Author
Ephesians was most likely written by a later disciple in the spirit of Paul. This disciple might have taken the core of something Paul had written but never sent, and then he expanded on it.
Date
Generally dated between 80-100AD
Purpose
To bolster the faith of the community and correct errors.
General Observations
Ephesians is closely connected to the book of Colossians. There are 15 words that appear in both books but nowhere else in the New Testament.
The earliest manuscript of Ephesians does not contain “in Ephesus” in 1:1 but all manuscripts after that have it. Ephesus was a very important center of the early Christian spread. People would visit and ask to copy their collection and this was probably the version that circulated most widely.
This is not as much a letter as it is a theological discourse about
- The exaltation of Christ over all heavenly and earthly powers
- The reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles into a unity marked by appropriate conduct.
Outline
- Greeting 1:1-2
- Thanksgiving 1:3-8
- Prayer on behalf of the Colossians 1:9-14
- The Christ-Hymn 1:15-20
- Application of the Hymn to the situation in Colossae 1:21-23
- Paul’s authority 1:24-2:7
- Debate: the power of the risen Christ 2:8-15
- Debate: warnings against ascetic practices 2:16-23
- New life in light of the resurrection 3:1-4
- Ethical guidelines 3:5-17
- Households of believers 3:18-4:1
- Prayer, mission, and contact with outsiders 4:2-6
- Conclusion 4:7-18