A couple months ago, I started taking notes while I was studying the Bible, mostly to aid memory retention of the core concepts. In the meantime, I wrote a few blog posts on other topics, and I feel like I can finally get around to sharing what I learned from my studies. Here is the first in the series: Ephesians!
A few notes:
- The book I studied before Ephesians was 1 Corinthians, hence you will see a few references to the Corinthians.
- I’ve decided to just share my notes with minimal editing. Hence you will see not only restatements of certain passages and insights (! for sudden and ♦ for profound), but also questions and even doubts (?).
- My Bible’s translation is the 1996 version of the New Living Translation, so all quotes are from that specific translation and version, and the scripture sections are how they appear in my Bible (except for cases where one section had only two verses or so, so it was easier to just lump it with another section).
- I’ve added a little content that wasn’t in my notes and italicized it.
Eph 1:1-14
- Paul called the Ephesians holy and faithful, whereas he called the Corinthians to holiness.
- We belong to Christ. This makes me think of a slave belonging to their master, because a child does not belong to their father (or mother) and a couples’ bodies belong to each other, not them themselves. But instead of the negative connotation of slavery, Paul evokes the positivity of belonging.
- Paul immediately then talks about how God had planned to adopt us into His family from the very beginning, and then right after that mentions belonging to Jesus again.
- ! Jesus is where we were meant to be. We belong in the arms of our father or mother or spouse, etc, or we belong at home. Even though Jesus is a person, we are meant to be in him, from the very beginning. This has so many threads to other verses in the Bible.
- God is very generous with His kindness.
- v14 – we are slaves, purchased by Jesus’ blood (v7)…but we are willing slaves.
- The gift of the Holy Spirit marks the chosen/believers. Throughout Acts, the gift of tongues came with the Holy Spirit. Why did that change? Was it supposed to? We do have other signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence. We also don’t emphasize the Holy Spirit’s role, and maybe we should when leading someone to Jesus.
- Other verses affirm Jesus’ position and authority as Master (Lord) and that we are children of God (hence we are siblings to Jesus). Interesting duality.
1:15-23
- Ephesians have strong faith and love for Christians everywhere, and Paul is quite happy about this.
- Spiritual wisdom and understanding leads to growth in knowledge of God.
- Paul prays that the Ephesians’ hearts would be flooded with light so they can understand the wonderful future God has promised to them. Why “flooded with light”? What does he mean?
- The “mighty power” that resurrected Jesus established Jesus as the supreme authority over all, and this was done for the benefit of the Church, which is also His body.
- ! We were meant from the beginning to be in Jesus, so we were also meant to be in the Church, the community of believers. We belong in the Church.
2:1-10
- Satan is the prince of the power of the air. Why “of the air”?
- v1-3 – Inheritantly, born evil, we all are. Actually, “born with an evil nature“. Yet most modern Christians – including me – believe in an ‘age of accountability’. Related and/or because of ‘did not know the law therefore did not sin’ (Romans 5:13)?
- We were saved because of God’s abundance of love and mercy.
- Christ’s death and resurrection leads to ours.
- We are seated in the heavenly realms with Christ because we are one with Him.
- ? Why would God care so much about having examples (us) of His incredible wealth of favor and kindness?
- Salvation is not a reward, but a gift, so we can’t boast about it or take credit for it. Apparently, this is an issue. Ah-ha, v10: “we are God’s masterpiece”. It’s all His work.
- Another mention of God’s from-the-beginning plan. This is the fourth time, the first three in Eph 1:1-14. This is a thing.
2:11-18
- Gentiles were originally not God’s people; those were the Jews. Hence they missed out on God’s favor and promises.
- Circumcision affected only the Jews’ bodies and not their hearts. Reminds me of Peter’s exhortation at the council in Jerusalem that Gentiles would not be burdened with the requirement of circumcision. A change in heart is more important than a change in body.
- Christ’s death ended the Jewish system of law, thereby uniting Jews and Gentiles into one group. Now both groups get all the benefits of God.
- The whole Trinity in v18. Father: goal, Holy Spirit: medium, Christ: source? More like Christ opened the door. To all peoples.
- ♦ The door is open, the way is paved, and the destination is in sight. Will you take the first step? And keep walking?
2:19-22
- Gentiles no longer strangers and foreigners, but citizenry and family. Reversal.
- Foundations are apostles and prophets. Those who are personally called to reach the lost and those who speak what God has told them. The apostles add to the church and the prophets strengthen the church. That’s why they’re the foundation of God’s house, the church. A holy temple for the Lord, wherein His Spirit lives (connects to other verses).
3:1-13
- Wording of v1 seems odd. Paul was a prisoner of Jesus Christ before he preached to the Gentiles, right? Ah, wait, I’m thinking of being a slave to God, not a prisoner. Wording could’ve been a bit better, but I understand now. Newer NLT version still says “prisoner of Jesus Christ”.
