Letter to the Ephesians
in a Nutshell
Letter to the Ephesians
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Letter to the Ephesians is a powerful and uplifting message from the apostle Paul, written to believers in the city of Ephesus and possibly circulated among other churches in the region. Likely composed during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, the letter emphasizes the cosmic scope of God’s plan in Christ and the unity of the church as the new humanity. It celebrates the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ and calls them to live lives worthy of that calling.
The letter opens with a majestic praise of God’s grace, declaring that believers were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Paul describes the blessings of redemption, adoption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. He then prays that the Ephesians would grasp the greatness of God's power and the hope of their inheritance as members of Christ’s body.
Paul teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. He explains how Christ has broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity through the cross. Believers are now part of God's household, a living temple where God dwells by His Spirit. Paul emphasizes that this mystery was once hidden but is now revealed through the gospel.
In the second half of the letter, Paul gives practical instructions for living out this new identity. He urges believers to walk in unity, grow in spiritual maturity, and put off the old self in order to live in righteousness and holiness. He encourages love, forgiveness, and purity, and gives guidance for relationships in the household, between spouses, children and parents, and masters and servants.
The letter concludes with a call to spiritual vigilance. Paul describes the Christian life as a battle against spiritual forces and urges believers to put on the full armor of God, truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Ephesians lifts the reader’s eyes to God’s eternal purpose and calls the church to be a united, holy people empowered by the Spirit and rooted in love.
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Greek Scriptures
Greek Scriptures
(New Testament Books)
Outline of of the Letter to the Ephesians
Outline of of the Letter to the Ephesians
I. Introduction and Spiritual Blessings in Christ, 1:1–23
A. Greeting and Blessing, 1:1–2
B. Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ, 1:3–14
1. Chosen by the Father, 1:4–6
2. Redeemed by the Son, 1:7–12
3. Sealed by the Spirit, 1:13–14
C. Paul’s Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation, 1:15–23
II. Unity and Reconciliation through Grace, 2:1–3:21
A. From Death to Life by Grace, 2:1–10
B. Reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles, 2:11–22
1. Unity through the blood of Christ, 2:13–18
2. One household and holy temple, 2:19–22
C. Paul’s Apostolic Ministry and Prayer, 3:1–21
1. The mystery of Christ revealed, 3:1–13
2. Paul’s prayer for inner strength and love, 3:14–21
III. Walking Worthy of Our Calling, 4:1–6:9
A. Unity of the Body, 4:1–16
1. The call to unity and maturity, 4:1–6
2. Gifts given for building up the church, 4:7–16
B. Walking in Newness of Life, 4:17–32
C. Imitators of God, 5:1–20
1. Walking in love, light, and wisdom, 5:1–20
D. Household Instructions, 5:21–6:9
1. Wives and husbands, 5:22–33
2. Children and parents, 6:1–4
3. Slaves and masters, 6:5–9
IV. The Armor of God and Final Greetings, 6:10–24
A. Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God, 6:10–20
B. Final Greetings and Blessing, 6:21–24
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
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