Ephesians 2 Overview Ephesians Chapter 2 The letter to the Ephesians Chapter 2 has two overarching parts: you were zombies and you were foreigners. Inside these themes are many other themes clustered.  You Were Zombies 1 At one time you were dead in your sins and evil actions, 2 living your lives according to the ways of the world, under the control of the devil [the ruler of the power of the … [Read more...]

The Prayer Having established a foundation of praise Paul launches into this magnificent prayer. that establishes the power and authority of Christ forming the foundation of the Christian faith and emphasizing His supremacy over all creation. This authority elevates Him to God’s right hand and offers believers hope and inheritance as part of His body, the church. Understanding this dynamic … [Read more...]

Ephesians 1:15-16 In exploring the themes of faithfulness and love for God's people, we uncover the deep connections that unite believers. These principles reflect God's character and invite His followers into a shared experience of His holiness and grace. 15" That's the reason, because I've heard of your trust in the Lord Jesus and the love that you have for all Christians, 16 why I never … [Read more...]

Forgiveness and Holiness With the immediate attraction of the controversial theology of predestination and election, in the first part of Ephesians 1:4, it is far too easy to miss the rest of the verse and its vital importance in our understanding of forgiveness and its relationship to being holy and without fault. In Ephesians 1: 4 Paul continues, "so that in love we could be holy and … [Read more...]

Love and Prayers Lay the Foundation in Ephesians 15 - 16 15 - 16: Paul will set out some key themes for this epistle. But first, he acknowledges the reader's foundation of "trust" (often translated as faith - πίστιν is persistent trust, faithfulness or as N.T Write translates it: believing loyalty) and love (agape ἀγάπην) and lets them know of his care and concern in his prayers.  Key … [Read more...]

Grace: Through Our Own Passover & Exodus Having introduced the theme of Grace as a Passover Narrative, the theme is developed into Grace Through Passover - Exodus. Ephesians 1: 7 - 14 1:7 "Through him we gain salvation through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins as a result of his priceless grace 8 that he so generously provided for us, together with all wisdom and … [Read more...]

If you think the theology of Predestination and Election are mind-bending you may want to brace yourself for what is coming up now. Let's talk about Grace And A Passover Narrative. Ephesians 1: 5 - 6 5 He decided in advance to adopt us as his children, working through Jesus Christ to bring us to himself. He was happy to do this because this is what he wanted. 6 So we praise him for his … [Read more...]

Part of Paul's wonderful prayer contains some of the most controversial language in Christian history. It launched generations of debate on predestination and election. Ephesians 1:4-8 This is not just about predestination and election but also about blessing: 4 just as he chose us to be in him* before the beginning of this world so that in love we could be holy and without fault before him. … [Read more...]

Ephesians 1:3-14 After his greeting of grace and Peace, Paul bursts out in an opening prayer: 3 Praise God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with all that's spiritually good in the heavenly world, 4 just as he chose us to be in him* before the beginning of this world so that in love we could be holy and without fault before him. 5 He decided in advance to adopt … [Read more...]

Having given an overview of the letter to the Ephesians let's now take a deeper look. Paul’s Authority and Blessing  In these first 2 verses, Paul establishes his authority and gives his blessing. 1 This letter comes from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to God's will, to the Christians* in Ephesus and those who trust in Christ Jesus. 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and … [Read more...]