- God’s secret plan: to unite Jews and Gentiles into one people, all with equal standing before God.
- This secret plan was not revealed to previous generations, though presumably the plan that the Messiah would die for all was apparent (if you know where to look). Why the difference? Ah, it’s because God reached out to His chosen people, the Jews, first. That Jews and Gentiles would be united wasn’t in the picture yet. Why? [shrugs]
- Paul, the self-proclaimed “least-deserving” Christian, was chosen to reveal this wondrous secret plan of God’s to the Gentiles. God doesn’t give a hoot about what we deserve and He’s perfectly fine with using the lowliest for the highest purposes.
- v10 – “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms”. Footnote says angels or demons. Got intended to display His wisdom to them by uniting the Jews and Gentiles. Why is this important? There’s more going on here…
- Several more references to “from the beginning”… A theme, it seems.
- Ephesians shouldn’t despair over Paul’s suffering because he has a good end (v12) but should be encouraged and feel honored because Paul is suffering for them, which shows that he cares about them a lot.
3:14-21
- A lotta superlatives here. Paul is trying to convey how awesome God and His love is.
- v17 Christ enters our hearts at conversion, but there’s still room for Him to be at home.
- Both ‘metaphors’ in v17 speak of an ongoing deepening relationship with God. Conversion is only the first step.
- Christ’s love: experienceable but incomprehensible. Heart is more important than mind.
- Experience of Christ’s love leads to being filled with God’s life and power.
- God’s power in us is infinitely more capable than we could ever expect. We have no idea how much He is doing through us.
- Reference to eternity without using the word? Need to look at Greek. … Greek is “aión aión” – “forever and ever”.
4:1-16
- Lead a life worthy of having been called by God. Humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, loving, unity in the Spirit, peace.
- v1 clarifies Eph 3:1.
- Ephesians have already been praised and thanked for their holiness, strong faith (twice), and their love for all Christians everywhere. They don’t seem to have issues with proper conduct like the Corinthians. So why is Paul begging the Ephesians to live a life worthy of their calling? Hmm, perhaps the Corinthians needed more basic instructions, whereas the Ephesians are getting more general instructions. A peak ahead seems to support this.
- v4-6: unity. v7: diversity.
- Jesus gave us the apostles (specially called), prophets (speak for God), evangelists (reach the lost), pastors (shepherd the flock), and teachers (explain and tell truths). … Which one am I? Don’t know yet. (I got the sense that I’m ‘in reserve, being prepared’.)
- Responsibility of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers is to enable Christians to do God’s work – God’s not doing everything Himself, but is involving us – and build up the Church (Christ’s body) until we are so united in faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we are practically indistinguishable from Christ. The highest goal.
- v14 “Then” refers to what? After reaching full unity? v15 seems to counter that. Maybe it means ‘because we are going towards this goal…’? We are God’s, so we will not base our beliefs on those of others, but God’s truth as an expression of our love for Him.
- In so doing, the Church grows to emulate Christ, its head, and He fits the parts together perfectly. Each part’s special work helps the other parts grow.
- Goal: the Church should be healthy (aligned with God and clear of disease [rampant sin]), growing (adding people and building up knowledge and love for God), and full of love (expressing God to others).
4:17-32
- v17 what is “this” that was said “with the Lord’s authority”? Footnote suggests v17-24, which makes sense because v25 starts with “So” and continues into application.
- ! v25-32 are about avoiding disunity in the Church, counterpart to the first half of ch 4! (Prompted by footnote for v25 – “lying…disrupts unity”.) Ephesians apparently had an issue with unity – living together right – whereas Corinthians had an issue with living right.
- Ungodly are: hopelessly confused, close-minded, dark-minded, far from (life of) God because of closed minds and hard hearts, uncaring about true morality, accepting (eagerly) of immorality, and full of “all kinds of impurity and greed”.
- Christians are to reject this. Old evil nature and way of life are “rotten through and through”, full of lust (‘I want that’) and deception (‘I’ll trick others to get what I want’). Age of accountability only exists because one cannot truly choose between God and self until their brain develops enough. Paul is speaking to adults, however.
- Must have a spiritual renewal – fresh start – of thoughts and attitudes. Display a new nature because we are new people, created in God’s likeness: righteous, holy, true. We are these things; we just need to express them.
- v25-27 Don’t lie or hold a grudge. (These create cracks.)
- v28-29 Don’t steal, cuss, or verbally abuse others. Instead, use your hands for honest work and use good, helpful, encouraging words. (Don’t widen cracks; mend them and build one another up.)
- v30 Live in a way that’s pleasing to God because He said we are His, guaranteeing we will be saved.
- Discard red/spikey/hurtful acts. Utilize blue/soft/helpful acts. Forgive each other like God forgave us (v31-32). Reject disunity, embrace unity.
5:1-14
- v8-9 are key verses. Our hearts were dark, now they’re light, and we should show it! Goodness, righteousness, truth. Almost the same as in 4:24 – goodness replaced holy.
