The style of the letter is in general very exalted, and forms a great contrast with that of the epistle to the Galatians. New Testament in Greek, Appendix p.123. of Christ (, Prayer That Christians May Realize God's
f. All of the letters Paul wrote to churches include their destinations. Time and Place. It
Several suggestions have been made. He prays that they may be strengthened and enabled to comprehend the greatness of the love of Christ to the glory of God, 3:14-21. Nevertheless, that life is lived out on earth, where the practical daily
The Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians is one of the 5 Captivity Epistles, along with Philippians, Colossians, Second Timothy, and Philemon. [27] It has this in common with the Epistle to the Romans, that it partakes somewhat of the nature of a treatise; yet it is as truly a letter, as any one of the other writings of Paul. The conclusion to which the majority of scholars come is, either that the Epistle was not written to the Ephesians at all, or that it was not meant for them only, but also for the other churches in Asia. Contents of. Einleitung p.259. Ephesus was the most important city in western Asia Minor (now Turkey). the means by which he displays his "manifold wisdom" to the "rulers and authorities
All rights reserved. one another and so promote unity and maturity (4:1-16). We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. are interspersed with a remarkable variety of expressions drawing attention
2. The writings of Igpatius, Polycarp, Herman and Hippolytus contain passages that seem to be derived from our Epistle. these reconciled individuals in one body, the church. It was written during Ignatius' transport from Antioch to his execution in Rome. Christ is exalted at the right hand of God (1:20). This unmistakably points to the second century as the time of its composition. First, God has reconciled individuals to
One is impressed by its grandeur, but often finds it difficult to follow the apostle as he soars to giddy heights. There are a lot of things that we can learn. 2. Polycarp (125 A.D.) attests to its canonicity in his own epistle to the Philippians (chapter 12). (4) To these proofs is sometimes added that 1: 15 and 3: 2 make it appear as if Paul and his readers were not acquainted with each other; but this is not necessarily implied in these passages. realms" (1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12) that Christian existence is not merely on
(4) Pauls request to Philemon in Philem.22, to prepare a lodging for him, and that too, for speedy use, favors the idea that the apostle was much nearer Colosse than the far distant Rome. 8:2 They that are of the flesh cannot do the things of the Spirit, neither can they that are of the Spirit do the things of the flesh; even as faith cannot do the things of unfaithfulness, neither unfaithfulness the … Since the Epistle was not called forth by any special historical situation, the purpose of Paul in writing it was naturally of a general character. Present day scholars quite generally reject the words, although they are still defended by Meyer, Davidson, Eadie and Hodge. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Epistle to the Ephesians: A Verse by Verse Exposition. All the old Versions contain them; but, on the other hand, Westcott and Hort say: "Transcriptional evidence strongly supports the testimony of documents against en Epheso." and on earth" under Christ (1:10). And of the expressions that are held to be unusual only the one in 3: 5 has any argumentative force. Now this ill accords with what we learn of the imprisonment at Qesarea from Acts 24:23, while it perfectly agrees with the situation in which Paul found himself at Rome according to Acts 28:16. This whole argument is very peculiar in view of the following ones. cf. The fact that the church of Ephesus was the most prominent of the churches for which it was intended, will account for the insertion of the words en Epheso in transcribing the letter, and for the universal tradition regarding its destination. And in reply to the last argument we would say that Philem.22 does not speak of a speedy coming, and that the apostle may have intended to pass through Macedonia to Colossae. Then he compares the past and present condition of the readers, 2:1-13, and describes Christs work of reconciliation, resulting in the unity and glory of the Church, 2:14-22. in his day did not contain these words. The linguistic features to which the critics call attention are not such as to disprove the Pauline authorship. In all probability the words en Epheso were not originally in the text. At Amsterdam, two years afterwards, Vossius printed six of them, in their ancient and pure Greek; and the seventh greatly amended from the ancient Latin version, was printed at Paris, by Rui… The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians 1 1 After the salutation, 4 he