There was no major problem in the Ephesian Church, yet Paul was concerned that the believers there hadn't fully realised their spiritual wealth. They were living as paupers while they unknowingly had millions of dollars in the bank. Even in the first chapter, Paul tries to cram a lot of thoughts about their spiritual riches into single sentences. This chapter contains twenty-three verses and only six sentences! As was Paul's usual outline, the first part of the epistle gives doctrinal teaching, and the last part gives the practical application of that doctrine.

Although Paul spent about three years at Ephesus, this epistle contains no personal "hello's" or remarks. Some scholars have questioned whether 'Ephesians' was actually the original title. They suggest that it may have been inserted at a later date. Close to these scholars are others who say that "Ephesians" was actually written as a circular to the churches of Asia.

They believe that Tychicus was handed the circular letters to Asia (the contents of 'Ephesians'), Colossians and Philemon to deliver. The main church in Asia was Ephesus, and one of the circular letters bore that destination. No doubt though, it was meant to be read by all the churches of Asia including Laodicea (Col. 4:16). Archippus was in the church at Colossae to which also the Epistle to Philemon was addressed (Philemon 2). The three epistles when compared side by side present a united pictured.

Ephesians is a remarkable book. It contains only 155 verses. It starts off in the heavenly realms and ends up in the home. It uses extravagant words to describe our position in Christ: 'blessings, grace, glory, riches, wisdom, good-pleasure, inheritance, praise of His glory, sealed, guarantee, purchased possession, exceeding greatness'. It is generally accepted that Paul was its author, yet it bears a remarkable stamp of a greater Author. Consider the following:

1. COLOSSIANS- 75 of the 155 verses of Ephesians are also found in Colossians in varying degrees of similarity. The plan and arguments for each book is very similar. Expressions like "putting off the old man" and "the walk" and "husbands and wives" are found in each.

2. ITS DOCTRINES- The doctrines in Ephesians are the same as those in Paul's other writings.

3. 1PETER- doxologies; husbands/wives; master/slaves; exaltation of Christ; Christian warfare; the eternal purpose of God; put away evil speaking

4. LUKE AND ACTS- the ascension and exaltation of Christ; contrast between light and darkness; "filled with the Spirit".

5. JOHANNINE WRITINGS- light/darkness; life/death; love; knowledge; unity of the church (Jn.17); finding life in Christ (Jn.15:1-7); Christ indwelling His church (Eph.3:17; Jn 14:20; Jn 15:4-7); cleansing and sanctifying it (Eph. 5:26; Jn.15:3; Jn 17:17,19; 1Jn.1:7); apostles and prophets as foundations of the church (Eph 2:20; 3:5; Rev.5:7; 18:20; 21:14); refusing to have fellowship with evil (Eph.5:11; Rev.18:4); Church as the bride (Eph.5:25; Rev.19:7; 21:2,9; 22:17); sitting in heavenly places with Christ (Eph.2:6; Rev.3:21); symbol of the seal (Eph.1:13; 4:30; Rev.7:2).

6. HEBREWS- redemption through Christ; cleansing the church; exaltation of Christ; our access to the Father through Him.

Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1:3

Persecution, discouragement and apathy were possibly creeping into the church. The fatalistic attitude of "there's nothing we can do about it anyway" is smashed to smithereens by Paul as he begins to show the Ephesians just who they actually were. They weren't the dregs of the world, as their persecutors may have been slandering. They were 'the praise of the glory of God's grace'. God had blessed them incredibly but they weren't doing anything about it.

1. Perhaps they thought that even their prayers were ineffective with God and really couldn't change their society. What does Paul say about their prayers in Eph.3:20?

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2. As such important people in the eyes of God, how were they a instructed to walk ?

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God had blessed them with tremendous heavenly blessings. These included: right standing with God (vs.7), a place reserved for them in heaven (vs.11), the sealing of the Holy Spirit (vs.13), the spirit of wisdom and revelation (vs.17), spiritual riches (vs.18, these include- joy, peace, righteousness) and His mighty power working within them (vs.19).

Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2:8-9

3. In the spiritual realm, where are we? (2:6)

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4. How did we get there?

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We now have incredible favour with God. But did we earn or deserve it? No.

5. We have been saved by grace. What does God require of us now? (2:10)

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6. The cross of Christ did something to Jews and Gentiles who come into God's salvation. What was it? (2:15)

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One saint on his own is a formidable battle for the powers of darkness. But when you put a company of God's people together, they become 'one man' which Jesus said "the gates of hell would not prevail against". Paul describes this revelation as a mystery (3:8-12). The church is the means by which God is now attacking the rulers of darkness (3:10).

7. What does Paul urge the church? (3:13) What are some ways we can do this?

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Ephesians 4

Eph.4:11

8. What are these ministries for? (vss 12-14).

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9. Match the following:

10. When will these ministries be done away with? (4:12)

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Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5:23

Paul has an interesting knack at taking deep theological truths and showing their practical applications. For example, the relationship of Christ to the Church. Paul shows how this should parallel the marriage relationship. Notice how many things God requires of the husband and wife in their relationship to each other. Thus, the church isn't heading along haphazardly! Jesus Christ is in control of His Church.

11. Apart from being Head of the body, what other relationship does He have with the church? (5:25)

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12. What relationship did Paul describe as being a great mystery? (5:32)

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Ephesians 6

13. Based on Ephesians 6:10-18. Fill in the blanks:

Christians are not doomed, defeated outcasts of society! We are seated with Christ in heavenly places! Our Lord commands the universe's every detail. He is supreme. We are His church! We can affect our community. He has given us tremendous riches power and weapons to do so! The battle isn't taking place off in some cosmic battleground. It is taking place in us.