Ephesians
The book of Ephesians describes the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, including redemption through his blood and being sealed with the Holy Spirit. It explains that salvation is a gift of God, not earned through works, and that believers are now considered God's handiwork, created for good works. The book highlights the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through Christ, who has broken down the wall of separation and made peace between the two groups. It emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of one's calling, with humility, meekness, and patience, and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit. The book also provides guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God, including imitating Christ's love, avoiding vices, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It provides instructions on relationships, including marriage, parenting, and servitude, and exhorts believers to put on the armor of God to withstand spiritual battles.
Chapter 1
Paul greets the saints in Ephesus and expresses gratitude for their faith, stating that God has blessed them with every spiritual blessing in Christ. He explains that God chose them before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless, predestining them for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ. In Christ, believers have redemption through his blood and are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of their inheritance. Paul prays that the Ephesians may have a spirit of wisdom and revelation, knowing the hope of God's calling and the wealth of his glory.
Chapter 2
The passage describes the former state of humanity as being dead in sin and subject to the power of the air, but God's mercy and love have brought salvation through faith in Christ. This salvation is a gift of God, not earned through works, and believers are now considered God's handiwork, created for good works. The passage also highlights the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through Christ, who has broken down the wall of separation and made peace between the two groups, granting them equal access to God. Believers are now considered citizens of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.
Chapter 3
Paul explains that he has been given the task of spreading the gospel to the Gentiles, revealing a mystery that was previously unknown to them, and that they are now co-heirs with the Jews in the promise of Christ. He asks the Ephesians not to be discouraged by his sufferings on their behalf, and prays that they may be strengthened in their faith and filled with the fullness of God. Paul also expresses his desire for the Ephesians to understand the depth of Christ's love and to be filled with God's glory. He concludes by giving glory to God, who is able to do all things, in the Church and in Christ Jesus.
Chapter 4
The passage emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of one's calling, with humility, meekness, and patience, and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit. It highlights the diversity of gifts given by Christ, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the purpose of perfecting the saints and building up the body of Christ. The passage also warns against living like the Gentiles, who are characterized by ignorance, immorality, and error, and instead exhorts believers to put on the new man, created in justice and holiness, and to live a life of truth, kindness, and forgiveness.
Chapter 5
Believers are called to imitate God by walking in love, just as Christ loved and sacrificed for them, and to avoid fornication, impurity, and other vices. They should instead give thanks and walk as children of the light, affirming what is pleasing to God. Believers are also exhorted to be filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in psalms and hymns, and giving thanks always. In marriage, wives are to be submissive to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, nourishing and cherishing them as their own bodies.
Chapter 6
Children are instructed to obey their parents, and fathers are told not to provoke their children but to educate them with discipline and correction. Servants are to obey their masters with sincerity and diligence, as if serving Christ, and masters are to treat their servants with kindness and fairness. Believers are exhorted to put on the armor of God to withstand spiritual battles against evil forces, and to pray for all saints, including the apostle Paul. The chapter concludes with a greeting and a blessing, wishing peace, charity, and faith to the brothers, and grace to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
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