Ephesians

It would appear that most letters written in the Pauline corpus are at one time or another thought not to be authored by Paul. Ephesians is no exception and it is thought to have been authored post-Pauline. The peculiar thing is though that scholars generally believe that while written post-Paul, that the themes are in line with the teaching of Paul or come from a similar school of thought. This makes little sense when if they believe the teaching is the same as Paul, then it is more likely that Paul in fact wrote the letter than not.

It is thought that Ephesians is a circular letter, not intended for any one particular congregation but the churches in the area of Asia Minor. Ephesus was a major trading route in Asia Minor and therefore would be very influential over all the entire area.

As a circular letter, the occasion for Paul’s writing appears to be much more general than other letters dealing with specific controversies. This letter deals broadly with sin and what Christians have been called out to be in Christ, the general issues of unity in the church and the staple of Paul addressing specific demographics within the body as separate and as one.

First, all things in heaven and earth are united in Christ, but only (1:9-10), but only certain people were chosen to be united to Christ in our salvific hope (1:11-13). To be united in Christ, means that we commonly share in the promises given to the church and are marked by the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is the living Spirit that makes our unity as one body possible. We are to live in Christ, with him as our head, joined together in commonality of purpose and love (4:14-16).

This unity goes beyond anything we could imagine by not only bring the church together, but bring the church into the God-head itself. The church is reconciled by to God through the cross, by the blood of Christ paying for our sins and making us holy we are no longer prisoners to sin but have been set free and given peace in Christ. Through Christ, we are given access to the God-head (2:18), and invited into the throne room of peace.

Finally, Paul exhorts the Ephesians by reminding them of the grave consequences of being in Christ that they too will have to battle against the forces of the dark world (6:12). Being in Christ is not without its responsibility, but being in Christ means that you will be victorious in the battle. The picture of the armor of God shows visually what it is to put on Christ, and to be clothed in his grace. It is both a protection and a sign and seal of who you are to the world. There is no mistaken which side of the battle you are on when you are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and there is no greater guarantee of victory than by armor of God upon your breast.