Author: Likely the Apostle Paul; possibly a later student of Paul’s
Date: 61-62 A.D. (while Paul was in prison in Rome)
Recipients: Possibly a circular letter to many churches in the province of Asia. (No city is mentioned in the earliest manuscripts, but Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia.) The city of Ephesus was a large and thriving metropolis in the first century, with a quarter-million inhabitants. It had both a port and land trade routes.
Key Themes: The cosmic scope of the work of Jesus Christ; the Church’s unity in Him; living an authentic Christian life; the protection and supremacy of Jesus over spiritual forces.
Ideas for Reflection:
- This is one of Paul’s “prison letters”. How does this affect the book’s message?
- Watch for any repeating words (e.g. “grace” in Chapters 1 and 2). Write them down and reflect on what you learn about each of the words.
- It may be helpful to keep a notebook or a journal for your reflections as we work through Ephesians. What is encouraging to you in your personal journey of faith? How is Jesus speaking to you through this letter?