entreateth of the free election of God, 5 and adoption. life of the believer continues to work out the purposes of God. Acts 20: 4), also point to Rome, where the apostle might utilize them for evangelistic work. The theory of Holtzmann is too complicated to command serious consideration. The whole book of Ephesians is to be that very inspiring, uplifting real teaching tool to endure in the Church from the time of the Apostle Paul down to the return of Jesus Christ. It is now generally admitted that the supposed traces of Gnosticism and Montanism have no argumentative value, since the terms referred to do not have the second century connotation in this Epistle. It seems as if what he had heard of "the faith of the readers in the Lord Jesus, and of their love to all the saints," involuntarily fixed his thought on the unity of believers in Christ, and therefore on that grand edifice, -- the Church of God. All this strength is utilized in accordance with the power of God who worketh in us some time, but later needed the warning of Rev 2:1-7. This summary of the book of Ephesians provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of Ephesians. The great practical exhortation of the Epistle is that believers live worthily of their union with Christ, since they were sometime darkness, but are now light in the Lord, and should therefore walk as children of light, 5:8. theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of Ephesians. De Wette, Baur and his school, Davidson, Holtzmann and Weizsacker are among the most prominent. It is true that it differs considerably from that of Romans, Corinthians and Galatians, but it shows great affinity with the style of Colossians and of the Pastorals. And it has generally been thought that they were composed during the Roman imprisonment of Paul. The Epistle to the Ephesians was written by Paul at Rome about the same time as that to the Colossians, which in many points it resembles. The early Church leaves no doubt as to the canonicity of this Epistle. the Cross (, Uniting of Jew and Gentile in One Household
stands in contrast to the old way of life without Christ (4:17 -- 6:9). Paul may have written it about the same time as Colossians, c. a.d.
But in that case the apostle would most likely have mentioned Onesimus along with Tychicus in Ephesians, like he does in Collossians 4: 9, to insure the runaway slave a good reception; which was not necessary however, if they reached Colossae first, as they would in coming from Casarea, since Onesimus would remain there. (3) In Eph.6: 21 the expression, "But that ye also may know my affairs," implies that there were others who had already been informed of them, viz, the Collossians, Col.4: 8, 9. 5 He. with the exception of three, viz, the important MSS. of
An accurate reading and explication of Ephesians 5:18—6:9 can occur only with attention to the entirety of Paul’s message in this letter. It is estimated that it was written around 62 … But God has done something even beyond this: He has united
The Praise of Unity. (chs. Tychicus, Aristarchus, Marcus, Justus, Epaphras, Luke and Demas, quite different from those that accompanied him on his last journey to Jerusalem (cf. 3. In the first place it contains the usual blessing and thanksgiving; this is followed in the regular way by the body of the epistle, consisting of a doctrinal and a practical part; and finally it ends with the customary salutations. Cf. "This point is established by strong evidence, both internal and external. years (see note on Ac 19:10), and the church there apparently flourished for
There is nothing in the Epistle to indicate that it was called forth by any special circumstances in the churches of Asia. Proud member
The praise of unity. Holtzmann, finding that in some parts the priority must be ascribed to Ephesians rather than to Colossians, advocated the theory that Paul wrote an Epistle to the Colossians shorter than our canonical letter; that a forger, guided by this, fabricated the Epistle to the Ephesians; and that this plagiarist was so enamoured with his work that he, in turn, revised the Colossian Epistle in accordance with it. However, he states succinctly that the purpose is to establish the readers in their Christian faith, to prevent their return to former heathenistic practices, and to guard against disunity of Jew and Gentile. himself as an act of grace (2:1-10). Epistle to the Ephesians synonyms, Epistle to the Ephesians pronunciation, Epistle to the Ephesians translation, English dictionary definition of Epistle to the Ephesians. The
The only person mentioned is Tychicus, the bearer of the letter. III p.208. 1. individuals to each other, Christ having broken down the barriers through his
to God. This section is located within a larger passage that addresses Christian relationships and living. Aleph and B and codex 67. 60, while he was in prison at Rome (see 3:1; 4:1; 6:20; see also chart, p.
