5:2 Walking Toward Maturity in Christ (4:17-5:21) Title : Walk in Love like God MIT : Paul commanded the Ephesian church to imitate God as children and to walk in love as Christ. Exegetical Outline : 11 Commands to God's Children for Walking in Love ... 1. Speak the Truth (4:25) 2. Contemplate Anger (4:26) (Ps. 4:4) (A) 3. Don't Sin in Anger (4:26) ( Ps. 4:4 ) (A) 4. Deal Swiftly with Anger (4:26) (A) 5. Don't Let the Devil use Anger (4:27) (A) 6. Don't Steal (4:28) (B) 7. Labor Honestly (4:28) (B) 8. Don't Speak Corrupting Talk (4:29) 9. Don't Grieve the Spirit (4:30) 10. Put Away these 6 Traits... (4:31) a. Bitterness b. Wrath c. Anger d. Clamor e. Slander f. Malice 11. Be Characterized by these 3 Traits... (4:32) a. Kind b. Tenderhearted c. Forgiving like God Application : Deal well with anger Don't steal but labor honestly Speak appropriately Don't grieve God's Spirit Put away sinful traits Put on godly traits Questions : The "therefore" in verse 25 indicates that Paul is building off of what he previously said, how would you summarize his argument up until 4:25? How many commands can you count in this passage? Why is 5:1 important to keep in mind while reading these various commands? Are we to obey them in order to be God's children? Why is anger a relevant topic for Paul to write about in the context of a local church? How does Paul better teach us to handle an emotion like anger? Take a moment to deeply meditate on how God forgave you through Christ's work, in light of this, is there a situation in your life where you can demonstrate this forgiveness? 5:3-14 Walking Toward Maturity in Christ (4:17-5:21) Title : Walk in the Light of God MIT : Paul warned the Ephesian church not to partner with the world's sinful sexuality and talk because of what is in store for the world, and because they were children of the light not the darkness. Exegetical Outline : 3 Distinctions for Walking in the Light of God... 1. Deception and Thanksgiving (5:3-6) a. 6 Sins to Avoid a.1. sexual immorality a.2. impurity a.3. covetousness (idolatry) a.4. filthiness a.5. foolish talk a.6. crude joking b. 3 Motivations for Abstaining b.1. proper action's b.2. God's kingdom b.3. God's wrath c. Summary = Don't Fall for or into Deceiving Speech, Speak Thanksgiving 2. Darkness and Light (5:7-10) a. What You Were = Darkness b. What You Are in Christ = Light c. The Fruit of Light = Goodness, Righteousness, & Truth d. The Act of Light = Discerning God's Pleasures 3. Participation and Exposition (5:11-14) a. What = Don't Participate in Darkness, Expose it with Light b. Why = It's Shameful c. Outcome = Exposer Creates More Light d. Enforcement = OT Quotation Application : Don't speak of immorality and sins of the like Offer thanksgiving Remember the warnings for these sins Don't be deceived by empty words Don't partake of darkness Walk as children of light Expose the darkness Questions : Why is practicing these sins so harmful? Along with not practicing them, why is it wrong to even speak about the sins listed in this passage? According to this passage, what is our identity as Christians? Describe Paul's warning to these sinful actions in your own words. What conversations have you had, entertainment have you watched, and audio have you listened to that needs to be repented of? What conversations and entertainment have you participated in that you must expose to the light through confession of sin, repentance, and warning of it to your loved brothers & sisters? 5:15-21 Walking Toward Maturity in Christ (4:17-5:21) Title : Walk Carefully MIT : Through three contrasts and commands, Paul told the Ephesian church to walk carefully toward maturity. Exegetical Outline : 3 Contrasts for Walking Carefully... 1. Unwise vs. Wise (5:15-16) 2. Foolish vs. Understanding (5:17) 3. Drunkenness vs. Spirit-Filling (5:18-21) 3 Commands for Spirit-Filling... a. Singing b. Giving Thanks c. Submitting to One Another 3 Contexts for Submission... (5:22-6:9) c.1. Wives to Husbands c.2. Children to Parents c.3. Bondservants to Masters Application : Walk wisely Walk understanding God's will Walk filled with the Spirit Sing to one another Give thanks always for everything Submit to one another in the proper contexts Questions : What is the significance of music in the Christian life? What is the significance of prayer in God's name? Can you spot the 3 contrasts that Paul makes; and on the 3rd contrast, can you spot Paul's 3 commands? What is your favorite song to sing in worship to God, how does that song build up the body of Christ? Can you find someone to worship with you now to God with this song? Write a list of all that you can be thankful for today. 