Ephesians, Class 1

Ephesians is written to a group of believers whom Paul served alongside Aquila and Priscilla. This was during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:18–19). During his third missionary journey, he ministered in this city for at least two years, with the gospel spreading throughout the area (Acts 19:10). After Paul, Timothy led the church in Ephesus for some time (1 Timothy 1:3). The apostle John also served in this city. The letter was likely intended not only for the Ephesian Christians but to be read at multiple churches in the area. For example, some early manuscripts do not include "at Ephesus" in 1:1. Also, this letter does not deal with particular controversy related to a specific church like many of Paul’s other letters. There is also a lack of references to personal friends, something Paul often included in different letters. This letter likely first came to Ephesus with Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21–22) and may be the same letter referred to in Colossians 4:16. It was written approximately AD 60–62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment.

Ephesians focuses on growing the church of Jesus Christ. Essential themes include predestination (Ephesians 1:3–14), Christ’s leadership over the church (Ephesians 1:22–23), the church as God’s building and temple (Ephesians 2:21–22), the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:1–21), spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7–16), the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–33), and the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18).

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