Ephesians Introduction

Background On the Letter

Author

Paul identifies himself as the author of this letter in verse 1:

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:

Recipient

There is a little debate regarding the recipients of this letter, nothing groundbreaking though.

The second part of verse 1 says:

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.

However, some manuscripts do not include “at Ephesus.” Therefore, some conclude this is actually a letter to all of Asia Minor that perhaps originated in Ephesus.

Nonetheless, we will hold to the christians in the church at Ephesus being the letter’s recipients. There is more on the background of Ephesus as a city later.

When & Where Was It Written?

It is believed that Paul wrote this letter during his time in prison (Eph.3:1, 4:1, 6:20).

This would make the time Paul wrote this letter around 60-62 AD.

Why Was This Letter Written?

In this letter, Paul is not addressing a specific issue within the church at Ephesus or anything. Rather, Paul wrote for two more broad reasons, it seems:

To encourage the church

To remind the church to live holy and unified lives

Background on Ephesus