Letter to the Ephesians

This letter was written to the Christians in Ephesus and the nearby churches. Its powerful message teaches and inspires readers. It explains the church’s role in history as all creation moves toward recognizing the universal headship of Christ. In the context of Ephesians, "universal headship" refers to Christ's supremacy over all things—not merely over the church, but over the entire created order.

Who Wrote the Letter to the Ephesians?

Where Was the Letter to the Ephesians Sent?

When and Where Was the Letter to the Ephesians Written?

What Was the Background of the Letter to the Ephesians?

Why Was the Letter to the Ephesians Written? What Does It Teach About God?

What Is the Content of the Letter to the Ephesians?

The letter's writer identifies himself as the apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:1; 3:1). He describes his ministry in ways that match what we know about Paul (3:7, 13; 4:1; 6:19–20). Early Christian writers also supported Paul’s authorship. These writers include Irenaeus, Origen, Polycarp, Tertullian, and Ignatius. In his own letter to the Ephesians, Ignatius refers to Paul’s many warm comments about the Christians in Ephesus, their life in Christ, and the blessings they had received.

Some features of the letter make many scholars doubt that Paul wrote it. These features would only be a problem if the letter was meant only for people in Ephesus. That was likely not the case.

Paul spent three years establishing the church in Ephesus and knew many people there. It would be strange for him not to write in his usual personal and direct tone. It is odd that the warm personal greetings to individuals found in other letters are not included here. Instead, there is only a general greeting to "the brothers" (6:23). However, all of this makes sense if the letter was meant for several churches and not only the church at Ephesus.

This letter was probably sent to several churches in the region around Ephesus, in the Roman province of Asia. It was likely not written only for the church in Ephesus. Many modern scholars believe it was a circular letter, meaning that it was sent to several churches in Asia, including Ephesus.

There are several reasons for this view:

Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include the words “in Ephesus” in Ephesians 1:1. These manuscripts include Papyrus 46, Codex Sinaiticus, and Codex Vaticanus. Paul may have left the place name blank so that the name of each church could be added as the letter moved from one place to another.

The Greek grammar in Ephesians 1:1 requires a phrase indicating a location in the sentence. Since Ephesus was the main city in Asia, scribes naturally linked this letter to the church there.

The letter reads more like a general teaching document than a letter to one local church. Paul had lived among the believers in Ephesus for three years and knew them well (Acts 20:31). Yet the letter contains no personal greetings or specific instructions for individual people. This is different from many of Paul’s other letters.

Paul seems to write to believers whose faith he has heard about and who know about his ministry only through reports (see Ephesians 1:15; 3:1). This may suggest that some readers did not know him personally.

It is also possible that this was the letter sent to the church in Laodicea.

Some scholars have rejected the view that Ephesians was a circular letter sent to several churches. For example, Henry Alford gives three objections to this theory:

He argues that the letter seems to address one group of believers. They appear to live in the same place, belong to the same community, and share the same circumstances.

Paul clearly states when some of his other letters are meant for several churches. He does this in 2 Corinthians and Galatians. Alford therefore considers it unlikely that Paul would fail to say so in Ephesians.

The absence of personal greetings does not prove that Ephesians was a circular letter. Paul also gives no personal greetings in Galatians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and 1 Timothy. Alford suggests that Paul includes fewer personal comments when he knows his readers well and when he is writing about a broad and serious subject.

Ephesians 3:1, 4:1, and 6:20 suggest that Paul wrote the letter while in prison. Since Paul was imprisoned multiple times, we need to identify which imprisonment.

The first major imprisonment might have been in Ephesus, but of course this would not make sense for this letter. The second was in Caesarea for two years (Acts 24:27; see also 23:23–24, 33). Paul might have written some letters then.

Most scholars believe he wrote Ephesians, along with Colossians, Philemon, and probably Philippians, during his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30). This likely occurred between AD 59 and 63 and lasted two years. This time, after about 25 years of spiritual growth and around 12 years of missionary work, gave Paul a great chance for reflection and writing.

Ephesus was the most important city in Asia Minor. It was on the Cayster River and had a harbor on the Aegean Sea. This location made it a center for commercial travel, with major trade routes leading to it from many directions.

Ephesus was home to a great pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, also known as Diana. Paul made the city a center for evangelism and church-building work (Acts 19). He lived and worked in Ephesus for three years (20:31). Therefore, it makes sense for a letter meant for a wide audience in that part of Asia Minor to have Ephesus as its main destination.

Paul’s first visit to Ephesus is described in Acts 18:19–21. Ephesus was a coastal city in the ancient region of Lydia, near the Cayster River. During this short visit, Paul began teaching and discussing the Scriptures with the Jews. Apollos, Aquila, and Priscilla continued the work after he left (18:24–26).

Paul later returned to Ephesus after traveling to Jerusalem and the eastern parts of Asia Minor. He remained there for about three years (Acts 19:10—the "two years" mentioned are only part of this period—and 20:31). Paul therefore gave an unusually large amount of time and care to establishing and strengthening the church in Ephesus.