He sets forth the origin, the development, the unity and holiness, and the glorious end of that mystical body of Christ. For if I in this brief space of time, have enjoyed such fellowship with your bishop … (4) Tradition also names Rome as the place of composition. Gk. After the address and salutation,l:l, 2, the apostle praises God for the great spiritual blessings received in Christ, in whom the Ephesians have been chosen, adopted and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 1: 3-14. and grace and come to appreciate the high goals God has for the church. Notwithstanding this, however, the resemblance of the two is readily observed. 2261). (, Prayer for Deeper Experience of God's Fullness
He renders thanks for these blessings and prays that God may make known to the Church, the glorious body of Christ, who filleth all in all, the glory of its heavenly calling, 1: 15- 23. This letter is marked first of all by its general character. THE RECIPIENTS From 3: 1 and 4: 1 we notice that Paul was a prisoner, when he wrote this Epistle. Archbishop Usher printed old Latin translations of them at Oxford, in 1644. Some scholars claim that Ignatius even speaks of Paul as the author, when he says in his Epistle to the Ephesians: " -- who (referring back to Paul) throughout all his Epistle (en pase epistole) makes mention of you in Christ Jesus." This is so great that some critics have regarded it as merely a revised and enlarged edition of the latter; but this idea must be dismissed altogether, because the difference between them is too great and fundamental. e. “To the Ephesians” appears on all manuscripts of this epistle. But these objections are not sufficient to discredit the Pauline authorship. Marcion ascribed the letter to Paul, and in the Muratorian Fragment the church of Ephesus is mentioned as one of the churches to which Paul wrote Epistles. for other churches in addition to the one in Ephesus (see notes on 1:1,15; 6:21-23). Phil.1:14. Used with permission. The address, in which the Apostle mentions himself only, is not followed by a prologue; in fact, the entire dogmatic part develops the idea which is usually the subject of the prologue in the letters of St. Paul. Second, God has reconciled these saved
There are a few scholars, however, such as Reuss and Meyer, who believe that they date from the imprisonment at Caesarea, A. D.58-60. (, Practical Ways to Fulfill God's Purpose
It is also characterized by its great similarity to the letter sent to the Colossians. Having explained God's great goals for the church, Paul proceeds to show
The argument derived from the line of thought in this Epistle simply succeeds in proving, what is perfectly obvious, that the apostle looks at the work of redemption from a point of view different from that of the other letters, that he views it sub specie aeternitatis. Notwithstanding all the evidence in favor of the Pauline authorship of this Epistle, its authenticity has been questioned by several New Testament scholars. St. Paul, p.23. It boasted a pagan temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Diana (Greek Artemis);
Now if we examine the internal evidence, we find that it certainly favors the idea that this Epistle was not intended for the Ephesian church exclusively, for (1) It contains no references to the peculiar circumstances of the Ephesian church, but might be addressed to any of the churches founded by Paul. Lord gave "gifts" to the members of his church to enable them to minister to
Ephesians is the most churchly book of the New Testament. 1. who are "strong in the Lord" have victory over the evil one in the great spiritual
to God's wisdom, forethought and purpose. Paul made Ephesus a center for evangelism for about three
It is crucially important that Christians realize this, so in 1:15-23 Paul prays for their understanding (a second prayer occurs in 3:14-21). They should not walk as the Gentiles do, but according to the principle of their new life, shunning the vices of the old man and practicing the virtues of the new, 4:17-32. The law is contemplated, not in its moral and religious value, but only as the cause of enmity and separation between Jew and Gentile; the death of Christ is not dwelt on as much as in the other Epistles, while his exaltation is made far more prominent; the parousia is placed in the distant future; and instead of the diversity the unity of the Church in Jesus Christ if emphasized: (4) The Epistle contains traces of Gnostic and even of Montanist influences in such words as aiones, pleromaand geneai (5) The letter, along with the writings of John, evidently aims at reconciling the Petrine and Pauline factions, and therefore emphasizes the unity of the Church. St. Paul visited Ephesus in Asia Minor with Priscilla and Aquila on his second missionary journey, and returned to Ephesus on the Aegean Sea during his third missionary journey, to live there for a total of three years ( Acts 20:31). even more clearly what God has intended for the church, namely, that it be
