Introduction to the book of ephesians

It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. We will conclude our introductory study to the book of ephesians by. Smaller cell groups of believers undoubtedly met in homes in various parts of the city as well as in towns and villages in the region surrounding ephesus. Commentary on the book of ephesians by matthew henry new. Intro to ephesians biblica the international bible society. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date, and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. Ephesians small group series lesson 1 introduction to. Mcconkie of the quorum of the twelve apostles taught that ephesians is an epistle for all the world, for jew and gentile, for husband and wife, for parent and child, for master and servant. Although colossians is similar to ephesians, it is brief while the book of ephesians is much more articulate and extensive. Samuel coleridge called it the most divine composition of man 2. Ephesians intro to ephesians biblica the international bible. In the book of ephesians, the apostle paul highlights christian unity and the need to go on walking in love and to stand firm against the crafty acts of the devil. Study the bible online using commentary on ephesians introduction and more. An introduction to the book of ephesians related media.

Paul probably wrote his letter to the ephesians while under house arrest in rome. John calvin called it his favorite book of the bible. These important questions are answered in the book of ephesians. Mcconkie of the quorum of the twelve apostles taught that ephesians is an epistle for all the world, for jew and gentile.

In the seventh chapter of the third book of his testimonies, he speaks of the apostle paul writing to the ephesians and then proceeds to quote ephesians 4. Introduction to the book of ephesians 1 during the midweek service, pastor richmond leigh preached from the book of ephesians. The below chart will help underline and point out these similarities. The book of ephesians hits on a wide range of moral and ethical behaviors, designed to ensure believers are living up to our heavenly calling. Early in the history of grace church, the history of john macarthur.

The letter is addressed to the church in the city of ephesus, capital of the roman province of asia asia minor, modern turkey. This beautiful letter tells christians of their great riches, inheritances, and fullness in jesus christ and in his church. Pauls letter to the ephesians is concerned first of all with gods plan to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with christ as head. Zanchy observes that we have here an epitome of the whole christian doctrine, and of almost all the chief heads of divinity. There was no first church of ephesus building with an address and a listing in the ephesus phone book.

Ephesians overview, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is one of the most respected interdenominational commentaries ever written. Preface to the epistle of paul the apostle to the ephesians. Watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Ephesians is addressed to a group of believers who are rich beyond measure in jesus christ, yet living as beggars, and only because we are. Review questions for the introduction to whom is this epistle addressed. The identity of the author paul, an apostle of jesus christ by the will of god, to the saints which are at. Ephesians 16 nkjv greeting paul, an apostle of jesus. The letter is seemingly addressed by paul to christians in ephesus eph 1. Introduction to the book of ephesians faithlife sermons. Did you know that the apostle paul was in prison at the time he wrote this letter to the ephesians. For other books, devotionals and bible studies by anne graham lotz.

It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of ephesus in asia minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is christ, the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making gods plan of salvation known throughout the universe eph 3. Of all forms of literature, letters are more personal. The book of ephesians is held in great reverence by both biblical scholars and lay people. What three other epistles were written about this time. C categorical doctrine comparing scripture with scripture e exegesis studying the original language in grammar, syntax, and translation. This morning we come for our bible study to a book that is indeed a treasure of mine and of every believer, the book of ephesians. Where most of pauls letters are addressed to churches facing specific issues dealing with belief and practice, this isnt the case with ephesians. Introduction paul was one of a long list of godly men and women. The apostle paul wrote this letter to the churches in ephesus and the surrounding. The fundamental principles of grace and mans responsibility to abide by gods laws are thoroughly revealed in the old testament. Ephesians, more than any other book, presents the purpose and plan of god for the church.

Read ephesians introduction commentary using commentary critical and explanatory on the whole bible. Introduction to ephesians bible exposition commentary. Ephesians introduction commentary peoples new testament. If you are leading this study on ephesians, i would encourage you to complete our guide for bible study. Introduction to ephesians by matthew henry blue letter bible. Introduction to the book of ephesians learn the bible. Ephesians is the great pauline letter about the church. The truths of this book have impacted the lives of many saints. Robert mclaughlin bible ministries introduction to the book of ephesians. Introduction to the book of ephesians juli camarin february 24, 2015 introduction. It reads like an academic or devotional book and i highly recommend it. Wednesday, may 19, 2010 i isagogics the historical background. This introduction will give you the background you need as you read the daily quiet time bible study.

Ephesians tyndale new testament commentaries foulkes, francis on. Introduction to the book of ephesians robert mclaughlin. Ephesians is full of life and its words reach higher in christian thought than any letter in our new testament. The book of ephesians gives practical, encouraging advice on living a life that honors god, which is why its still relevant in a conflictridden world. This web page contains lesson plans for a tenweek bible study. John knox asked that calvins sermons on ephesians be read to him on his deathbed. Introduction to the book of ephesians summary of hebrews. Ephesians introduction, good news bible gnb the bible app. As we continue in our faith from day to day, month to month, and year to year, the temptation to get comfortable will always exist. Introduction to the book of ephesians introduction. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus.

Ephesus was the most important city in western asia minor now turkey. I asked and you voted, so welcome to the study of ephesians. Ephesians introduction commentary commentary critical. Against the view that ephesians is a tract or an introduction to the pauline corpus, we find in it several characteristics of other pauline epistles. Paul, an apostle of jesus christ by the will of god, to the saints who are in ephesus, and faithful in christ jesus. There is nothing more interesting in the new testament than the letters of paul. And they have been induced the rather to think this because it is the only one of all pauls epistles that has nothing in it peculiarly adapted to the state or case of. Several years ago, a couple started coming to our church. The book of ephesians overview of the book of ephesians the book of ephesians is a masterpiece of revelation that bridges the principles of grace and obedience into one solid irremovable form. Ephesians introduction, the passion translation tpt. Paul instructs the church that christianity is for all men, jews, gentiles, male female, bond, free, all are united in christ. Grace to you and peace from god our father and the lord jesus christ.

Have you ever wondered how so much heretical teaching infiltrated the early church. This would further seem to suggest, as i have believed, that not only did paul write the book of colossians, but that he wrote colossians before writing the book of ephesians. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries.

Ephesians is a book that combats this and therefore the letter has been given such titles as the believers bank, the christians checkbook, and the treasure house of the bible. Carver described the book of ephesians as the greatest piece of. In this message, alistair begg provides an overview of ephesians and encourages us to let its essential truths impact our lives so that we become what we are in christ. We will conclude our introductory study to the book of ephesians by glancing briefly at the extent of the victory wrought by god through paul in asia. This instructional letter is packed with practical advice, all given in an encouraging tone. The book of ephesians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. Ephesians is my favorite book in the bible, and this commentary has helped to solidify it in my mind. Because the name ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read among all the churches in asia minor and was simply. Ephesians introduction new testament matthew henry. It was a center of learning and was near several key land routes.

Right away, they were interested in helping with our. Ephesians 1 paul, an apostle of christ jesus by the. First, all they which dwelt in asia heard the word of the lord jesus, both jews and greeks gentiles acts 19. The following steps will be helpful in getting the most from your ephesians bible study. Ephesians also contains two of the most memorable passages in the new testament. A brief introduction to the st pauls epistle to the ephesians. It had a harbor that at that time opened into the cayster river see map, p. Read ephesians introduction commentary using peoples new testament. Some think that this epistle to the ephesians was a circular letter sent to several churches, and that the copy directed to the ephesians happened to be taken into the canon, and so it came to bear that particular inscription. One cannot step over the threshold of this letter into the book of ephesians without being inundated with thoughts of gods mercy and grace.