The letter reflects the close relationship Paul had with these believers. His words show warmth, freedom of expression, and a shared hope in the spiritual blessings God had given them. This tone is natural because Paul had lived and worked among them for a long time.

On his final journey to Jerusalem, Paul sailed past Ephesus. He asked the elders of the church there to meet him at Miletus. At that meeting, he gave them an important farewell message (Acts 20:18–35).

The purpose of Ephesians may be described as doxological. This means that the letter should lead people to glorify God through both grateful praise and faithful living.

This purpose is clear in the opening section, which has the style of a hymn: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Three times in the first chapter, Paul says that God’s blessings should result in praise to God (verses 6, 12, 14).

The letter includes much teaching about Christian belief and conduct. Its moral teaching is firmly based on its doctrinal teaching. However, its purpose is not only to teach or urge people to act in certain ways.

The letter also helps people see life from a new point of view. It calls them to identify with Christ, who rose from the dead and returned to heaven. From this perspective, they can better understand the church and its role in the world.

An important term appears in Ephesians 1:3 and other places. It is best translated as "heavenly realms." This term differs from the usual word for "heaven" and holds special meaning in Ephesians. It seems to describe the realm where Jesus now rules in victory.

Ephesians 1:20 explains this idea in the wider context of verses 19–23. Christ is above every spiritual power and authority. Believers still live physically on earth, but God has also seated them with Christ in the heavenly realms (2:6). God has blessed them there with every spiritual blessing (1:3). This means that they can depend on God’s unlimited spiritual resources in daily life. The heavenly realms are also the place where spiritual conflict takes place (6:12).

Paul makes it clear that Christians should not view life only from an earthly point of view. When they do, they may wrongly think that other people are their true enemies (Ephesians 6:12). They may also depend only on human strength and resources (2 Corinthians 10:3–4).

Ephesians directs Christians to the heavenly realm, where Christ now rules in glory. From this perspective, they can understand that the church does more than carry out ordinary activities on earth. Through the church, God shows his wisdom to spiritual beings in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 3:10). Paul also explains the work of church leaders in relation to the gifts given by Christ, who ascended to heaven (4:8–10).

Ephesians has a strong sense of ultimate purpose. The first chapter shows different expressions of this purpose. It describes the great goal of history in Ephesians 1:10. This sense of purpose remains constant. In chapter 3, the church represents God's eternal, secret plan.

The letter also follows a clear movement:

God brings individuals back into a right relationship with himself.

God brings them into a right relationship with one another.

They learn to live together as the church.

Unlike many of Paul’s other letters, Ephesians does not develop its message through a series of arguments. Instead, it presents a connected series of statements, with each one leading naturally to the next.

Paul talks about several topics from a heavenly viewpoint, highlighting the sense of purpose it gives. The following discussion will show how these topics connect. These are not necessarily representative of the order of their importance or prominence in Ephesians.

Paul uses several images to describe the church. He calls it a household, a temple, and a body (Ephesians 1:22–23; 2:19–22). The term "body" might be more than just a figure of speech. Christ and the church share a real and living relationship. Christ is the head, and believers are the parts of his body.

The church exists because of Christ's work to bring peace. His death reconciled hostile Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11–18). God planned this unity long ago (3:2–6). A proper attitude and mutual service help maintain it (chapter 4).

A remarkable feature of Ephesians is the comparison between a husband and wife and Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22–33). In this comparison, marriage is not the main reality, with Christ and the church used only as an illustration. Instead, the relationship between Christ and the church is the deeper reality.

Christ is not only the head of the church. God has also placed him over all things for the benefit of the church (Ephesians 1:22). Ephesians 1:10 teaches that the different parts and beings of the universe will one day be brought into order under Christ’s rule. Christ’s return to heaven and his present place of honor already point toward this future rule.

The phrase "God has put all things under his feet" (Ephesians 1:22, from Psalm 8:6) strengthens this hope. This means that Christ will rule over everything.

The Greek word "mystery" has a special meaning in early Jewish and Christian writings. It refers to God’s eternal plans for his saving work and his purposes in history. God reveals these plans gradually.

The term is used in connection with:

the kingdom in the Gospels (Matthew 13:11),

the preaching of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16,

Israel's destiny in Romans 11:25, and

other contexts with different meanings.

Finally, Revelation 10:6–7 states there will be no more delay, and God's "mystery," first announced by the prophets, will be completed.

In Ephesians 3:3–6, Paul explains that God's plan goes beyond only welcoming Gentiles into God's people. It includes fully integrating Gentiles with Jews in the church. This level of integration was not revealed before Paul's ministry.

This section is a "doxology," or a short hymn of praise. Paul shares his prayer of praise to remind readers of God's blessings. These blessings include:

being chosen to live in God's presence without guilt (verse 4),

receiving the destiny of full sonship (verse 5), and

being forgiven because Christ died for them (verse 7).