5:22-33 Contexts for Spirit-Filled Submission in Christ (5:22-6:9) Title : Wives to Husbands: Submission and Love MIT : Paul commanded the Ephesian church that marriage is to portray Christ's relationship to the church through wives submitting to their husbands as the church does to Christ, and husbands sacrificially loving their wives as the head just like Christ to the church. This displays a Spirit-filled marriage, as a couple carefully walks to maturity. Exegetical Outline : 2 Actors in God's Grand Gospel... 1. Wives (5:22-24) a. Exhortation: Submit to Your Husbands b. Manner: As to the Lord c. Ground: the Husband is Head, Like Christ d. Summary: Wives Portray the Church's Respect of Christ in the Gospel 2. Husbands (5:25-30) a. Exhortation: Love Your Wives b. Manner: As Christ Loved the Church & as You Love Yourself c. Purpose: To Sanctify His Bride d. Summary: Husbands Portray Christ's Cherishing of the Church in the Gospel Synopsis ( 5:31-33 ) a. Marriage is a Unique One-Flesh Union b. Marriage is an Image of the Gospel Application : Wives submit to your husbands Wives don't submit to men who are not your husband Wives submit through respect and receiving your husbands sacrificial love Wives trust the Lord through your husbands headship Husbands sacrificially love your wives Husbands give up yourself for the sake of your wives Husbands pursue your wife's sanctification by pouring God's Word over her continuously Husbands love your wives in a way that prepares you to present her to Christ Husbands make your wife as central as you make your desires Husbands nourish and cherish your wife like you would your body, do things for her that build her up Husbands leave any attachment to your parents and lead your wife Thank God for revealing the mystery of the gospel through a tangible picture that many of us get to partake of Questions : How would you summarize Paul's command to wives? How would you summarize Paul's command to husbands? How does marriage portray the gospel? If you are married, write a list of 25 ways that you can obey Paul's command to you. If you are single, write a list of 25 ways you hope to obey Paul's command if you were to get married. Paul was not a married man, yet he is providing marriage advice - actually he is providing marriage instruction! If you are married, are you willing to listen to the advice of unmarried people, so long as it is consistent with God's Word? 6:1-4 Contexts for Spirit-Filled Submission in Christ (5:22-6:9) Title : Children to Fathers: Obey and Instruct MIT : Paul commanded the Ephesian church's children to obey and honor their parents, and fathers to discipline and instruct their children. This displays a Spirit-filled household, as a family carefully walks to maturity. Exegetical Outline : 2 Family Roles ... 1. Children (6:1-3) a. Exhortation: Obey and Honor Your Parents as to the Lord b. Reason: It's the Right Thing to Do c. Purpose: For a Life of Blessing 2. Fathers (Parents) (6:4) 3 Exhortations ... a. Don't Provoke Your Children b. Discipline Your Children c. Instruct Your Children on the Lord Application : Children obey the Lord Children obey your parents Children listen to your parents' instruction Children accept your parents loving discipline Children honor your parents, in public and private Fathers (parents) don't entice your children to anger Fathers (parents) discipline your children, not out of anger but for the Lord Fathers (parents) instruct yourself of the Lord Fathers (parents) instruct your children of the Lord through His Word Questions : According to this passage, how would you summarize a child's family role to a child? What is Paul's instruction to fathers? Why does Paul tie his commands to children and fathers to the Lord? What does it look like to obey and honor your parents in a public setting? What can a father do to instruction his children in Scripture? 