Why did the author write this book? n Situation of the author? –From prison (3;1; 6:20) –Written at same time as Colossians (6;21; Col. 4:7)

Why did the author write this book? n Clues about readers? –Saints in Ephesus? (1:1) –They seem to know Paul only by reputation (1:15; 3:2-3) –no personal greetings in this book

Why did the author write this book? n Clues about readers? –Likely Gentiles (2:11; 3:1) –See 4:17; 5:3 –Makeup of the church? (5:22, 25; 6:1, 5, 9)

What are the recurring motifs, key words, and main ideas of this book? n “In Christ” (1:3,5,7,9,11,13,20; 3:6) n Church (1:22; 3:10, 21; 5:23-25, 27, 29, 32)

Main Ideas? n Unity in Christ; Paul’s goal of Jew-Gentile unity n The importance of the church in establishing harmony and peace among people. n Purpose of Christian life is to do good works as an expression of thanksgiving for the salvation that God gives as a gift. n Purpose of the church

Thought blocks in Ephesians n Contains some of the major themes of Ephesians (1.6,7,9,10) –We have been chosen by God (1:4) –We have been adopted into his family (1:5) –We have been redeemed by Christ (1:7-8) –We have been sealed with the Spirit (1:13-14)

Thought blocks in Ephesians n 1: Paul’s prayer for his readers

Thought blocks in Ephesians n The purpose of Christianity (8-10) –You were dead in your sins (2:1-2) –You were objects of wrath (2:3) n But God –Made us alive in Christ –Raised us up with Christ –Saved us by Grace

Thought blocks in Ephesians n 2:11-22? –God reconciles people to himself and each other through Christ.

Thought blocks in Ephesians n –What is the “mystery”? –Paul’s ministry of reconciliation (Jew/Gentile). The church is where the world can see reconciliation as a reality.

Thought blocks in Ephesians n –Paul’s ministry of reconciliation (Jew/Gentile). The church is where the world can see reconciliation as a reality. n 3:10-11 –God’s intent for the church.

Thought blocks in Ephesians n –Paul’s ministry of reconciliation (Jew/Gentile). The church is where the world can see reconciliation as a reality. n 3:10-11 –God’s intent for the church. n 3:14-21 – Paul’s prayer.

Thought blocks in Ephesians n 4:1 – The hinge! n Ch. 4-6 – What a reconciled life looks like.

Thought blocks in Ephesians n Chs. 4-5 – What a reconciled life looks like. n 5.21 – 6:9 – Applications of these principles to three specific relationships. –Wives & Husbands (5:21-33)

Without Love She Reacts Without Respect He Reacts His Love Motivates Her Respect Motivates The Crazy Cycle The Healthy Cycle

Thought blocks in Ephesians n Chs. 4-5 – What a reconciled life looks like. n 5.21 – 6:9 – Applications of these principles to three specific relationships. –Wives & Husbands (5:21-33) –Children & Parents (6:1-4) –Slaves & Masters (6:5-9)

Thought blocks in Ephesians n Chs. 4-5 – What a reconciled life looks like. n 5.21 – 6:9 – Applications of these principles to three specific relationships n 6:10-20 – The cosmic battle.