Reference: Ephesians, The Epistle To The
Fausets
By Paul, as Eph 1:1; 3:1 prove. So Irenaeus, Haer. 5:2-3; 1:8, 5; Clemens Alex., Strom. 4:65, Paed. 1:8; Origen, Celsus 4:211. Quoted by Valentinus A.D. 120, Eph 3:14-18, as we know from Hippolytus, Refut. Haeres., p. 193. Polycarp, Epistle to Phil., 12, witnesses to its canonicity. So Tertullian, Adv. Marcion, 5:17, Ignatius, Ephesians 12, refers to Paul's affectionate mention of the Christian privileges of the Ephesians in his epistle. Paul, in Col 4:16, charges the Colossians to read his epistle to the Laodiceans, and to cause his epistle to the Colossians to be read in the church of Laodicea, whereby he can hardly mean his Epistle to the Ephesians, for the resemblance between the two epistles, Ephesians and Colossians, would render such interchange of reading almost unnecessary.
His greetings sent through the Colossians to the Laodiceans are incompatible with the idea that he wrote an epistle to the Laodiceans at the same time and by the same bearer, Tychicus (the bearer of both epistles, Ephesians and Colossians), for the apostle would then have sent the greetings directly in the letter to the party saluted, instead of indirectly in his letter to the Colossians. The epistle to Laodicea was evidently before that to Colosse. Ussher supposed that the Epistle to the Ephesians was an encyclical letter, headed as in manuscripts of Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, "To the saints that are ... and to the faithful," the name of each church being inserted in the copy sent to it; and that its being sent to Ephesus first occasioned its being entitled the Epistle to the Ephesians. But the words "at Ephesus" (Eph 1:1) occur in the very ancient Alexandrinus manuscript and the Vulgate version.
The omission was subsequently made when read to other churches in order to generalize its character. Its internal spirit aims at one set of persons, coexisting in one place, as one body, and under the same circumstances. Moreover, there is no intimation, as in 2 Corinthians and Galatians, that it is encyclical and comprising all the churches of that region. After having spent so long time in Ephesus, Paul would hardly fail to write an epistle especially applying to the church there. For personal matters he refers the Ephesians to Tychicus its bearer (Eph 6:21-22); his engrossing theme being the interests and privileges and duties of Christ's universal church, with particular reference to the Ephesians. This accounts for the absence of personal greetings; so in Galatians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and 1 Timothy. The better he knows the parties addressed, and the more general and solemn the subject, the less he gives of individual notices.
His first visit to Ephesus is recorded in Ac 18:19-21. Some seeds of Christianity may have been sown in the men of Asia present at the grand Pentecost (Ac 2:9). The work begun formally by Paul's disputations with the Jews during his short visit was carried on by Apollos (Ac 18:24-26), Aquila, and Priscilla. At his second visit after his journey to Jerusalem, and thence to the eastern regions of Asia Minor, he encountered John's disciples, and taught them the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and remained at Ephesus three years (Ac 19:10; 20:31), so that this church occupied an unusually large portion of his time and care. His self denying and unwearied labors here are alluded to in Ac 20:34. This epistle accordingly shows a warmth of feeling and a union in spiritual privileges and hopes with them (Eph 1:3, etc.), such as are natural from one so long and so intimately associated with those addressed.
On his last journey he sailed past Ephesus, and summoned the Ephesian elders to Miletus, where he delivered to them his farewell charge (Ac 20:18-35). The Epistle to the Colossians, which contains much the same theme, seems to have been earlier, as the Epistle to the Ephesians expands the same truths. It, is an undesigned coincidence and proof of genuineness that the two epistles, written about the same date and under the same circumstances, bear closer resemblance than those written at distant dates and under different circumstances. (For instances of resemblance, see COLOSSIANS.) Tychicus bore both epistles, and Onesimus his companion bore that to his former master Philemon at Colosse. The date was probably before Paul's imprisonment at Rome became so severe as it was when writing the Epistle to the Philippians, about A.D. 62, four years after his charge at Miletus.
In Php 4:23 he implies he had some freedom for preaching, such as Ac 28:23-31 represents. His imprisonment, beginning February A.D. 61, lasted at least "two whole years." The epistle addresses a church constituted of Jewish and Gentile converts, and such was that of Ephesus (Eph 2:14-22, compare Ac 19:8-10). Diana's (Artemis) temple there, burned down by Herostratus on the night of the birth of Alexander the Great (355 B.C.), was rebuilt at enormous cost, and was one of the wonders of the world. (See DIANA.) Hence the appropriateness of comparing the church to a temple, containing the true inner beauty, which the idol temple with all its outward splendor was utterly lacking in. In Eph 4:17; 5:1-13, Paul alludes to the notorious profligacy of the pagan Ephesians.
