THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

OT/NT: New Testament

SECTION: Letters of Paul (+ Hebrews)

TRADITIONAL AUTHOR: The Apostle Paul

KEY PEOPLE: Paul, Tuchicus.

SUMMARY: Canonically, the Book of Ephesians is the forty-ninth book of the Holy Bible (1), the fifth of fourteen Letters of Paul (2) and the tenth book of the New Testament (3). Most likely the first of Paul's four "Prison Epistles," he probably wrote Ephesians while under house arrest in Rome (a). It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of Jesus (4) and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution (5) (b).

In the book of Ephesians, we see how the gospel story affects believers' everyday lives. God the Father planned throughout history for Jesus to create a multi-ethnic community of followers. Comprised of Jews and non-Jews, these followers form the covenant (6) family God promised to Abraham. They live in unity as one body in their families, neighborhoods, and churches because of God's grace.

Scripture, prayer (7), and their relationships with each other equip them to put off their old humanity and put on new humanity that mimics Jesus and marks them as mature followers of Jesus. Energized by the  Holy Spirit (8), believers also stand tall against the spiritual evil (9) that threatens their Unity (10) as a Church family and maturity as followers of Jesus (c).

COMING UP: Next up is the Book of Philippians (11). Click HERE to explore!

FOOTNOTES:

   (1) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/the-good-news

   (2) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/letters-of-paul

   (3) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/new-testament

   (4) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/jesus-christ

   (5) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/trials-tribulations

   (6) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/covenants

   (7) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/prayer

   (8) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/the-holy-spirit

   (9) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/spiritual-warfare

 (10) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/christian-unity

 (11) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/philippians

PAGE SOURCE:

   (a) https://thefoundersbible.com/

   (b) http://biblehub.com/summary/ephesians/1.htm

   (c) https://thebibleproject.com/explore/ephesians/

ALSO EXPLORE:

   (d) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/ambassador-in-chains