The spiritual wars

EphesiansEphesians

Ephesus• Capital of western Turkey• Financial center of Asia Minor• Temple of Artemis (one of seven wonders of

the world) Paul lived in Ephesus two to three years Written from “Paul” in prison (3:1)

• early 50s CE? Addressed to Gentiles Encourages believers in God’s plan for

them and in their identity in Christ

Date and PlaceDate and Place

BUT letter is distant, less personal• Has Paul met these people?

“To Ephesians” added later• A circular letter?• A general letter for broad distribution?

Similar to contents of Colossians Dissimilar to Paul’s seven

“undisputed” letters

AuthorshipAuthorship

Paul wrote Ephesians together with Colossians and Philemon. He sent three letters to Asia with Tychicus, late 60s CE.

A disciple of Paul wrote Ephesians as a generic statement of Paul’s teaching, 70–80s CE.

An admirer of Paul later wrote Ephesians to continue Paul’s teaching, early 90s CE.

Three Scenarios for Authorship Three Scenarios for Authorship

God’s mysterious (hidden) plan• To unite all things in Christ (1:9–10)• Crucifixion: all are forgiven• Cross destroys law that divides Jews and

Gentiles• Christ exalted over all spiritual powers• Signs: arrival of Holy Spirit and unity of church

Elevation of the universal “church”• Christ died for and sanctified the church• Church is Christ’s body, a living, holy temple• What you do to yourself, you do to Christ’s body

Theological ThemesTheological Themes

The idealized believer Growth in knowledge Speaking truth Liturgical tone with emphasis on

prayer Love

Theological ThemesTheological Themes

Salutation, blessing, thanksgiving (1:1–23) In Christ (2:1–18)

• A new creation• United from afar (all people) with Christ• Built into the holy temple of God (2:19–22)

Mystery of Christ revealed to Paul (3:1–13)• Prayer for Ephesians (3:14–21)

Unity of life in Christ (4:1–5:20)• Humility, love, new life

Household codes (5:21–6:9) Wear the armor of God, closing (6:10–24)

OutlineOutline