Ephesians
The book of Ephesians begins with Paul expressing gratitude for the faith of the saints at Ephesus and explaining that God chose them before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless. He explains that salvation is a gift from God, not earned through works, and that Gentiles are now brought near to God through the blood of Christ. Paul was given the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, revealing a mystery that was previously unknown, and he asks that the Ephesians be strengthened by God's Spirit. The book emphasizes the importance of unity and living a life worthy of one's calling, characterized by humility, meekness, and love, and highlights the diversity of gifts given by Christ to the church. Believers are called to walk in love, avoid sin, and live as children of light, and are given instructions on how to live in marriage, as children, servants, and masters. The book concludes with a request for prayer and the sending of Tychicus to inform the Ephesians of the author's affairs, and a call to be strong in the Lord and put on the armor of God to withstand spiritual attacks.
Chapter 1
Paul greets the saints at Ephesus and expresses gratitude for their faith, stating that God has blessed them with spiritual blessings in Christ. He explains that God chose them before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless, and has made them accepted in Christ through redemption and forgiveness of sins. Paul also prays that the Ephesians will receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation to understand the hope of their calling and the riches of God's inheritance in the saints.
Chapter 2
People were once dead in their sins, following the ways of the world and the desires of their flesh, but God showed mercy and love by saving them through faith in Christ. This salvation is a gift from God, not earned through works, and those who receive it are created to do good works. Gentiles who were once separated from God are now brought near through the blood of Christ, who has made peace between Jews and Gentiles by abolishing the law of commandments and reconciling both to God. Through Christ, people now have access to the Father and are part of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone.
Chapter 3
Paul explains that he was given the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, revealing a mystery that was previously unknown, that Gentiles would be fellow heirs with Jews in Christ. He was given this role despite being the least of all saints, and his goal is to make known the wisdom of God to all, including heavenly powers. Paul asks that the Ephesians be strengthened by God's Spirit and that Christ may dwell in their hearts, so they can comprehend the love of Christ and be filled with God's fullness.
Chapter 4
The passage emphasizes the importance of unity and living a life worthy of one's calling, characterized by humility, meekness, and love. It highlights the diversity of gifts given by Christ to the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the purpose of perfecting the saints and building up the body of Christ. The passage also contrasts the old life of sin and darkness with the new life in Christ, calling believers to put off the old man and put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness, and to live a life of truth, kindness, and forgiveness.
Chapter 5
Believers are called to walk in love as Christ loved them, and to avoid fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, as these things bring God's wrath. They should live as children of light, proving what is acceptable to the Lord and having no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. Believers are also instructed to walk wisely, redeeming the time, and to be filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms and hymns, and giving thanks to God. In marriage, wives are to submit 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 raise them in the Lord's teachings. Servants are to obey their masters with sincerity, and masters are to treat their servants with fairness and respect. Believers are to be strong in the Lord and put on the armor of God to withstand spiritual attacks. This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. The chapter concludes with a request for prayer and the sending of Tychicus to inform the Ephesians of the author's affairs.
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