Ephesians Introduction
Introduction
Paul wrote the letter that we call Ephesians. Paul spent at least two years in Ephesus, but this letter seems to be written to people he doesn’t know. Paul uses a pattern in writing this book. First, he explains the new identity believers have in Jesus the Messiah. After that, Paul explains what this new way of life means in practice.
Paul begins by explaining that God has brought everything together under the rule of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is above all things. Paul quotes from Psalm 8, which talks about the job that humans have. That task was to properly rule over all creation. Jesus has fulfilled the original task given to human beings. Paul also writes that Jews and Gentiles have been brought together into one family. Jesus is the head of this family. Through the renewing work of Jesus, God is making one new people. He is gathering people together from all over the world.
Paul then tells these believers how to live. They must give up their old way of living. They are to live a way of life that is truly good and holy. They are to live a life of love and peace with their neighbors. God expects all the believers to serve each other. They are to respect each other just as they have respect for the Lord.
Paul reminds these believers that they must remain strong against evil things. They must use everything God has provided to remain strong. And they must do that until the Lord returns. Then God will “bring together all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
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Ephesians Introduction: NIrV
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