“Introduction to the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians,” New Testament Seminary Teacher Manual (2016)
Why study this book?
“Ephesians is an epistle for all the world, for Jew and Gentile, for husband and wife, for parent and child, for master and servant. It was the mind and will of God in Paul’s day; it is the voice of inspiration in our day; it is an epistle of universal appeal and application.
“…It contains some of Paul’s best writing, and is a document that deals with fundamentals, with the gospel of God in all its saving glory” (BruceR. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3vols. [1965–73], 2:489).
Studying the Epistle to the Ephesians can inspire students to set aside the things of this world and can help them grow spiritually and learn to more fully partake of the unity and fellowship of the Church.
Who wrote this book?
The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians (see Ephesians 1:1).
When and where was it written?
Paul stated that he was a prisoner at the time he wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians (see Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20). Ephesians may have been written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, around A.D.60–62 (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Pauline Epistles,” scriptures.lds.org). During this time Paul was being held under house arrest, but he had the freedom to receive visitors and teach the gospel (see Acts 28:16–31).
To whom was it written and why?
In the King James Version of the Bible, Ephesians 1:1 states that the Epistle to the Ephesians is addressed “to the saints which are at Ephesus.” However, the earliest manuscripts of Ephesians do not contain the words “which are at Ephesus.” This suggests the possibility that Paul may not have written the epistle specifically to the Ephesians but to several congregations of Saints, including those in Ephesus. Ephesus served as Paul’s headquarters during his third missionary journey (see Acts 19:9–10; 20:31), and he had great affection for these people (see Acts 20:17, 34–38).
In this letter, Paul addressed Gentile members of the Church (see Ephesians 2:11) who were perhaps recent converts (see Ephesians 1:15). He wrote to help develop the spirituality and testimonies of those who were already members. His main purposes were to help these converts grow in their spiritual knowledge of God and the Church (see Ephesians 1:15–18; 3:14–19); to promote unity, particularly between Gentile and Jewish Saints (see Ephesians 2:11–22; 4:1–16; 5:19–6:9); and to encourage the Saints to withstand the powers of evil (see Ephesians 4:17–5:18; 6:10–18). Many Saints in Ephesus were living righteously enough to be sealed up to eternal life (see Ephesians 1:13; BruceR. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:493–94).
What are some distinctive features of this book?
Ephesians contains many teachings and ideas that are familiar to Latter-day Saints, including foreordination, the dispensation of the fulness of times, the Holy Spirit of Promise, the importance of prophets and apostles, the idea of one true and unified Church, and the various offices, callings, and functions within the organization of the Church. This letter also contains some of the most sublime teachings on the family that are found anywhere in scripture.
Outline
Ephesians 1:1–4:16 Paul writes of the Saints’ foreordination to receive the gospel; the dispensation of the fulness of times; sealing by the Holy Spirit of Promise; salvation by grace; the unifying of Gentile and Jewish Saints in the Church; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; the purpose of the Church; and the Church’s organization upon a foundation of prophets and apostles, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Paul teaches that God will gather all things together in Christ in the dispensation of the fulness of times.
Ephesians 4:17–6:24 Paul encourages the Saints to apply true doctrine in their daily lives. He encourages them to put off the old man (their former sins) and put on the new man they become through Christ. He gives counsel to wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, masters, and congregations. He encourages Saints to “put on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11).
I'm well-versed in the topic of the New Testament and, in particular, the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians. My knowledge extends to the historical context, the authorship, and the theological themes within the text. I'll provide an overview of the concepts mentioned in the article you provided.
The Epistle to the Ephesians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, holds significant importance in the New Testament. It is described as a universal message with relevance to various aspects of life, addressing Jew and Gentile, husband and wife, parent and child, and master and servant. Bruce R. McConkie, a notable commentator, emphasizes its enduring significance as the voice of inspiration.
The authorship of the Epistle is attributed to Paul during a period of imprisonment, possibly the first imprisonment in Rome around A.D. 60–62. Despite the mention of Ephesus in the King James Version, there's a suggestion that Paul might have written it to multiple congregations, including those in Ephesus, during his third missionary journey.
The primary audience includes Gentile members of the Church, with a focus on recent converts. Paul aims to nurture their spiritual growth, promote unity between Gentile and Jewish Saints, and encourage resistance against evil powers. The letter reflects Paul's affection for the Saints in Ephesus, highlighting their righteousness and sealing to eternal life.
Distinctive features of Ephesians include teachings familiar to Latter-day Saints, such as foreordination, the dispensation of the fulness of times, the Holy Spirit of Promise, the importance of prophets and apostles, and the concept of one true and unified Church. The letter also contains profound teachings on the family.
The outline of the Epistle spans Ephesians 1:1–4:16, focusing on foreordination, the dispensation of the fulness of times, salvation by grace, unity of Gentile and Jewish Saints, and the organization of the Church. Ephesians 4:17–6:24 encourages the application of true doctrine in daily life, addressing various roles and relationships within the Church and emphasizing the need for spiritual armor.
This Epistle, therefore, encompasses a rich theological tapestry with practical applications for believers, making it a significant part of the New Testament.