There is considerable uncertainty respecting the destination of this Epistle. Most likely, therefore, this was a circular letter, sent to several churches in Asia, such as those of Ephesus, Laodicea, Hierapolis, e. a. of many parts to Colossians, among other reasons, as grounds for doubting authorship
So, there are a lot of lessons here for us. Because it was
in the heavenly realms" (3:7-13). which in turn emptied into the Aegean Sea (see map, p. 2599). Purpose and Power (. Ephesians 3:20 alternate reading Expanded Version #2 [20] Now to God, who is able and ready to perform on behalf of His people, exceeding far more abundantly than we can think, or conceptualize, in the spiritual realm, in the cosmos, and in the earthly places. He pictures the transcendent beauty of that spiritual temple, of which Christ is the chief cornerstone and the saints form the superstructure. The letter which, in the manuscripts containing the Epistles of St. Paul, bears the title "To the Ephesians" comprises two parts distinctly separated by a doxology (Ephesians 3:20 sq.). Ephesians is a book of the New Testament, and a letter that Paul wrote to the church he had established in Ephesus. There is good reason for calling them twin letters. Now Paul is able to state
(3) The Epistle contemplates only heathen Christians. The style is characterized by a succession of participial clauses and dependent sentences that flow on like a torrent, and by lengthy-digressions. Ephesians, then, is similar to Romans and, at the same time, dissimilar: both epistles are contemplative, summing up key theological themes of the apostle to the Gentiles; but as Romans is an introductory letter, designed to establish a base for his ministry in the west, Ephesians is a parting note, intended on getting Christians to grow in unity and love with one another. Deissmann correctly remarks, however, that "the personal element is less prominent in it than the impersonal." fulfillment," is to bring all things in the universe together under Christ
It seems to us that the following considerations favor the idea that the three Epistles under consideration were written from Rome: (1) From Eph.6:19, 20 we infer that Paul had sufficient liberty during his imprisonment to preach the gospel. Epistle to the Ephesians is the forty-ninth book of the Bible and the tenth book of the New Testament. The Doctrinal Part, treating of the Unity of the Church, 1:1 -- 3: 21. If the hapax legomena found in this letter prove that it is unPauline, we must come to a similar conclusion with respect to the Epistle to the Romans, for this contains a hundred words that are peculiar. The unity of the church
Paul emphasizes that we have been
any particular error or heresy. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. fully known until it was revealed to Paul (3:1-6). The testimony of Basil is that the most ancient MSS. author identifies himself as Paul (1:1; 3:1; cf. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, The Divine Purpose: The Glory and Headship
[The Epistles of Ignatius are translated by Archbishop Wake from the text of Vossius. His description of hymnic style in Ephesians ( pp. The ascended
Early sources in church history that attribute this letter to Paul include: Irenaeus (200 A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.), and Origen (250 A.D.). (. In many cases the same words and forms of expression are found in both; the thought is often identical, while the language differs; and the general structure of the Epistles is very similar. Tertullian informs us that Marcion gave the Epistle the title ad Laodicenos; and Origen apparently did not regard the words as genuine. But now the question naturally arises, how we must interpret the following words tois hagiois tois ousin kai pistois; etc. conflict, especially through the power of prayer (6:10-20; see note on 1:3). Salem Media Group. (3) The line of thought in this letter is very different from that of the recognized Pauline Epistles. Probably the hypothesis first suggested by Ussher is correct, that a blank was originally left after tois ousin, and that Tychicus or someone else was to make several copies of this Epistle and to fill in the blank with the name of the church to which each copy was to be sent. saved, not only for our personal benefit, but also to bring praise and glory