- Follow God’s example like children (ought to) follow their (good) father’s example.
- Living a life filled with love for others is following the example of Christ.
- Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes are all signs of a dark heart. Avoid!
- Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins for they too will draw the anger of God upon them. Applicable to many Christians? I think so.
- Paul does not give a laundry list of what pleases God, but says “try to find out”, thereby prompting and encouraging a relationship with God.
- It’s part of our job to shine our light and expose evil and how evil it really is. Have to love people regardless, right? Hmm.
5:15-20
- Live with wisdom.
- Good works don’t save us, but we should still do as much good as we can. Not randomly, but after trying to figure out what God wants.
- v16 – prohibition against drunkenness. Why? Ruins your life. Alternative? “Let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.” Continues theme of rejecting darkness and brokenness and choosing holiness, light, and wholesomeness.
- Result of Holy Spirit indwelling? Singing spiritual songs a.k.a. worship.
- ♦ Holy Spirit in us moves us to join Him in glorifying and honoring the Father and Son.
- Same basis for v20. Giving thanks for everything to the Father in the name of the Son.
- Holy Spirit indwelling leads to virtuous cycle of honoring the Trinity and being honored and blessed for it. Forces of Evil try to prevent, interrupt, and stop this.
5:21-33
- I think the greater charge is laid upon the man. Wives submitting to husbands was and is essentially the norm, but telling husbands to love their wives as much as themselves, even to the point of self-sacrifice, is radical. The ur-example here is Christ loving and dying for the Church. Likewise in the other way; the Church submits to Christ, so too should wives submit to their husbands. Thus, husbands have a heavy responsibility to be as Christ-like as they can in order to truly honor and love their wives (and God).
- v29 “No one hates his own body” – arguably, some do. Cutting, bulimia, etc. seem to be expressions of self-hate. However, these (likely) are disorders, and may have been unrecognized or even non-existent in 0-100 AD. Normally, a man does not hate their body, so this advice is good nonetheless.
- Union of man and woman in marriage is “a great mystery”, and yet Christ and the Church are united likewise. Argument against homosexuality here?
6:1-4
- Children should obey their parents because they belong to the Lord. Being Christian means living a life of honoring others. This displays Christ, who is in us.
- ? “Honor your father and mother” is the first to end with a promise? Seems like that should be “Have no other gods/idols before me” or it’s the only such command.
- Honoring father and mother leads to a long life, full of blessing. Could this be seen in a demographic longitudinal study?
- Again, a great responsibility laid upon men; specifically fathers. Discipline and instruct your child in a way that God approves. I wonder why mothers aren’t mentioned. Maybe they’re already doing just fine?
- ♦ Honor one another is and was the theme.
6:5-9
- Theme of honoring one another continues.
- Slaves should serve their masters like they serve Christ because this exemplifies Christ’s transformation. If Christian slaves had to be set free, many would ‘convert’ to be free. By remaining loyal, they were saying that being Christian is worth even slavery. Plus, they could share the Gospel (Good News) too. I wonder how many masters converted because of their slaves.
- Serve others as though you were serving God. This pleases Him and again exemplifies Christ.
- Masters charged with a hefty responsibility: treat their slaves right; they have the same Master (Christ/God) and He doesn’t play favorites. This feels like a veiled threat.
- ♦ This actually says that slaves and masters are equal before God. He hates it when someone puts another down, hence the extra responsibility on husbands, fathers, and masters.
6:10-20
- Ah, yes, the famous Armor of God passage.
- Paul ends with reminding us of God’s power in us.
- Put on all of God’s armor. Leave nothing unprotected.
- Our main Enemies are spiritual, not material.
- “Use every piece” – emphasis again on all.
-
- belt: truth; support
- body armor: righteousness; defense
- shoes: peace of Gospel; mobility
- shield: faith; defense
- helmet: salvation; defense
- sword: Spirit; offense
- We do not attack; God does. We side with God in battles, not the other way around.
- v18 – unceasing, God-seeking, persistent prayer for others.
- Paul asks for prayer for boldness in the face of trial. The conviction that God’s will > man’s will and the courage to act on it. I pray for the same.
6:21-24
- Paul is sending Tychicus to the Ephesians for two main purposes: to tell them how Paul and the other believers(?) are doing and to encourage them. Encouragement is important.
- Ends with prayer for peace and “love with faith”. Not sure what that means.
- Grace for those “who love Jesus with an undying love. If our love for Him grows cold, does that mean we lose God’s grace? I feel like the answer is ‘yes’.
- Paul ends with encouragement, prayer, and blessing. Good example to follow.
Looking back over these, I see a few major themes:
- From the beginning, we were meant to be with God and have a relationship with Him.
- Unity and (spiritual) equality among all peoples, especially in the Church.
- We should live in a way that expresses our new nature in Christ, not our old, sinful one.
- Honor one another.
That’s all for Ephesians! Next time, 1 Timothy!
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