Ephesians- Revive

Background information

Author: Paul

Audience: Gentile Converts

Provenance

Written in: Prison (c.f. v. 6:20)

Written to: Asian Minor

“Ephesus” not in earliest mss

encyclical

Outline (see image)

Theology leads to action

Doxology (1:3-14)

Thesis of the letter

We have an inheritance in Christ

Christ is supreme over all

Raised with Christ (1:15-2:10)

Apocalyptic hope: see the hope God has given in Christ

As above, Theology leads to action

Supremacy of Christ over other earthly and spiritual rulers

Main point: Christian creed, “Jesus is Lord” has real, practical implications

From death to life

Comparison with christ

Former life: following “ruler of the power of the air”

Gentiles followed Zeus/Caesar

Lead to death

Now we follow Christ

leads to life

Tearing Down the Wall (2:11-22)

Christ is “peace”

Unites Jews and Gentiles

Contra “Pax Romana”

Literal dividing wall in Jerusalem temple

Paul’s Credentials (3:1-21)

Ethos

Sacrifice for the gospel

“Apostle” as delegate/representative

Walking in Christ (4:1-16)

Unity in Christ

Unity of members and roles within the Church

New Self (4:17-5:16)

New mind, New Way of Life, Putting away pagan things

Spirit-filled households (5:17-6:9)

Grammar of passage

Chiasm

Emphasized/de-emphasized command forms

Haustafeln

Reverse of Greco Roman Paradigm

Therefore

Mutual Submission

“Headship” characterized by service and love

Armor of God (6:10-17)

Pointing back to beginning of letter

This is a spiritual, not merely fleshly, battle

From the way we act, think, and treat one another, it is all a fight against demonic forces

Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Back to apocalyptic vision

Be aware of Spiritual battle

How to win? Eyes on the Prize (Inheritance, hope in Christ)