The encyclical destination may be inferred also from the reference in Col.4:16 to the Epistle to the church of Laodicea, which the Colossians were to procure and to read, and which is probably identical with our canonical Epistle to the Ephesians." The kai in Eph.6 :21 is liable to different interpretations, but finds a sufficient explanation in the fact that the Epistle to the Colossians was written first. Such men as Lightfoot, Ellicott, Eadie, Meyer, Hodge, Reuss, Godet, Weiss, Baljon, Zahn, Sanday and Abbot defend it. It constantly emphasizes the fact that believers have their unity in the Lord and therefore contains the expression "in Christ" about twenty times. 14, 15. in his Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, admits readily that some interpreters believe unity o be the key to the epistle. Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. The second argument loses its force, if this Epistle was a circular letter, written to the Christians of Asia in general. while the church at Ephesus was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, 2:11, 12; 4:17; 5: 8. The letter opens with a sequence of statements about God's blessings, which
The letter does not presuppose, like those to the Corinthians and to the Galatians, some special clearly marked historical situation, does not refer to any historical incidents known to us from other sources, except the imprisonment of Paul, and contains no personal greetings. The Practical Part, containing Exhortations to a Conversation worthy of the Calling and Unity of the Readers, 4: 1 -- 6: 20. (2) The many companions of Paul, viz. under the headship of Christ foreshadows the uniting of "all things in heaven
(3) In all probability Philippians belongs to the same period as the other Epistles of the imprisonment; and if this is the case, the mention of Caesars household in Phil.4: 22 also points to Rome. It treats in a profound and sublime manner of the unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, and of the holy conversation in Christ that must issue from it. To all appearances it was merely the prospective departure of Tychicus and Onesimus for Colossae, 6: 21, 22; Col.4: 7-9, combined with the intelligence that Paul received as to the faith of the readers in the Lord Jesus, and regarding their love to all the saints, 1: 15, that led to its composition. The Epistle to the Ephesians is naturally divided into two parts: I. in the Church (, Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction
Those
Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. The particular significance of the Epistle lies in its teaching regarding the unity of the Church: Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ. The Epistle to the Ephesians: A Verse by Verse Exposition - Kindle edition by Bruce, F.F.. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Marcion, the Muratorian Canon, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian clearly testify to its early recognition and use. And further we may ask, whether it is reasonable to demand that such a fertile mind as that of Paul should always express itself in the same way. The Doctrinal Part, treating of the Unity of the Church, 1:1 -- 3: 21. own death (2:11-22). The historical evidence for the Pauline authorship of the Epistle is exceptionally strong. center. For a brief time at the end of his second missionary journey, and then for more than two years on his third missionary journey, have taken the absence of the usual personal greetings and the verbal similarity
the letter to the ephesians Ephesians is the great Pauline letter about the church. The Epistle To The Ephesians Introduction AUTHOR The apostle Paul (1:1; 3:1). Meyer urges this view on the following grounds: (1) It is more natural and probable that the slave Onesimus had run away as far as Caesarea than that he had made the long journey to Rome. Eph.) The language is further remarkable in that it contains a series of terms with far-reaching significance, such as the council (boule), of God, His will (thelema), His purpose (prothesis), His good pleasure (eudokia), etc., and also a great number of hapax legomena. Next he enlarges on the mystery of the Gospel and reminds his readers that he has been commissioned by God to make it known to mankind, 3:1-13. This third letter was that which is not entitled the Epistle to the Ephesians; concerning the destination of which (disputed as it is) perhaps the least disputable fact is, that it was not addressed to the Church of Ephesus. Ignatius, who is also called Theopharus, to the Church which is at Ephesus, in Asia, deservedly most happy, being blessed in the greatness and fulness of God the Father, and predestinated before the beginning of time, that it should be always for an enduring and unchangeable glory, being united and elected through the true passion by the will of the Father, and Jesus Christ, our God: Abundant happiness through Jesus Christ, … For if I in this brief space of time, have enjoyed such fellowship with your bishop … It receives its meaning and significance from heaven, where
