Ephesians

  Themes

There are three key themes in Ephesians. First, the central theological emphasis of the letter is God’s work of reconciliation in Christ (Eph 2:1–10). Through the death of Christ, God has brought together Jews and Gentiles to create “one new humanity” (Eph 2:15). God’s work of reconciliation also extends to all of creation, which is subject to Christ, who reigns at the right hand of God in the heavenlies (Eph 1:20–23). Second, God’s work of reconciliation in Christ requires believers to live a life worthy of God’s salvation that they have received. Beginning in Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges his readers to “walk” as “imitators of God” in terms of personal conduct (Eph 4:17–5:14), relationships (Eph 5:15–21), and the household (Eph 5:22–6:9). Third, the presence of evil powers—despite that they are subject to Christ (Eph 1:20–21)—requires believers to engage in spiritual warfare against the powers who seek to destroy the character of believers and the unity of the body of Christ. For this reason Paul calls the Ephesians to take up the armor of God in Eph 6:10–20.1

1 Brown, D. R., Custis, M., & Whitehead, M. M. (2013). Ephesians. (D. Mangum, Ed.). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.