Book Study: Ephesians

Book Overview

Ephesians reveals God’s redemptive work in Christ and its implications for the church. Paul emphasizes that believers have been chosen, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit, forming one unified body regardless of background. The letter highlights the mystery of the gospel revealed to be God’s plan to unite all things in Christ and create a new humanity reconciling all people in Him. Paul urges believers to live worthy of their calling by pursuing unity, holiness, love, and spiritual maturity. Practical instructions show how Christians live in all relationships in the church, home, and community, grounding Christian conduct in Christlike humility and sacrificial love. The letter concludes with a call to spiritual vigilance, reminding believers that their strength comes from God’s and His power. Ephesians ultimately portrays the church as God’s masterpiece, created to display His grace and glory in the world.

Brief Chapter Summaries

Ephesians 1

Paul opens with praise for God’s eternal plan in Christ. He tells of the great riches given to us in Christ through redemption by His blood, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. He prays that believers grasp the hope, riches, and power available to them. Christ is exalted above all rule and authority, and the church is His body, filled with His fullness.

Ephesians 2

Paul describes humanity’s former spiritual death and God’s gracious salvation through faith, not works. Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ, forming one new humanity. Christ has broken down the dividing wall, reconciling all believers to God and building them together into a holy temple where God dwells by His Spirit.

Ephesians 3

Paul explains the revealed mystery: Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ. He reflects on his ministry to proclaim this grace and prays that believers be strengthened, rooted in love, and filled with the fullness of God. The chapter ends celebrating God’s power to accomplish far more than imagined.

Ephesians 4

Paul urges believers to walk in unity, humility, and love. Christ gives spiritual gifts to equip the church toward maturity. Believers must put off the old self, reject corrupt speech and behavior, and put on the new self created in righteousness.

Ephesians 5

Paul calls believers to imitate God, walk in love, and avoid darkness. He contrasts Spirit‑filled living with worldly indulgence. Instructions for Christian households highlight mutual submission, sacrificial love from husbands, and respectful support from wives. Marriage is presented as a profound picture of Christ’s relationship with the church.

Ephesians 6

Paul addresses children, parents, servants, and masters, urging obedience, fairness, and integrity. He then describes the armor of God, calling believers to stand firm against spiritual forces through truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer. The letter closes with final encouragements and a blessing of peace and grace.

Key Verses

Ephesians 1:7

“In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

Ephesians 2:4–5

“But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:8–9

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.”

Ephesians 3:16–17

“that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love…”

Ephesians 3:20–21

“Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 5:2

“Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet‑smelling fragrance.”

Ephesians 5:15–16

“Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:25

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for it.”

Ephesians 6:10–11

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”