Ephesians Outline

2:11-22 – One in Christ

Themes: Gentiles and Jews, Abolishing the law. Access through Jesus in Spirit to Father (Trinity). Household of God = together dwelling place for God.

Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ Jesus. This is great theological news: this is not a present crisis in the church. Paul attacks the greatest cultural divide: abolished in Christ.

He says to the outsiders:

You fit. You are a full citizen, part of the family. And if you feel like you don’t fit, it is because you haven’t caught a glimpse of what God is building.

Paul models to the insiders:

Destroy and abolish any cultural or traditional barrier that divides.

God dwells in us together.

3:1-6 – Mystery of the Gospel Revealed (a)

Themes: Paul in jail for Chirst. New revelation of gospel.

3:7-13 – Mystery of the Gospel Revealed (b)

Themes: Paul’s revelation of Christ. Mystery = Gentiles are heirs. Paul’s call to preach (and preaching’s cosmic affect), fulfillment of God’s plan despite suffering.

3:14-21 – Prayer for Spiritual Strength

Themes: Praying for Ephesians: Spirit strength, Christ dwelling, rooted in love, comprehending love of Christ, filled with fullness of God. (In this context) Praise to “him who is able to do…”

Power/strength to comprehend love -> filled with fullness of God. His beyond-imagination power is love of Christ.

4:1-16 – Unity in the Body of Christ

Themes: Walking worthy of calling. We are One (theme of Ephesians). 8ff Jesus’ ascension, establishing and equipping the church (body) towards maturity/adulthood. The body builds itself up in love.

4:17-32 – The New Life

Themes: Gentiles are ignorant, put off sin. Truth, anger, stealing, corrupting talk, grieving Holy Spirit, bitterness. Be kind and forgive.

5:1-21 – Walk in Love

Themes: Imitate God, walk in love: no filth or foolish. Walk in light, exposing darkness. Walk as wise, singing and making melody, giving thanks always, submitting to one another…

Children of Light vs. Christian “Cheese”?

5:22-33 – Wives and Husbands

Themes: Wives submit to husband. Husbands, sacrificially love wives.

(Husbands, wait for wives to submit… just like Christ waited for sinners to submit before dying for them)

6:1-4 – Children and Parents

Themes: Children obey, Father’s don’t provoke.

6:5-9 – Servants and Masters

Themes: submission and leadership (ownership?)

6:10-20 – Armor of God

Themes: spiritual warfare: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, sword, prayer, Perseverance.

6:21-24 – Final Greetings