The book of Ephesians is one of the most popular and important books of the New Testament. It includes topics such as unity within the body of Christ, relationship of believers to God, the Church as a whole. It is the purpose of the writing to discuss briefly the context and theological importance of this book. The book of Ephesians was written most likely in Rome and likely between 60 or 61 A.D. It has been historically accepted that Paul wrote this letter perhaps as a circulatory letter to the churches of Asia Minor. Paul likely wrote the letter from prison in Rome. The purpose of the book is to display the plan of God for His body the Church throughout history. (Gaebelein 12-16) The city of Ephesus was located in modern day Turkey.
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The church of Ephesus was mentioned first in Revelation. It was a strong church that was led by many spiritual giants such as Paul, John, Timothy, Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquila. It was first evangelized during the Second Mission journey of Paul. It was home to mass conversions of the people who betrayed their immoral idols for the one true God. This event caused a riot. (Kent, Jr. 5) The major theme of the book is believer’s state “in Christ.” This concept is echoed over and over throughout the letter. It is of great relevance then and now. Believers are transformed from a life condemned by sin and ravaged by its curse. The Christian is now sealed by God’s Holy Spirit and part of God’s family. This is called adoption in theological terms. It is an adoption by grace through the work of Christ; there is absolutely nothing that anyone of flesh and blood could ever do to purchase their own freedom. It is through Christ that we are allowed to participate in these wonderful truths. According to John 14, Christ is the Way, Truth, and Life. He is the only way to the Father; it is this simple fact that distinguishes our faith from all others. If Christ was not the only way then the whole of Ephesians would be built upon nothing. (Barlow
The church of Ephesus was mentioned first in Revelation. It was a strong church that was led by many spiritual giants such as Paul, John, Timothy, Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquila. It was first evangelized during the Second Mission journey of Paul. It was home to mass conversions of the people who betrayed their immoral idols for the one true God. This event caused a riot. (Kent, Jr. 5) The major theme of the book is believer’s state “in Christ.” This concept is echoed over and over throughout the letter. It is of great relevance then and now. Believers are transformed from a life condemned by sin and ravaged by its curse. The Christian is now sealed by God’s Holy Spirit and part of God’s family. This is called adoption in theological terms. It is an adoption by grace through the work of Christ; there is absolutely nothing that anyone of flesh and blood could ever do to purchase their own freedom. It is through Christ that we are allowed to participate in these wonderful truths. According to John 14, Christ is the Way, Truth, and Life. He is the only way to the Father; it is this simple fact that distinguishes our faith from all others. If Christ was not the only way then the whole of Ephesians would be built upon nothing. (Barlow