Ephesians

Why was this book written?

      The main reason Paul wrote this book to the Ephesian church was to guide them and challenge them to live for God in a pagan culture. He goes through a few different approaches. He tells that it is by God's Spirit that they can live righteous lives and not of their own doing. The power comes from God (1:18-19). Paul goes on to explain that there is no mystery with God. It has been revealed through the work of the Holy Spirit (3:1-5). The false teachers were bringing up claims that God had a secret, but Paul explains that God has made this secret clear. Paul further talks about God's character by saying that his love is enormous (3:18-19). And finally at the end after Paul affirms God and explains some of the things they were confused about he tells them to live for God in their Pagan culture. He tells them to live in a way worthy of their calling (4:1). They were weak in their faith and he tells them to stop listening to false teachers and to listen to what he just told them. He goes on to tell them how to be set apart and that the Spirit will be their guide to live set apart from their culture (4:23)

What is the main idea of this book?

      The main idea of Ephesians is Paul's attempt to bring unity to the body of Christ. He tells them of their new identity as Gentiles and as Jews who are now one. The body of Christ is their new identity with Christ as the head and with each of them as the hands and feet (1:22-23). Paul gives identity to them as believers (2:1-10) and specifically to the Gentiles. Christ as given the the Gentiles an invitation into the kingdom and into unity with Jews (2:18-19, 3:6). Because of what Jesus has done on the cross the whole world can be united as the body of Christ. There is no more distinction between Jew and Gentile and Paul is one of the first guys to give this message.