The Bible is like a mountain range having many peaks dominating the skyline. One mountain might stand out and catch the eye because of noble and exalted beauty. The more we look, the more we are impressed by its majesty and grandeur. Which 'mountain' of the Bible has the potential to so thrill and captivate us? The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians could be the one. C J Ellicott described Ephesians as 'sublime' and that is no exaggeration, for consider some of its themes: God's sovereignty in election; the unveiling of the great 'mystery' of redemption; the marvels of the church as the Bride of Christ. Chapter One alone, with just 23 verses, has enough material to engage us in many hours of profitable study, or provide the preacher with a multitude of sermons that could last for months. 

SETTING THE SCENE 

Authorship. The Apostle Paul was regarded as the writer of the Epistle from a very early date. But since the mid 19th century, the critics of the Bible have sought to undermine his authorship. Suffice it to say that there is plenty of evidence for us to believe that Paul wrote the Epistle under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. His name appears in the book (1:1-3:1) as does his literary style, language, theology and structure.
Date. Paul probably penned the work during his first captivity at Rome, perhaps in the early part of AD 62.  Colossians bears a number of similarities, strengthening the idea that Ephesians was written at about the same time.  Some writers even suggest that Ephesians was a kind of circular letter meant for all the churches in the province of Asia. Whatever the truth of this, Ephesus was a chief city in the area and the Epistle naturally came to be addressed to it.
The city. Situated at the junction of natural trade routes, it was eventually dominated by the Romans and became the capital of their province in Asia. A city of splendour, riches and earthly glory, it housed a large temple, noted for its worship of the goddess Diana. Ephesus had a large population of Jews with Roman citizenship. They maintained a synagogue and it was here, on his second missionary journey, that Paul preached and founded a Christian church. He returned and laboured in the city for over two years, until a riot compelled him to leave. Yet as we read the Epistle, we see that Paul never forgot the believers or ceased loving them.

WHY DID PAUL WRITE EPHESIANS?

We are not given any reasons in the Epistle. All the same we can discern some of the Apostle's motivation in writing.

1: Throughout, there are expressions of Paul's love for the believers. For example: "Grace be to you, and peace'" (1:2). Constant prayer and giving of thanks (1:15-23 and 3:13-21). Tender appeals (4:1-3). Loving Benediction (6:23,24).

2. Paul also sought to teach the believers and establish them in Apostolic doctrine. There was a great need for this in the light of a large Jewish presence in the city, as well as paganism, idolatry and many other differing ideologies and life-styles.

3. Paul was also concerned to exhort his readers to godly living. What we learn, we must put into practise. Remember James 1:22: "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only... "

STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK 

Not unusually with Paul, two clear sections present themselves to the reader: 

Doctrinal Section: (Chapter 1:1- 4:16)
1. Greetings and Opening remarks: (1:1-2).
2. Thanks for the election of every believer. God's love is the motive; Christ's sacrifice makes that election sure and effective. In addition, Jew and Gentile are called in the Gospel: (1:3-14).
3. Prayer for greater understanding and appreciation of God's electing grace: (1:15-23).
4. Gentiles are also called into the fellowship of Christ.  There are not two different churches, that is, one for the Jews and another for Gentiles. Instead, believers are brought into ONE gospel church, through faith in Christ's completed work at the cross: (2:1-22).
5. Unfolding the mystery of the gospel call: (3:1-13) and prayer for a deeper knowledge and experience of the indwelling Christ: (3:14-19). Quite naturally, Paul breaks out in praise to God at such a thought: (3:20-21)
6. Teaching on the unity of the church: (4:1-6).
7. Christ imparts differing gifts to the church for the establishment of believers and their spiritual unity: (4:7-16). 

Practical Section: (chapter 4:17-6:24)
1. Sanctification and conquering sin: (4:17-5:21).
2. Family, domestic and wider relationships coming under the reign of grace: (5:22-6:9).
3. The armour of God and the battles with Satanic powers:  (6:10-20).
4. Closing salutations and benediction: (6:21-24). 

IMPORTANT THEMES IN EPHESIANS 

These we have already hinted at above, but it is necessary for us to look at them a little more closely. 

Spiritual blessedness: after opening greetings and salutations, the Apostle blesses God for spiritual blessings (v3). What are they? They include: Justification; forgiveness; being at peace with God; adoption; sanctification and eternal life. We are blessed with them now, but the completion and fullness of these blessings will follow in heaven (see the end of verse 3).

