Encyclopedia entry · the book of Ephesians
Ephesians is Paul's most sweeping letter — six chapters that take the reader from before the foundation of the world to the family and the workplace. Written probably from a Roman prison around AD 60–62 and likely circulated among multiple churches in Asia Minor (early manuscripts vary on whether Ephesus was the original addressee), the letter is structured in two equal halves. Chapters 1–3 are theology: who you are in Christ. Chapters 4–6 are practice: how you live as that person.
The opening sentence is famously one of the longest in the New Testament — verses 3–14 of chapter one run as a single Greek sentence, an unbroken hymn of praise for what God has done in Christ from eternity past. The whole letter has that liturgical, doxological quality. Calvin called it Paul's queen of letters.
Movements
4 arcs through the bookMovement 01
1–2
chapters
Chosen Before Time
Ephesians opens with one of the New Testament's loftiest passages: a Trinitarian hymn that begins blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Paul lists what God has done — chose us before the foundation of the world, adopted us, redeemed us, sealed us with the Spirit. Chapter two carries it down to earth: dead in trespasses, but God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive. Jew and Gentile are made one new humanity.
Key passages
Movement 02
3
chapters
The Mystery Revealed
A single chapter on Paul's calling as the apostle to the Gentiles and on the mystery now revealed: that Gentiles are fellow heirs through Christ. The chapter closes with one of scripture's great benedictions — that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. The first half of the letter ends in doxology.
Key passages
Movement 03
4–5
chapters
Walking Worthy
Chapter four pivots. I therefore ... beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. The next two chapters work out what that means: one body, one Spirit, gifts that build up the body; putting off the old man and putting on the new; speaking truth, not letting the sun go down on anger, working with your hands. Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church. The household is theology in miniature.
Key passages
Movement 04
6
chapters
The Whole Armor
The final chapter closes the household section (children and parents, slaves and masters) and then turns to spiritual warfare. Put on the whole armour of God. Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit. Every piece defensive except the sword, which is the word of God. The letter ends with a request: pray for me, that I may open my mouth boldly.
Key passages
