Ephesians is one of the many epistles the Apostle Paul wrote during his lifetime. This book of the Bible is the favorite of many and contains many important truths.
This epistle was written directly to the Church of Ephesus; however, its teachings are still applicable to us today.
Covering each chapter will help us learn more about Ephesians, the surrounding context, and how we can apply the teachings to our daily lives.
Chapter 1: Praise and Prayer
Read Ephesians 1
Questions to Ask:
- What does this chapter mean?
- What is the surrounding context?
- How can I apply this to my daily life?
The Apostle Paul is declared to be the writer of this book in the Bible in the first verse of the first chapter (Ephesians 1:1). He is writing to the church of Ephesus, and the letter is dated as AD 62.
Within this first chapter, Paul is urging the Ephesians to praise God for He has chosen them (Ephesians 1:3-14). All people are predestined by God to be saved, yet it is up to us to place faith in His Son.
There are many debates surrounding predestination; however, the view most in alignment with the Bible is that God predestined all people to be saved. Even though God has predestined everyone to be saved, each person must individually choose to place faith in Jesus.
Paul encourages the Ephesians by saying, “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” (Ephesians 1:11-12).
As Paul tells the people, the same rings true for us. We are chosen and dearly loved by God. He wanted us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. Through these truths, we can offer up a spirit of praise, thankfulness, and worship to the Redeemer of our souls.
1. What does the chapter say? This chapter talks about predestination, how we are chosen by God, and the necessity of offering up praise to God.
God is more than deserving of our praise and we can praise Him for His great love, goodness, and forgiveness. All people are dearly loved and divinely chosen by God.
Even though this is true, not all people place faith in Him. It is up to us as individuals to place faith in our mighty Savior, Jesus Christ.
2. What is the surrounding context? The surrounding context is how Paul is telling the believers to be thankful for their great riches in Christ (Ephesians 1:18-23).
Paul also tells us of God’s mighty power and His goodness. The divinity of Christ is discussed as well, and how the Father has placed everything under His feet (Ephesians 1:22-23).
In placing everything under Him, the Father appointed Jesus to be the head of the church. By being the head of the church, Jesus shepherds His people.
3. How can I apply this to my life? This can be applied to your life by resting in the truth that you are chosen by God, and He has predestined you to be saved.
He wants all people to come to know Him, including you. There are many people who will try to argue against predestination or believe only certain individuals are destined to be saved, yet this is not true. God chose you before the beginning of time, and He desires for you to come to know His Son.
Chapter 2: Alive in Christ and Reconciliation
Read Ephesians 2
Questions to Ask:
- What does this chapter mean?
- What is the surrounding context?
- How can I apply this to my daily life?
Chapter 2 of Ephesians stresses the importance of being made alive in Christ. Paul tells us, “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” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
As Paul says, the Father has made us alive in Christ. Through being made alive in Christ, we are no longer dead in our transgressions. Instead, we have been saved by grace through faith.
This is nothing that we have done, but rather, this is what Christ has done for us. We are only saved by placing faith in Jesus — not by good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Through Jesus’ saving grace, He has also made it possible for Jew and Gentile to be reconciled. He destroyed the barrier between them in order for there to be peace (Ephesians 2:1-18).
The Lord destroyed the old way of things and created the new, which is following Him and placing faith in Him. We don’t have to follow the Law as the Jews did in the Old Testament (Ephesians 2:15).
Jesus reconciled us to Himself through the cross and died the death we deserved. Through this truth, we need to not allow ourselves to separate ourselves from those who are not the same as us. God has destroyed the barrier and has brought us into a relationship with Himself.
1. What does the chapter say? This chapter has many important messages, including the truth that salvation is by grace through faith alone.
There is no way that we can “earn” salvation. No amount of good deeds can save a person. Rather, salvation is a gift freely given by God to all who would accept Him.
We will want to do good things for God after we are saved; however, our salvation does not rest on what we do. Allow this to fill your heart with comfort and peace to know that God takes you just as you are.
2. What is the surrounding context? This chapter is bookended with Paul’s teaching on reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through Christ. There is no longer a barrier between these people groups because we are all one in Christ.
None of us are foreigners to God’s kingdom, as all people are given the chance to become a member of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19-22). We are being built together to become holy dwellings for the Holy Spirit, who is at work in our lives (Ephesians 2:21-22).
3. How can I apply this to my life? You can apply this to your life by choosing to accept God’s free gift of salvation if you feel you are ready.
No amount of good works can save us nor is there anything that you can do to earn salvation. Salvation is by placing faith in Jesus alone.
By placing faith in Jesus, you are given grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. If you already know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can apply this teaching to your life by helping others to come to know Him.