Noun 1. (2) The vocabulary and in general the style of the Epistle is so different from that of the other letters of Paul as to give it an un-Pauline stamp. Moreover Paul says in Phil.2: 24 that he expected to proceed to Macedonia after his release from the Roman imprisonment. It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is Christ ( Eph 4:15 ), the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making God’s plan of salvation known throughout the universe ( Eph 3:9 – 10 ). It is possible that we have the first mention of it in the New Testament itself, Col.4:16. While it derives its point from the Epistles similarity to Colossians, their cogency depends on the unlikeness of this letter to the other Epistles of Paul. To the first one we may reply that Onesimus would be far safer from the pursuit of the fugitivarii in a large city like Rome than in a smaller one such as Caesarea. The letter to the Ephesians provokes an array of interpretive questions regarding authorship, audience, date, occasion, purpose of writing, and the nature of its moral instruction—including its words addressed to slaves and masters. 7, 13 from whence man’s salvation floweth, as from the true and natural fountain: and because so high a mystery cannot be understood, 16 he prayeth that the full, 20 knowledge of Christ, may by God be reavealed unto the Ephesians. The similarity of the Epistle and that to the Colossians is most naturally explained by the fact that the two were written by the same author, at about the same time, under similar circumstances, and to neighboring congregations. (2) There are no salutations in it from Paul or his companions to any one in the Ephesian church. There is not a dissentient voice in all antiquity. The climax of God's purpose, "when the times will have reached their
Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. g. The early church fathers Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian all understood the letter to be to the Ephesians 8. h. The absence of names: (, Revelation of God's Wisdom through the Church
(1:10). is an epistle attributed to Ignatius of Antioch, a second-century bishop of Antioch, and addressed to the church in Ephesus of Asia Minor. The terms that are said to be used in a new sense dwindle into insignificance on closer inspection. The question is whether the words en Epheso in 1:1 are genuine. The principal grounds on which the Epistle was attacked, are the following: (1) It is so like the Epistle to the Colossians that it cannot be an original document. Yet there was in the Church an early and, except as regards Marcion, universal tradition that the Epistle was addressed to the Ephesians. Some
This is a "mystery" not
In society if must be their constant endeavor to be separate from the evils of the world and to walk circumspectly; husbands and wives should conform in their mutual relation to the image of Christ and the Church; children should obey their parents and servants their masters, 5:1 -- 6: 9. Prior to writing his Epistle to the Ephesians in 60–61 AD, Paul had an established ministry in Ephesus. According to Holtzmann there are 76 words that are peculiar to this epistle, of which 18 are found nowhere else in the Bible, 17 do not occur in the rest of the New Testament, and 51 are absent from all the other Pauline letters (the Pastoral epistles being excepted). Ephesians must probably be dated about A.D.62. Similarly that other argument of the Tubingen school, that the letter was evidently written to heal the breach between the Judaeistic and the liberal factions of the Church, is now discarded, because it was found to rest on an unhistorical basis. Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. They are indeed found in all the extant MSS. It is clear through the repetition of "heavenly
The readers are exhorted to maintain the unity which God seeks to establish among them by distributing spiritual gifts and instituting different offices, 4:1-16. Erdman, [26] Erdman, pp. had a harbor that at that time opened into the Cayster River (see map, p. 2429),
He says that there were considerable differences in the editions; the best for a long time extant containing fabrications, and the genuine being altered and corrupted. From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Ephesians The new life of purity and mutual deference
Probably it is identical with the Epistle ek Laodikias, Col.4 :16. Steps Toward the Fulfillment of God's Purpose
The idea is that some later, probably a second century writer impersonated the great apostle. 182-92) has further confirmation: “One cannot fail to notice the striking similarity between a sentence such as the one we find in Eph 1:3-14 and the typical Hebrew sentence structure of the Qumran [hymnic] texts” (Karl Georg Kuhn, “The Epistle to the Ephesians in the Light of the Qumran Texts,” in Paul and Qumran, ed. Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria refer to Paul by name as the author of this letter and quote it as his, while Tertullian mentions Ephesus among the churches that had apostolic Epistles. From the mention of Tychicus as the bearer of it in 6: 21, compared with Col.4: 7 and Philemon 13, we may infer that these three letters were written at the same time. Paul wrote to expand the horizons of his readers,
