INTRODUCTION

AUTHORSHIP

The apostle Paul spent three years in the city of Ephesus (Acts 19 and 20:17-38 ). The Lord used his ministry to establish the church in that city. Paul, while a prisoner at Rome, wrote the epistle to the Ephesians (probably A.D. 59-61). In this epistle we are given insight into the mind of God concerning the church.

MAJOR THEME

Profound truth revealing the church (ekklesia) to be the mystical body of Christ on earth. The mighty plan of God is to bring everything together (Ephesians 1:10 ) under Christ as Head (Ephesians 1:22-23 ).

We as the body of Christ on earth, have a part in this plan and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of God's promise (Ephesians 1:13-14 ). The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible

The church began after Christ ascended into glory. It will continue as Christ's earthly body until He comes again, and is caught up to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ). Then the church will reign with Him over the earthly kingdom of God that will know no frontiers.

The church His body is composed of those who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation, whether Jews or Gentiles (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Colossians 1:18,24; 2:10 ).

CHURCH VERSES

	Jesus is the appointed Head (Ephesians 1:22 )
	Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20 )
	Jesus builds us as one for a holy temple (Ephesians 2:22 )
	Jesus fills us with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19 )
	Jesus' likeness in His people keeps the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:2-3 )
	Jesus gifts His body the church (Ephesians 4:11 )
	Jesus as Head brings every body member into service (Ephesians 4:15-16 )
	Jesus causes the body to grow and build up itself (Ephesians 4:16 )
	Jesus is learned by each member living out true holiness (Ephesians 4:21,24 )
	Jesus expects His body to be holy Spirit intoxicated (Ephesians 5:18 )