Chapter 3: Paul, a Servant of the Gospel
Read Ephesians 3
Questions to Ask:
- What does this chapter mean?
- What is the surrounding context?
- How can I apply this to my daily life?
Chapter 3 of Ephesians covers Paul’s discourse of being a servant of Christ. Paul states,
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 (Ephesians 3:7-9).
Paul is confident in his ability to proclaim the gospel. He was commissioned by God to take the gospel to the Gentiles. It was through the power of God working in him that he was able to make great strides for the gospel.
Paul also gives a prayer for the Ephesians in this chapter (3:14-21). He prays for all the knowledge and love of God to be filled in their hearts. Paul truly yearns for all people to know the love of God that is found in Jesus coming down to die for the sins of the world.
This love is perfect, true, and everlasting. A person is never too far out of reach for the love of God. Although this prayer is for the Ephesians, it stretches out to modern believers today. The same love Paul tells the Ephesians about is the same love God has for us today.
1. What does the chapter say? This chapter tells us about Paul’s humble position of being a servant of Christ to the Gentiles.
Even though Paul was not one of the Lord’s original disciples, he dedicated his life to serving the Lord and declared himself to be the least of the Lord’s disciples.
Through his love for the Lord, Paul took Jesus’ name to all people, sharing the truth of God’s love for them that is found in the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son.
2. What is the surrounding context? The surrounding context is that Paul ends this chapter by giving a prayer for the Ephesians.
This prayer is powerful and is meant to encourage the believers. Paul wanted to ensure the Ephesians knew the love God had for them and how this love always endures. In the same way, this same love is given to us through Jesus.
3. How can I apply this to my life? This can be applied to your life by recognizing Paul’s apostleship. Many individuals deny Paul’s writings or see them as not divinely inspired.
You can apply this truth by recognizing that Paul is a true Apostle of the Lord, although he wasn’t one of the original twelve.
Chapter 3 can also be applied to your life by taking great peace in reading over the prayer Paul gives the Ephesians. This same prayer can be prayed by yourself, or you can save it for difficult times when you need to be reminded of God’s love,
Chapter 4: Unity in the Body of Christ and Christian Living
Read Ephesians 4
Questions to Ask:
- What does this chapter mean?
- What is the surrounding context?
- How can I apply this to my daily life?
This chapter of Ephesians is about unity in the body of Christ and proper Christian living. Paul urges us to live a life worthy of the calling of Jesus (Ephesians 4:1). Since we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we need to live in worship of Him.
This means we need to treat others well and bring glory to God’s name through our actions. In doing this, we need to have unity and maturity within the body of believers.
We are to keep the body of peace among ourselves and not cause friction among our fellow believers (Ephesians 4:3).
We must grow and mature in our faith rather than staying infant Christians who are tossed back and forth by the waves (Ephesians 4:14-16).
Christian living is also discussed by Paul in this chapter, which we need to understand and apply to our lives.
He tells us, “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” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
As Paul tells us, we need to be made new in Christ and take off the old self. We don’t need to live in accordance with the flesh but rather live in accordance with the truth found in God’s Word.
We should not lie to each other, nor should we steal or engage in unwholesome talk (Ephesians 4:25-32). Instead, we need to only do things that bring God glory.
1. What does the chapter say? This chapter tells us the importance of having unity as the body of believers and proper Christian living.
It is important for us to have unity as the members of the church. We don’t need to have quarrels or fights. Instead, we need to seek out unity and peace.
The concept of proper Christian living is also discussed, and Paul urges believers to live in accordance with the truth laid out in Scripture. We don’t need to live in conformity with the world — we need to live in accordance with the example of Jesus. Our old selves have been made new in Christ, and Paul urges us to live in conformity to this truth.
2. What is the surrounding context? The surrounding context covers more detail about proper Christian living. We shouldn’t lie to one another, speak falsehood, grieve the Holy Spirit, be bitter, full of rage, anger, or slander others (Ephesians 4:25-32).
Rather, we need to be kind and compassionate to one another, just as God has been toward us in Christ. In addition, we need to forgive others in the same way we have been forgiven by God (Ephesians 4:32).
3. How can I apply this to my life? These teachings can be applied to your life by seeking out unity among believers as well as living in obedience to God’s teachings.
Many people believe obeying God takes away the “fun” from life, but this isn’t true. When we obey God, we will actually be happier and more joyful in our lives. Obeying God shows we love Him.
Ask God to help you if you struggle in any of these areas, and He will help you. Following and obeying God will ensure unity as well as it will help you live a joyful life.