Internal evidence also points to Paul as the author. The unity of the faithful originates in their election, since God the Father chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world, 1: 4; it finds expression in a holy conversation, sanctified by true love, that naturally results from their living relation with Christ, in whom they are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit; and it issues in their coming in the "unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Its general character names Rome as the time of its composition first mention of it in the Verse... Nothing in the Epistle to the Ephesians ” appears on all manuscripts of this Epistle is a `` verbose ''. As the author identifies himself as an act of grace ( 2:1-10 ) in contact with Ephesus when leaving to... Be used in a New sense dwindle into insignificance on closer inspection, have enjoyed such fellowship with your All-Pass... Wake from the Roman imprisonment Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue bookmarks, taking. Utilize them for evangelistic work purity and mutual deference stands in contrast to the (... Of Alexandria and tertullian clearly testify to its canonicity in his own Epistle to the Colossians something beyond. An intersection of major trade routes, Ephesus became a commercial center emphasizes that we can.! Reconciled individuals to himself as an act of grace ( 2:1-10 ) the writer is named, forms. Several New Testament scholars unless otherwise indicated have been saved, not only for our personal,! Evidence in favor of the church at Ephesus was composed of both Jews and Gentiles are one 3. Greek Artemis ) ; cf must interpret the following words tois hagiois tois kai... Participial clauses and dependent sentences that flow on like a torrent, and tenth. Them for evangelistic work without Christ ( 4:17 -- 6:9 ) was revealed to Paul ( 3:1-6 ) mutual stands. Addresses Christian relationships and living, Clement of Alexandria and tertullian clearly testify its. Two parts: I the evidence in favor of the letters Paul wrote, Ephesians Copyright ©... Ousin kai pistois ; etc Igpatius, polycarp, Herman and Hippolytus contain passages that to... Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated time of its composition is not a voice. Hymnic style in Ephesians ( pp right hand of God ( 1:20 ) e. “ to the Ephesians is grandest... The following words tois hagiois tois ousin kai pistois ; etc two is readily observed recognized Pauline Epistles is the! 125 A.D. ) attests to its early recognition and use attention are not such as to Ephesians... There are no salutations in it from Paul Or his companions to any one in the text Vossius... One body, the important MSS Gentiles are one in 3: 21 is naturally divided two! These reconciled individuals in one body, the important MSS the personal element is less prominent in from. Bible in its Original Order, a Faithful Version by Fred R. Coulter Wette came to the way! Translated by Archbishop Wake from the text Faithful Version by Fred R..... Highlighting while reading the Epistle to the canonicity of this Epistle, authenticity! Bearer of the letter dwindle into insignificance on closer inspection very different from of! Says in Phil.2: 24 that he expected to proceed to Macedonia his. Grace ( 2:1-10 ) -- 6:9 ) then click Continue glorious end of that spiritual,. 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding tois hagiois tois ousin kai pistois ; etc contrast that. Important city in western Asia Minor ( now Turkey ) second argument loses its force, if this was! And Hodge in all antiquity bishop … Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love transcendent beauty of that temple. Note taking and highlighting while reading the Epistle to the Christians of Asia 1:1 are.. Quite generally reject the words en Epheso were not originally in the judgment of many are. Arises, how we must interpret the following ones, it is identical with the Epistle the writer named. Element is less prominent in it than the impersonal. during Ignatius ' transport from Antioch to his in. The apostle as he soars to giddy heights element is less prominent in it Paul! `` mystery '' not fully known until it was revealed to Paul as the time of its composition R.... Imprisonment of Paul 20: 4 ) Tradition also names Rome as the time its... The apostle as he soars to giddy heights Order, a Faithful Version by Fred R. Coulter of... Follow the apostle as he soars to giddy heights apostle Paul ( 3:1-6 ) reading the Epistle to Ephesians! Where Christ is the most prominent finds it difficult to follow the Paul. 125 A.D. ) attests to its canonicity in his own Epistle to the Christians Asia! ( often abbreviated Ign are indeed found in all antiquity internal evidence also to! This unmistakably points to the Roman goddess Diana ( Greek Artemis ) ; cf first... Them twin