INTRODUCTION
Purpose.
The author wrote this book to show the relationship between Christ and the church. Paul wanted the readers to understand that God planned for the church from the beginning. God’s plan focused on Christ. The Old Testament often refers to the coming of Christ. The Gospels prove that Jesus is the Messiah. The Book of Acts explains the beginning of the church and how it spread. Ephesians shows how Christians are to live. The first three chapters emphasize what it means to be in Christ. The last three chapters show how we are to live because we are in Christ.
The Author and Date.
The author identifies himself as Paul. This is probably the first of four letters (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) Paul wrote while he was in prison in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30). He was in prison during the time A.D. 60-62.
Ephesus was the most important city in western Asia Minor. It was a major center for trade. One of the biggest Roman temples for an idol was located there (Acts 19:23-31).
Paul had visited Ephesus when he was traveling from Corinth to Palestine (Acts 18:18-21). He returned to Ephesus later and found a few disciples who were trying to follow but did not understand the full gospel. Paul taught them, and they were immersed (Acts 19:1-5). Paul stayed in Ephesus for three years (Acts 20:28-32). He had many opportunities to teach while he was there (1 Corinthians 16:8-9).
Ephesians 1:10
1 1From Paul. God wanted me to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. To the holy people who live in the city of Ephesus, those who are faithful to Christ Jesus. 2 May gracious love and peace come to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3 Praise God! He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In Christ, God chose us before the world began. He wanted us to be holy and spotless before Him in love. 5 God planned long ago that we become His own sons through Jesus Christ. This would please God; it is what He wanted. 6 We praise God for His glorious, gracious love that He gave us in Christ. God loves him. 7 We have something in Christ – his blood has set us free. We have the forgiveness of sins! God’s gracious love is so rich! 8 It overwhelms us with all kinds of wisdom and understanding. 9 To us God made clear the secret of what He wanted. He was pleased to plan this in Christ. 10 God’s plan is to bring everything together in Christ – in heaven and on earth – under Christ as head. When the right time arrives, He will do this.