Ephesians contemplates God's great plan: to unite all things in Christ. The Church is his body and bride, where Jews and Gentiles form one people.
AuthorSaint Paul (or a disciple in his name)
DateAround AD 60-62
AudienceCommunities of Asia Minor, around Ephesus
🎯 Learning objective
Understand the message of Ephesians, its historical setting and its place in the history of salvation.
🏛️ Historical context
A letter written from prison, probably circular, for the communities of Asia Minor. Its tone is more contemplative than polemical.
🔙 Background
Paul had spent almost three years in Ephesus (Acts 19), centre of the cult of Artemis.
🧭 Structure of the book
Chapters 1-3: the mystery of Christ and the Church
Chapters 4-6: new life, family and the armour of God
⭐ Key events and teachings
1Hymn of blessing: God chose us in Christ (1:3-14)
2"By grace you have been saved through faith" (2:8)
3Christ breaks down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles (2:14)
4"One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (4:5)
5Christ loves the Church as a husband his wife (ch. 5)
6The armour of God (6:10-18)
🏷️ Main themes
Plan of salvationThe Church, body of ChristUnityNew lifeMarriage
📖 Verses to memorize
Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:
Ephesians 2:8For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 4:4-6One body and one Spirit: as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.
Ephesians 5:25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church and delivered himself up for it:
Ephesians 6:11Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.
💭 For reflection
What does it mean for me to have been chosen "before the foundation of the world"?
Which piece of the "armour of God" do I need today?
It contemplates God's plan to gather all things in Christ and presents the Church as his body. It urges unity, new life and love in the family, and speaks of the armor of God.