Moreover, an undesigned coincidence, confirming the genuineness of both this epistle and the independent history, is the correspondence of expressions between the epistle and Paul's address to the Ephesian elders (Eph 1:6-7; 2:7; compare Ac 20:24,32). Alford designates this "the epistle of the grace of God." As to his bonds, Eph 3:1; 4:1, with Ac 20:22-23. As to "the counsel of God," Eph 1:11 with Ac 20:27. As to "the redemption of the purchased possession," Eph 1:14 with Ac 20:28. As to "building up" and the "inheritance," Eph 1:14,18; 2:20; 5:5, with Ac 20:32. THE OBJECT is "to set forth the foundation, the course, and the end of the church of the faithful in Christ.v He speaks to the Ephesians as a sample of the church universal. In the larger and smaller divisions alike the foundation of the church is in the will of the Father; the course of the church is by the satisfaction of the Son; the end of the church is the life in the Holy Spirit" (Alford). Compare as to the three, Eph 1:11; 2:5; 3:16. Throughout "the church" is spoken of as one whole, in the singular, not the plural. The doctrinal part closes with the sublime doxology (Eph 3:14-21).
Upon the doctrine rest the succeeding practical exhortations; here too the church is represented as founded on the counsel of "God the Father who is above all, through all, and in all," reared by the "one Lord" Jesus Christ, through the "one Spirit" (Eph 4:4-6, etc.), who give their respective graces to the members. These therefore should exercise all these graces in their several relationships, as husbands, wives, servants, children, etc.; for this end, finally, we must "put on the whole armor of God" (Eph 6:13). The STYLE like the subject, is sublime to a degree exceeding that of Paul's other epistles. The sublimity produces the difficulty and peculiarity of some expressions. The theme was suited to Christians long grounded, as the Ephesians were, in the faith as it is in Jesus.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they dwelling in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia,
And Paul arrived at Ephesus, and left those of his: and he having come into the synagogue, discussed with the Jews. And they asking to remain with them for more time, he acquiesced not; read more. But he took leave of them, saying, I must at any rate do the coming festival in Jerusalem: and I will again return to you, God willing. And he was conveyed from Ephesus.
And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, arrived at Ephesus, being able in the writings. He was instructed in the way of the Lord; and boiling up in the spirit, he spake and taught attentively the things of the Lord, knowing only the immersion of John. read more. And he began to speak freely in the synagogue: and . Priscilla and Aquila having heard him, took him, and set forth to him the way of God more accurately.
And having come into the synagogue, he spake freely, discoursing for three months, and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. And when certain were hardened, and believed not, speaking evil of the way before the multitude, having departed from them, he separated the disciples, discoursing in the day in the school of a certain Tyrannus. read more. And this was for two years: so that all dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
And this was for two years: so that all dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
And when they came to him, he said to them, Ye know, from the first day in which I embarked for Asia, how I was with you all the time Serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and temptations, having happened to me by the insidious plots of the Jews: read more. how I concealed nothing of things profitable, not to announce to you, and teach you publicly, and in the houses, Testifying to both Jews, and Greeks, repentance towards God, and the faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I, bound in the spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things going to happen to me in it;
And now, behold, I, bound in the spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things going to happen to me in it; But that the Holy Spirit testifies in the city, saying that bonds and pressures await me.
But that the Holy Spirit testifies in the city, saying that bonds and pressures await me. But the word of none do I make mine own, neither have I my soul highly prized to myself, in order to finish my course with joy, and the service which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God.
But the word of none do I make mine own, neither have I my soul highly prized to myself, in order to finish my course with joy, and the service which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all ye shall see my face no more, among whom I passed through, proclaiming the kingdom of God. read more. Wherefore I testify to you in this day, that I pure from the blood of all. For I concealed not to announce to you all the counsel of God.
For I concealed not to announce to you all the counsel of God. Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood.
Attend therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit set you inspectors, to feed the church of God, which he acquired by his own blood. For I know this, that there shall come in after my departure grievous wolves to you, not sparing the flock. read more. And of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to tear away disciples after them. Wherefore watch ye, remembering that the space of three years night and day I ceased not reminding each one with tears.
Wherefore watch ye, remembering that the space of three years night and day I ceased not reminding each one with tears. And now I commit you, brethren, to God, and to the word of his grace, being able to build up, and give you inheritance among all the consecrated.
And now I commit you, brethren, to God, and to the word of his grace, being able to build up, and give you inheritance among all the consecrated.
And now I commit you, brethren, to God, and to the word of his grace, being able to build up, and give you inheritance among all the consecrated. Silver or gold, or clothing, of none have I eagerly desired. read more. And ye yourselves know, that to my necessities, and to those being with me, these hands served.
And ye yourselves know, that to my necessities, and to those being with me, these hands served. I shewed you all things, that so being wearied ye must support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that himself said, It is happy to give rather than receive.
