INTRODUCTION

Acts 19 tells of when Paul was in Ephesus for the first time. We are told, among other things, that:

• There were enchanters there (v. 13).
• Many who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls, which all together were worth an enormous sum, and burned them publicly (v. 19).
• The silversmith Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there (v. 24).

Ephesus had a very religious environment and was a kind of “spiritual amusement park”. One could pick and choose between different religious “offers”. Most people believed that all areas of daily life were under the influence of various spirits. They were afraid of such hostile spiritual forces and tried to secure themselves against them and obtain blessings in the spirit world. This could be done by magical rituals or by getting the gods on their side as protection, especially the goddess Artemis, who was seen as the great patron of Ephesus. They believed she could break the course of fate and protect against spirits. Her temple, for which Ephesus was best known, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the largest building in the Greek world. The riots described in Acts 19:23-40 show how important she was to the Ephesians.

This fear of the spirit world did not go away easily when they became Christians. Perhaps they were not fully convinced that they were already protected in Jesus, or there are new ones in the church who need teaching about this since it is still a theme when Paul writes the letter to the Ephesians.

Therefore Paul reminds them of what God has done for them (Ch. 1-3), e.g., that they have already received every spiritual blessing in Jesus (1:3-14) and that they are seated in heaven with Jesus (2:6) who is above all powers and authorities (1:20-22). Chapters 4-6 are about how this should have consequences for how they live.

The letter to the Ephesians was probably written while Paul was in prison in Rome (3:1, 4:1, 6:20) in the year 60-62.

RECEIVERS

Acts 19:10

• Paul spent two years in Ephesus (3^rd missionary journey, AD 53-55)
• “Both Jews and Greeks” came to faith.

Eph 1:15-16: He has heard of their faith → he does not know them?

2:11, 3:1: He addresses Gentiles.

Perhaps mostly to pagan Christians who have become part of the congregation after he was there, whom he has not met in person.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Ephesus was the capital of the province of Asia in today’s western Turkey. It had a very religious environment; it was like a “spiritual amusement park”.

• 50 different gods and goddesses
• Emperor cult
• Astrology
• Magic
• Exorcism
• Jewish mysticism
• “mystery cults”: thought they could achieve a deeper relationship with a god and gain spiritual power and insight through rituals.
• Believed that all areas of daily life were under the influence of various spirits.
• Tried to protect themself against the spirits and obtain blessings in the spiritual world, e.g., by getting the gods on their side as protection or by magical rituals.

GODS/GODDESSES OF EPHESUS

Agate Tyke, Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Asclepius, Athena, Demeter, Dionysus, Enedra, Hekate, Hephaestus, Heracles, Hestia Boulaia, Caber, Concord, Kore, Cybele, Nemesis, Pan, Pion, Pluto, Poseidon, Teos, Hypsistos, Tyke Sootier, Zeus

ARTEMIS

• Roman: Diana
• Ephesus’ great patron, the most important religion in Ephesus until the 2^nd century
• Had made a divine covenant with Ephesus
• Goddess of the underworld who ruled everywhere
• Able to break the course of fate and protect against spirits
• Ephesus was best known for the Temple of Artemis, which was called one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. It was the largest building in the Greek world, built in 550 BC.

WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN?

• 3:1, 4:1, 6:20: Paul is in prison
• Traditionally it is believed to have been written in Rome: Acts 28:30-31 (years 60-62)
• Alternatively, it could have been written in Caesarea: Acts 23:23-26:32 (years 58-60)
• Tychicus delivered the letter (Eph 6:21). He was originally from this area (Acts 20:4) and was with Paul at the end of his third missionary journey.

STRUCTURE

Ch. 1-3            What God has done for us

Ch. 4-6            How we should live

1:3-14: EVERYTHING IN CHRIST

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

WHAT WE ARE/HAVE IN JESUS

• Blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ
• Chosen to be holy and blameless in his sight
• Right to be his children
• Grace upon grace
• Freedom
• Forgiveness of sins
• Heirs
• Faith
• Sealed with the Holy Spirit

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

1:15-23: PAUL’S PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

2:1-10: FROM DEATH TO LIFE

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

2:11-22: ONE IN CHRIST

“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

Words/expressions that describe the pagans	Words/expressions that describe God’s congregation (both groups)	Words/expressions that describe the Jews
you	in Christ Jesus	circumcised
the two groups
Gentiles (by birth)	one
one new humanity
uncircumcised	a body	those who were near
one Spirit
you who were far away	fellow citizens with God’s people
God’s people	we
strangers	household
a holy temple	Israel
foreigners	a dwelling in which God lives

“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

3:1-13: CHRIST’S INCREDIBLE WEALTH FOR THE NATIONS

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.”

3:14-21: PAUL’S PRAYER FOR POWER AND STRENGTH

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

4:1-16: CONCERN EVERYTHING TO PRESERVE THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

4:17-32: THE OLD AND THE NEW MAN

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

5:1-14: CHILDREN OF LIGHT

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.””

5:15-33: LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL IN MARRIAGE

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

“HOUSEHOLD RULES”

Both Jews and Gentiles had similar household rules.

Greco-Roman culture: How the head of the house should rule and exercise his authority over all the others. His wife, children, and slaves were often considered part of his property.

Jewish examples:

• Philo: Wives must serve their husbands as if they were slaves.
• Josephus: Wives must be obedient.

How to relate to each other when all are equal in Christ?

Unusual with commandments for children, slaves, and women.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:1-2

5:15-33: LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL IN MARRIAGE

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

LIVE OUT THE GOSPEL (v. 2)

Women and men: Submit to one another (v. 21)

Women (vv. 22-24)               

Submit to their husbands as to the Lord (v. 22)        

• for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church (v. 23)
• because the church submits to Christ (v. 24)

The women must respect their husbands (v. 33)

Men (vv. 25-31)

Love their wives (vv. 25, 33)

• just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for it (v. 25)
• as their own bodies, as Christ loves his body: the church (vv. 28-30)
• as himself (v. 33)
• because husband and wife should be one body (v. 31, Gen 2:24)

The marriage → Christ and the church (v. 32-33)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT THE MAN IS THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN?

The same word is not usually used as a metaphor for authority in the Greek OT (only in 10%).

What kind of head is Christ for the church?

• A servant leader who “gave himself up for her” (v. 25)

Paul does not define the husband’s “position” in relation to his wife. He probably didn’t need this because it was evident in the culture.

Nor does he say anything more specific than that “the wife must respect her husband ” (v. 33).

Certainly: In the Bible, a “head” is someone who serves.

“Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church – a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness.” Eph 5:25-27 (The Message)

6:1-4: CHILDREN AND PARENTS

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. “

6:4 – 6:9: SLAVES

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”

6:10-20: FULL ARMOR OF GOD

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Isaiah 11:5 (about the Messiah): “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.”

Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…”

Isaiah 59:17: “He [The Lord] put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head…”

Isaiah 11:4: “He (Messiah) will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.”

In many places in the OT, the shield is a picture of God’s protection.

SUMMARY

• We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ because of God’s great grace and do not need to strive for it.
• We are seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms and do not have to fear any spiritual powers.
• We are all saved by grace through faith. Salvation is a gift. As the Church, we are united with each other and with God regardless of background.
• God himself lives in us.

This motivates us to:

• Live in unity
• Stop doing things that do not fit with God’s character and our new identity
• Live out the gospel in all our relationships
• Pray and be strengthened in God to stand against spiritual attacks

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:1-2