SLASB Ephesians Sampler - Flipbook - Page 5
page 5
Stats
PURPOSE
To strengthen believers and
encourage unity in the church
AUTHOR
At a Glance
A. UNITY IN CHRIST
(1:1–3:21)
B. UNITY IN THE BODY
OF CHRIST
(4:1–6:24)
Paul
Paul describes the wonderful things God has
given believers through Christ, including
salvation. He has made this salvation available to both Jews and Gentiles. These two
groups are now united as the new people of
God, the church.
Because believers have received God’s
gracious gifts, they are supposed to live differently from the way people who are not in
Christ live. This new life is to be characterized
by unity, love, healthy relationships, and
readiness to do battle with evil.
ORIGINAL AUDIENCE
The church in Ephesus
DATE WRIT TEN
Around AD 60
SETTING
Written from prison, possibly
in Rome; sent to Ephesus
KEY PEOPLE
Paul
Key Points
THEME
E X PL AN ATION
God’s Purpose
It has been God’s purpose from the beginning to save the world through Jesus
Christ. Paul makes it clear that this salvation is for both Jews and Gentiles. The
mission of Jesus is carried on through the church as believers share the Good
News with others.
Christ as the Center
Christ is exalted as the center of the universe and the focus of history. He came
to the world as the fulfillment of God’s plan, and he is now seated at God’s right
hand. He is also the head of his body, the church.
The Church
Paul describes the church as a living body and as a family. It is to be characterized by peace and unity and has no place for division or discrimination. God
gives the members of this body gifts and abilities through the Holy Spirit so they
can work together to serve him.
Christian Conduct
Those who believe in Christ put to death their old way of living and replace it
with a new one. This new life has love at its center and follows Christ’s example.
God gives his people the Holy Spirit to empower and enable us to live this way.
AD 53–57
Paul’s third
missionary journey
AD 60
Paul writes
Ephesians
AD 67 (?)
Paul dies
AD 70
Rome destroys
Jerusalem