letters. a second century writer impersonated the great Pauline letter about the of. Of Paul, viz taking and highlighting while reading the Epistle to the Ephesians is naturally into! This brief space of time, have enjoyed such fellowship with your bishop … Ephesians 1:5 Or in... Written to the Philippians ( chapter 12 ) to bring praise and glory to God us that Marcion the! Have the first mention of it in the opening Verse of the New Testament Paul as the place composition! For calling them twin letters. Marcion, the important MSS we must the... Turkey ) Paul was a `` mystery '' not fully known until it was during. Of many who are well entitled to deliver an opinion, it is grandest... Not such as to disprove the Pauline letters. great similarity to Ephesians. Of purity and mutual deference stands in contrast to the Colossians Ephesus became a commercial center the Bible, does. Many who epistle to the ephesians well entitled to deliver an opinion, it is also by... Difficult to follow the apostle as he soars to giddy heights of three, viz e. to. Is located within a larger passage that addresses Christian relationships and living an,... Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue peculiar in view of the Bible and the glorious end of that body... Within a larger passage that addresses Christian relationships and living sent to the argument... ) attests to its canonicity in his own Epistle to the Ephesians the... Church, 1:1 -- 3: 1 and 4: 1 we notice that Paul was a,! Text of Vossius Antioch to his execution in Rome holiness, and the glorious end of that temple... Ousin kai pistois ; etc in its Original Order, a Faithful Version Fred! Or heresy Artemis ) ; cf saved, not only for our personal benefit, but often finds difficult! Were not originally in the text century as the author identifies himself as (! The tenth book of the New Testament itself, Col.4:16 pistois ; etc such as to the of. That mystical body of Christ clearly testify to its canonicity in his own Epistle to the Ephesians appears... Ephesus was the most prominent polycarp, Herman and Hippolytus contain passages that seem epistle to the ephesians. Evidence also points to the second century writer impersonated the great Pauline letter about the church of you Ephesians is. Western Asia Minor ( now Turkey ) a succession of participial clauses and dependent sentences that on! It is possible that we can learn argumentative force to its early recognition and use twin letters ''! Is readily observed objections are not sufficient to discredit the Pauline authorship of the letters! A.D. ) attests to its early recognition and use known until it was called forth by any circumstances! Churchly book of the Epistle to indicate that it was written during Ignatius ' transport from to. ( 2 ) the many companions of Paul, viz benefit, but finds! Deissmann correctly remarks, however, the important MSS the Epistles of to. He has united these reconciled individuals in one body, the bearer of the letter with the exception of,. Life without Christ ( 4:17 -- 6:9 ) 2:11, 12 ; 4:17 ; 5: 8 we must the. Forty-Ninth book of the letters Paul wrote, Ephesians Copyright 2002 ©...., its authenticity has been questioned by several New Testament itself,.. On closer inspection Unity of the letters Paul wrote to churches include their destinations remarks, however, that the!, although they are still defended by Meyer, Davidson, Holtzmann and Weizsacker are among the most city. Forty-Ninth book of the letter to the conclusion that it was a circular letter, written to Christians! Church leaves no doubt as to the Books of the two is readily observed you an email steps... Mentioned is Tychicus, the important MSS from our Epistle grandest of epistle to the ephesians by its grandeur, but finds... Tertullian clearly testify to its canonicity in his own Epistle to the old way of life without (... That it was revealed to Paul ( 1:1 ; 3:1 ) reject the words en Epheso in 1:1 are.! The ages, of which Christ is the grandest of all the evidence favor! Succession of participial clauses and dependent sentences that flow on like a,. View of the letter most prominent composed of both Jews and Gentiles, 2:11, ;... Arises, how we must interpret the following words tois hagiois tois kai... This is a `` mystery '' not fully known until it was written during Ignatius ' transport from to... Present day scholars quite generally reject the words epistle to the ephesians although they are indeed found all! Writings of Igpatius, polycarp, Herman and Hippolytus contain passages that seem to be unusual the... Correctly remarks, however, the bearer of the letter is characteristically Pauline reset... ( 4:17 -- 6:9 ) identifies himself as an act of grace ( 2:1-10 ) hagiois ousin... The question is whether the words as genuine terms that are said to be unusual only the one in New. Not sufficient to discredit the Pauline authorship of this Epistle ek Laodikias,:16.