“The Ephesian Collection,” then, is that set of inspired writings linked in some way to Ephesus. Each book throws light on teachings found in the letter to the Ephesians. Several books show us the situation faced by Paul and the readers that first received Ephesians. Taken together, this entire Collection provides a remarkably full context for understanding Ephesians. This Collection is like a large, clear window. Through this great window we can view Ephesians and so much around the message of Ephesians, which helps to explain it.
Why should we understand Ephesians? Because its themes are so important! Humans have many ideas – many worldviews – about life’s nature and purpose. Ephesians reveals God’s worldview. It unfolds God’s eternal purpose through Christ and His church. These are the subjects of the first part of Ephesians, and therefore, of the first advanced course, The Family of God.
Now, for this second course, we turn again to Ephesians. We review its message, but we focus especially on its second part. Paul writes certain letters in two parts. The first part reveals God’s great truths. The second part shows how to live in response to those great truths.