6:5-9 Contexts for Spirit-Filled Submission in Christ (5:22-6:9) Title : Bondservants to Masters: Serving and Sincerity MIT : Paul commanded the Ephesian church's bondservants to obey their masters with fear, sincerity, and service, knowing they will be repaid by Christ, whom they truly obey; and masters to have the same character rather than threatening their bondservants. This displays a Spirit-filled relation, as they carefully walk to maturity. Exegetical Outline : 2 Ancient Relations ... 1. Bondservants (6:5-8) a. Exhortation: Obey Your Masters as to the Lord b. Manner: b.1. postures b.1.a. fear and trembling b.1.b. sincerity of heart b.2. actions b.2.a. serving b.2.b. knowing the reward 2. Masters (6:9) 2 Exhortations... a. Posture: The Same as the Bondservant b. Action: Stop Threatening Purpose: God is Master and Impartial Application : Obey your various leaders as to Christ Obey with a godly posture Obey, not for applause from people, but reward from Christ Obey God's will Leaders, and bosses, have a godly posture Leaders, and bosses, don't threaten your subordinates Leaders, and bosses, remember God who is Master and impartial Leaders, and bosses, imitate God's impartiality Questions : Read the preface to the English Standard Version (ESV), particularly point three under the section titled, "The Translation of Specialized Terms." What did you glean about the term translated as bondservant in our passage? What does Paul mean when he says that there isn't any partiality in God? In verse 9, when Paul says, "do the same to them," what do you think he is referring to with the term same ? Given what you know about this passage, and that most of us probably aren't in a bondservant-master type relationship, list same basic applications to our lives from this passage? What does this passage teach to those who are in positions where they are subordinate to another person? What does this passage teach to those who are in positions of authority over others? 6:10-20 Strength and Farewell in Christ (6:10-24) Title : God's Strong Spiritual Armor MIT : Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to be strong with God's strength through God's spiritual armor to war against evil and devils. Exegetical Outline : 4 War Tactics ... 1. Be Strong With God's Strength (6:10) 2. Put On God's Armor (6:11-12) a. Purpose: To Stand Against Satan b. Cause: Because We're in a War 3. Take Up God's Armor (6:13) a. Purpose: To Persevere through Evil 4. Stand With God's Armor (6:14-20) 6 Pieces of Armor... a. Belt of Truth b. Breast Plate of Righteousness c. Shoes to Share the Gospel d. Shield of Faith e. Helmet of Salvation f. Sword of the Spirit Pray God's Word f.1. constantly f.2. in the Spirit f.3. with supplication f.4. through perseverance f.5. with intercession Application : Rely on God's strength Put on all of God's armor pieces Realize that you are in a spiritual war Fasten to truth Put on righteousness Proclaim the gospel Guard yourself with faith Remember God's salvation Attack evil with Scripture Pray constantly, in the Spirit, with supplication and intercession Questions : Why is it important to rely on God's strength? Who do you typically consider as enemies in your life? According to this passage, who are your true enemies? Paraphrase the full armor of God and its pieces of armor. The only offensive armor piece named is God's Word, how can you wield this weapon more in your life to attack sin and evil? Prayer ties closely with Scripture in God's armor, how can your prayer life be increased and adjusted according to this passage? 6:21-24 Strength and Farewell in Christ (6:10-24) Title : A Gracious Farewell MIT : Paul sent Tychicus to the Ephesian church so that they would be encouraged with his status. He also prayed peace, love, faith, and grace from God for them. Exegetical Outline : 2 Blessings of Closure... 1. Encouragement from a Brother 2. Peace, Love, Faith, and Grace from the Lord Application : Mutually encourage one another in the church with life updates Believe and receive God's peace, love, and grace Embrace God's gracious gift to the church in Paul's epistle to the Ephesian church Questions : What is one verse from Ephesians that you can memorize? Who is one person that you can read and study Ephesians with? Reread Ephesians in one sitting. Write a one page summary of your takeaways from this letter. Pray a prayer of praise to the Lord for this letter .