Chapter 5: Walk in the Light and Submitting as in the Lord
Read Ephesians 5
Questions to Ask:
- What does this chapter mean?
- What is the surrounding context?
- How can I apply this to my daily life?
Chapter 5 of Ephesians talks about following Christ’s example and walking in the light. Paul tells us, “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” (Ephesians 5:8-10).
To differentiate the life of light from the light of darkness, Paul explains to the Ephesians what the life of darkness means. The life of darkness is opposite to the life of light and includes sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking (Ephesians 5:4-7).
We were all darkness at one time, yet we are now children of light (Ephesians 5:8). This means we should no longer live as children of darkness but rather as children of the light. By walking in obedience to God and His teachings in the Bible, we will be able to truly walk in the light.
Paul urges us to be careful of how we spend our days because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15). Additionally, Paul encourages us to sing and make music in our hearts as a form of worship and praise to God (Ephesians 5:19-20).
In the latter half of this chapter, Paul talks about wives and husbands submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21-33).
Husbands are to love their wives just as Jesus gave up His life for the church. In the same way, women are to respect their husbands and love them.
Marriage is symbolic of the relationship between Jesus and the church. This is why it is important for marriages to reflect the love Jesus has for His people.
1. What does the chapter say? This chapter covers many important aspects, including walking in the light, turning away from a life of darkness, and submitting to others out of reverence for Christ.
We can walk in the light by obeying God and doing as He says in the Bible. Avoiding situations that could cause us to sin can help us to remain far away from the life of darkness.
Also, Paul talks about submitting to others, as in the Lord, as well as wives and husbands submitting to each other. This is to demonstrate the relationship between Jesus and His church.
2. What is the surrounding context? The surrounding context is that Paul is urging believers to be very wise and careful in their daily lives.
He wants us to do what is right and pleasing to the Lord because even the things that are done in secret are seen by the Lord (Ephesians 5:10-13).
Everything is exposed by the light, and we will all have to be held accountable for what we did during our earthly life. This is why it is important for us to honor God in our hearts, minds, and bodies.
3. How can I apply this to my life?You can apply this to your life by following Jesus’ example and striving to obey Him in everything you do.
While this can be hard at times, the Holy Spirit inside of us can help us turn away from sin and choose to do the right thing.
In the same way, we can apply the teachings of Ephesians 5 to our lives by submitting to others out of respect for God. If you are married, treat your spouse with respect and love them just as Jesus loves the church.
Chapter 6: Armor of God
Read Ephesians 6
Questions to Ask:
- What does this chapter mean?
- What is the surrounding context?
- How can I apply this to my daily life?
This final chapter of Ephesians discusses the armor of God. The armor of God is one of the most popular Bible passages in the Bible, and it can help us take our stand against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Paul states, “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” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
The full armor of God includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:12-19).
We are also encouraged to pray in the Spirit at all times, to be alert and ready for whatever may happen (Ephesians 5:18-19).
Prior to speaking about the armor of God, Paul discusses the importance of children obeying their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-2). Many people have misused this passage as a way to mistreat children, but this is not what Paul is saying.
Rather, Paul is telling parents to obey their parents in the Lord. This means if a parent tells a child to do something that they know is wrong, then they are not under any obligation to obey it. Children are to obey their parents, yet their first obedience is always to the Lord.
1. What does the chapter say? This chapter discusses the importance of children obeying their parents in the Lord, fathers caring for their children rather than disheartening them, and putting on the full armor of God.
In the relationship between a child and a parent, the parent should want what is best for the child and strive to keep their child safe.
Paul reminds fathers to build up their children and to treat them well. In the same way, slaves are to obey their masters as well as slaves are supposed to respect their slaves (Ephesians 5:4-9).
2. What is the surrounding context? The surrounding context includes the truth that slaves were common in the time of Paul’s ministry.
Paul had many friends who were slaves. Even though they were slaves, they were free in Christ. The matter of respect is emphasized in the chapter between masters and their slaves as well as fathers with their children.
The armor of God is normally the only aspect looked at within chapter 6 of Ephesians; however, it is important not to overlook the surrounding context.
3. How can I apply this to my life? This chapter can be applied to your life by treating all people with respect and only obeying the Lord.
You can also apply this chapter to your life by putting on the full armor of God each day. While this can be hard at times, it is important to train yourself in order for Satan not to trick you with your schemes.
If you are in need of help putting on the full armor of God, ask God to help you. He delights in helping you just as He helped Paul during His life.
For further reading:
What Is the Full Armor of God? Bible Guide for Each Piece
What Is the Meaning of Ephesians 6 and Why Is it Popular?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/mrdoomits