Paul does not just recount what God has done; he also explains why God acted and what God's purposes are. Different translations use various English words to express Greek ideas of purpose, such as "chose," "predestined," "will," "mystery of his will," "good pleasure," "purposed," and "plan" (verses 4–10). The most comprehensive explanation is likely in verses 11–12.

This shows that the final purpose of God’s saving work is not only to bring joy to believers. Its greater purpose is to bring glory to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. God gives the Holy Spirit as a guarantee. The Spirit assures believers that they belong to God. The Spirit also shows that God will complete the work he has begun in them.

Paul begins with a prayer asking believers to embrace everything in his statement. He emphasizes the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus as the foundation for the believer's perspective and strength.

Paul describes four steps in the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

The first step was the death of Christ in order to save individuals from sin and death (Ephesians 2:1–10). God began this saving work. Human beings did not begin it. People were spiritually dead and unable to save themselves. Therefore, salvation comes only by grace, which is God’s undeserved kindness.

The second step is reconciliation, which means restoring broken relationships (Ephesians 2:11–18). God brings people into a right relationship with himself and with one another. This means restoring broken relationships. Paul now moves from the salvation of individuals to the salvation of a united group.

This was especially important for Gentiles, who had not shared in God’s covenant relationship with Israel. The word "peace" is central to this section (verses 14–17).

The third step goes beyond reconciliation. God joins Jews and Gentiles together as one "household" (Ephesians 2:19–22). God not only brings individuals to himself and to one another. He also creates a new community. Paul describes this community with words related to citizenship, family, and God’s temple. Together, believers form one united body that brings glory to God.

The fourth step explains God’s eternal plan to form one body, the church (Ephesians 3:1–13). Paul calls this plan a "mystery," meaning a truth that God had once hidden but has now revealed. Through the church, God shows his wisdom to all beings in the universe.

This truth helps believers understand why God saved them and made them part of the church. It moves their attention away from themselves. It also helps them see meaning and purpose in the life and work of the church.

Paul summarizes these steps in a second prayer (Ephesians 3:14–21). He makes a series of requests that end with a doxology, which is an expression of praise to God. Paul is filled with wonder at God’s unlimited power. He believes that God can accomplish everything described in the letter so far. Paul also prays that this work will bring great glory to God in the church and in Christ.

In Paul's thinking, Christian belief and Christian life are always connected. In Ephesians, this connection is especially important. Believers should live in a way that matches God’s great purposes.

God’s calling is not only about being saved or receiving eternal joy. It also means joining with the whole church to bring glory to God. In this way, believers take part in the fulfillment of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:20–21.

The first way to fulfill God's purpose is to keep the unity he created in the church. This happens by recognizing the strong foundation for unity, like "one Lord, one faith" (Ephesians 4:5–6).

Believers should also acknowledge diversity within that unity, remembering that God has given each person different abilities (verses 7–8). These abilities should help the church grow both individually and as a group.

This diversity within unity is the second way to fulfill God's purpose. Christian maturity helps church members relate to each other with love (verse 16).

The third way to fulfill God's purposes is by renewal of personal life (Ephesians 4:17–5:21). Paul emphasizes the lifestyle expected of Christians by contrasting it with their behavior before conversion. The new life is not just a reaction to the old one. Instead, the Lord provides teachings and the example of his sacrificial love (4:20–21, 32; 5:1–2).

Believers should abandon their old way of life and character. Paul uses the term "old self," not "old nature," to describe this. At the same time, they should adopt the "new self," which, as Paul says in verse 24, is "created to be like God." The section ends with an important call to be filled with the Spirit (5:18).

Believers can promote God's purposes in the church by expressing new character in relationships. Unity depends on proper submission, as described in Ephesians 5:22–6:9. Verse 21 first expresses the basic principle of submission, resulting from the Spirit's full control.

Marriage provides the first example of mutual submission. The wife submits to the husband, showing her submission to the Lord, along with the whole church. The husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church.

Although the husband's love is not called submission, love does limit his freedom. Jesus showed his love for the church by dying for it (Ephesians 5:25). Furthermore, husband and wife are united, as God intended at creation (Genesis 2:24, quoted here in 5:31). This unity reflects the spiritual unity between Christ and the church.

This list of examples follows a pattern used elsewhere in the New Testament (for example, Colossians 3:18–4:1; 1 Peter 3:1–7). After discussing marriage, Paul addresses the relationship between parent and child. The child should obey the father, and the father should avoid overreacting (6:1–4). The last example involves slaves and masters.

Believers advance God's purposes by engaging in spiritual conflict using spiritual resources (Ephesians 6:10–20). Paul uses imagery from the Old Testament and Roman warfare to show that a heavenly perspective is essential for victory. This involves relying on God through prayer (verses 18–20). Paul admits his own need for this reliance.

The letter concludes with encouragement and explains Paul's choice to send it with Tychicus. One of the letter’s final words is "grace." This word is central to the whole work of God described in Ephesians.

See also Letter to the Colossians; Ephesus; Paul, The Apostle.