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An introduction to the book of Ephesians.
The apostle Paul
first came to the port city of Ephesus
on his second missionary tour,
probably in 52 C.E.,
accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla.
After a short visit, Paul departed,
leaving Aquila and Priscilla behind
to continue preaching and teaching.
But on his third missionary tour,
Paul stayed for about three years,
zealously carrying out his ministry
and forming a close bond
with the Ephesian brothers.
Later, about 60 or 61 C.E.,
the apostle Paul wrote the letter
to the Ephesian congregation.
He wrote it from Rome,
where he was under guard awaiting trial.
The letter to the Ephesians has six chapters.
Chapter 1 highlights
that God purposed an administration
(or a way of managing his household).
By this means,
those chosen to live in heaven
and those who would live on earth
would be united with Jehovah through Christ.
In chapter 2,
the apostle likens the Mosaic Law to a wall
that had long separated Jews and Gentiles.
The sacrificial death
of Jesus abolished the Law covenant
and thus “destroyed the wall
in between” the two groups.
In chapter 3,
Paul mentions
“the sacred secret of the Christ”
and explains that it is God’s will
to include non-Jews
among the relatively small number of humans
who are called to reign
with Christ in heaven.
Did you know?
The city of Ephesus was famous
for a huge temple
dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
As related in Acts chapter 19,
silversmiths of Ephesus
had a lucrative business
selling small “silver shrines of Artemis.”
During his roughly three-year stay
in Ephesus,
Paul had exposed as wrong
the use of images in worship.
As a result,
a number of people in Ephesus
abandoned their idolatry
and became believers.
Because of that,
those making and selling such idols
became infuriated and caused a riot.
In chapter 4,
the Ephesians are counseled
to “put away the old personality,”
according to their former conduct,
and to “put on the new personality”
in harmony with Jehovah’s will.
In chapter 5,
Paul encourages the Ephesians
to “go on walking in love.”
That love should be reflected in the family.
Wives are counseled
to “be in subjection to their husbands.”
Husbands are counseled
to “continue loving” their wives,
“just as the Christ
also loved the congregation.”
In chapter 6,
Paul uses an illustration about armor
and urges the Ephesians to put on
the complete suit of spiritual armor.
Doing so will help them
to remain faithful despite all difficulties.
As you read the inspired letter
to the Ephesians,
note how we must put on the new personality
according to Jehovah’s will,
how we should put on
the complete suit of spiritual armor,
and how Jehovah purposed
to unite Jews and non-Jews
as heirs with Christ in the Kingdom.

Introduction to Ephesians