And having appointed him a day, many came to him to the lodging; to whom testifying, he set forth the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses, and the prophets, from morn to eve. And some truly were persuaded by things spoken, and some disbelieved. read more. And being at variance with one another, they were let go, Paul having said one word, That well spake the Holy Spirit by Esaias the prophet to our fathers, Saying, Go to this people, and say, By hearing ye shall hear, and not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and ye should not perceive: For the heart of this people was thickened, and with ears heard they heavily, and their eyes they closed; lest they should see with the eyes, and with ears should hear, and with the heart they should understand, and turn back, and I should heal them. Be it known to you therefore, that salvation of God was sent to the nations, and they shall hear. And he having said these things, the Jews departed, having much discussion in themselves. And Paul remained two whole years in his own wages, and received all going to him, Proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, unimpeded.
Paul, sent of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the holy ones being in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Paul, sent of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the holy ones being in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Praised be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, he having praised us in every spiritual praise in heavenly things in Christ:
To the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he rendered us acceptable in the beloved. In whom we have redemption by his blood, the letting go of faults, according to the riches of his grace;
In whom also we were cast by lot, determined beforehand according to the purpose of him performing all things according to the counsel of his will:
In whom also we were cast by lot, determined beforehand according to the purpose of him performing all things according to the counsel of his will:
Which is the pledge of our inheritance for the redemption of the acquisition, to the praise of his glory.
Which is the pledge of our inheritance for the redemption of the acquisition, to the praise of his glory.
The eyes of your understanding enlightened; for you to know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the holy ones,
And we being dead in faults, he made alive together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;)
That he might show in times coming the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For he is our peace, having made both one, and having loosed the middle partition wall of the enclosure; The enmity in his flesh, the law of commands in enactments, having left unemployed; that he might create in himself one new man, making peace; read more. And that he might reconcile anew both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the eninity in it: And having come, he announced good news, peace to you afar off, and to those near. For by him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Wherefore then are ye no more foreigners and sojourners, but fellow-citizens of the holy, and the household of God; Built upon the foundation of the sent, and of the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone;
Built upon the foundation of the sent, and of the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone; In whom all the building fitted together increases into a holy temple in the Lord: read more. In whom also ye are builded together for the dwelling of God in the Spirit.
For this, I Paul, the imprisoned of Christ Jesus for you the nations,
For this, I Paul, the imprisoned of Christ Jesus for you the nations,
For this I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For this I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom all the family in the heavens and upon earth is named,
Of whom all the family in the heavens and upon earth is named, That he might give to you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power by his Spirit in the interior man;
That he might give to you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power by his Spirit in the interior man;
That he might give to you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power by his Spirit in the interior man; For Christ to dwell by faith in your hearts; in love being rendered firm, and the foundation laid,
For Christ to dwell by faith in your hearts; in love being rendered firm, and the foundation laid, That ye might be fully able to comprehend with all the holy what the length, and breadth, and depth, and height;
That ye might be fully able to comprehend with all the holy what the length, and breadth, and depth, and height; To know also the love of Christ, surpassing knowledge, that ye might be filled in all the fulness of God. read more. And to him being able to do above all things more abundantly above what we ask or think, according to the power being energetic in us, To him the glory in the church in Christ Jesus to all generations of the times of times. Amen.
Therefore I, the imprisoned in the Lord, beseech you to walk Worthy of the calling which ye were called,
One body, and one Spirit, as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one immersion, read more. One God and Father of all, who over all, and through all, and in you all.
Therefore this I say, and testify in the Lord, that ye no more walk as also the rest of the nations, in the vanity of their mind,
Be ye therefore imitators of God, as dearly beloved children; And walk ye in love, as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us a gift and sacrifice to God for a smell of sweet odor. read more. And fornication, and all uncleanness, or overreaching, let it not be named with you, as becomes the holy; And obscenity, and silly discourse, or wit, which things concern not; but rather thankfulness. For this ye are knowing, that every fornicator, or unclean, or covetous person, who is an idolater, has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
For this ye are knowing, that every fornicator, or unclean, or covetous person, who is an idolater, has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let none lead you astray with vain words: for by these things comes the anger of God upon the sons of disobedience. read more. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For ye were then darkness, and now light in the Lord: walk ye as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit in all goodness and justice and truth.;) Trying what is pleasing to the Lord. And participate not with the unfruitful works of darkness, and rather also confute. For the things done secretly by them it is also shameful to speak. And all things refuted, by light are made manifest: for everything made manifest is light.
For this take up the complete armor of God, that ye might be able to withstand in the evil day, and having effected all things, to stand.
And that ye also might know the things concerning me, what I do, Tychicus will make all things known to you, the dearly beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord: Whom I sent to you for this same, that ye might know the things concerning us, and he might comfort your hearts.
Smith
Ephe'sians, The Epistle to the,
was written by the apostle St. Paul during his first captivity at Rome,
apparently immediately after he had written the Epistle to the Colossians [COLOSSIANS, EPISTLE TO], and during that period (perhaps the early part of A.D. 62) when his imprisonment had not assumed the severer character which seems to have marked its close. This epistle was addressed to the Christian church at Ephesus. [EPHESUS] Its contents may be divided into two portions, the first mainly doctrinal, ch. 1-3, the second hortatory and practical.
See Colossians, The Epistle to the
See Ephesus