Chosen and Predestinated: all the above blessings are made over to believers because God has chosen them for salvation 'before the foundation of the world' (v4). Electing love wrote our names in the Lamb's Book of Life before anything was made. Such choice is 'in him', that is, Christ, His work at the cross, including his divine Person having underwritten our election. What was God's purpose in choosing? In answer: to make us holy and 'without blame before him in love' (v4). Verse 5 speaks of "having predestinated us ..." This underlines the eternal decree of God. As sovereign, he has unchangeably ordained whatever comes to pass.  Four things need to be borne in mind, however:
(i) This does not make God the author of sin.
(ii) He does not force men against their will.
(iii) 'Freedom' is not destroyed or the relationship of cause and effect. On the contrary, God's eternal decree establishes these.
(iv) Evangelism is not hindered. If anything, it ought to motivate us to greater love and service. In addition, we have the assurance that Gospel preaching will most certainly bear fruit.

Christ will build his Church: Not even hell will frustrate this part of the divine decree. This is seen in the way that Jews and Gentiles are called into the ONE and the same church, which is variously called: one new man (2:15); one body (2:16); household (2:19); holy temple (2:21); body of Christ (4:12); bride (cf 5:23-33). This bringing of converted Gentiles into the church and making them one with believing Jews, is unfolded more fully by the Apostle from 2:11-3:12. For long ages this was kept almost secret, called by Paul, 'the mystery' (1:9 and 3:3,4 and 9). But now, the truth is out. It is an 'open secret' (3:5,6) and Paul can scarcely restrain himself. No wonder he offers up the doxology of 3:20,21: 'Now unto him,...' 

Paul's prayers for the Ephesians: there are two main ones. The first is: 1:15-23. Here he prays that his readers would grow in spiritual understanding, especially in what it means to be united to Christ. Of course, not with a mere head knowledge, but knowing Christ by experience and being fully united to him in his resurrection and ascended power. The second main prayer is recorded in 3:14 - 19. In this, he desires the believers to fully comprehend the glory of the Gospel. The 'glory' of it is bound up in Paul's word 'mystery'. He means the great wall of separation and partition has been broken down in Christ (2:14). The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all, Gentile as well as Jew. That is not all. Paul wants his readers to be strengthened and enlightened, but also to know Christ and his love flooding their hearts. Notice: the Apostle's religion is not a dead, cold affair. It is always full of life and power! 

Teaching on the church: Paul stresses her unity (4:1-6):
(i) Foundation. The ONE Godhead is her only foundation.
(ii) Life. One Spirit baptism gives her life and existence.
(iii) Results. The results are a single faith, hope and body.
How do we maintain this unity amongst ourselves? Firstly, exercise spiritual graces; that is: humbleness, longsuffering, loving each other etc. Secondly, going to great lengths to keep the unity of the Spirit. How vital it is; for where there is strife and disunity, there will be little or no blessing from the Lord.
In addition, the ascended Lord pours out his gifts upon the church (4:7-16). Some were extra ordinary, like those mentioned in the first part of verse 11; while pastors and teachers remain throughout the life of the church. Why these gifts? Two important reasons:
(a) they establish believers in their faith and
(b) bring about spiritual unity in the church. Unity can only come in the truth, not by some shared mystical experience or accepting the lowest common denominator. 

THE APOSTLE'S PRACTICAL HEART 

From 4:17 to almost the end of the Epistle, Paul turns his attention to applying his doctrine and teaching. Do you notice throughout the writings of this great Apostle, that his concern is not just with doctrine and theology? He is at pains to draw out practical lessons. 'If you believe certain things,' he seems to say, 'well, now, DO This! Let your life reflect what you have been taught!'  

What are these down to earth matters that are so important to Paul?
Firstly: The pursuit of holiness or, as we call it, sanctification (see 4:17-5:21). Those bom of God have new life dwelling within them and this new, regenerate image must reveal itself, especially by conquering sin. Specific ones are mentioned: lying; passion and anger; dishonesty; earthy, worldly talk; malice and bitterness; impurity and lust; careless and drunken living.
Secondly: Instead of being motivated by sin and a carnal nature, believers are to be under the constant control and lordship of the Holy Spirit (5:18). The end result will be grace reigning in family, domestic and wider relationships (5:19-6:9)
Thirdly: Believers, as soldiers of Christ (cf2 Timothy 2:3 and 4) must fight spiritually (6:10-18). Our foes are not flesh and blood, but powers regarded as extremely wicked and 'unearthly'.
Fourthly: Paul makes a personal request for prayer (6:19-20). He sees prayer as vital, even to his very existence as a preacher of the Gospel. The Apostle is desirous that the Spirit gives him the divine word. In addition, he longs for holy boldness, despite the many trials and tribulations that beset him.

MORE THAN A SCRIPTURAL BEAUTY SPOT! 

In a few more short verses (6:21-24) Paul makes some personal allusions and then closes with a benediction. With that, this grand Epistle has drawn to a close and we are left to contemplate its mountain-like majesty and glory. May the contents lead us to worship the Godhead and bless him for the redemption given us in Christ. In addition, we should aim to love the Lord more than we did, say, a year ago, and be prepared to venture all in the fight of faith.

 Brian Garrard