It has been said to contain the profoundest truth revealed to men, and the church at Ephesus was, perhaps, better prepared than any other to be the custodian of such truth, since Paul’s long stay there had so well prepared them to hear and understand it.  It may have been written as a circular letter to be sent in turn to several churches of which the church at Ephesus was one.

Date.  By Paul, probably from Rome, A. D. 62 or 63.

Theme.  The church, Christ’s mystical body.

Analysis.

   Salutation, 1:1-2.

 I. The Spiritual Blessings of the Church. 1:3-14.

   1.  The origin of these blessings, v. 3.

   2.  The blessings enumerated, 4-14.

 II.  Prayer for the Readers, 1:15 end.

1.  That God may grant them the spirit of wisdom, the Holy Spirit, 15-17.

   2.  That they may know what they have in Christ, 18-33.

III.  The Great Work Done for Them, Ch. 2.  Both Jews and Gentiles.

   1.  They were regenerated, 1:10.

   2.  They were organized, 11 end.

 IV.  Paul’s Mission and Prayer for Them, Ch. 3.
   1.  His mission to preach the mystery of Christ. 1-13.

   2.  His prayer for them and doxology of praise to God, 14 end.

  V. The Duty of the Churches as the Body of Christ, 4:1-6:20.

1.  Duty of individual members in relation to other members and to the world. 4:1-5:21.

   2.  Duties of individuals in their home relations, 5:22-6:9.

3.  Duties of individual members in their relation to the organized efforts of the church. 6:10-20.

   Conclusion, 6:21 end.

For Study and Discussion. (1) The Christian’s standing before God, Chs. 1-2.  Such words as sealed, chosen, quickened. (2) The blessings of the church, make a list, 1:3-14. (3) The elements and characteristics of the new life, 4:25-32. (4) The different things done in an intelligent Christian life, 5:3-17. (5) The exalted nature and office of Christ, 1:2-33; 2:13-22. (6) The eternal purpose of God, 2:3-5; 2:4-7; 3:9-12. (7) Principles of Christian sociology seen in the home relations such as husband and wife, child and parents, and servant and master. (8) The Christian’s relation to Christ as seen in these relations.

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Chapter XXXII.

Philippians and Colossians.

Philippians.

The City.  It belonged to Thrace until 358 B. C., when it was seized by Philip, king of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great It was the place where Marcus Antonius and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius (42 B. C.). which defeat overthrew the Roman Oligarchy, and Augustus (Octavius) was made Emperor.  Is was on the great highway through which all trade and traders going eastward and westward must pass, and was, therefore, a fit center of evangelism for all Europe.  It was the place where the first church Of Europe was established by Paul on his second missionary journey, A. D. 52.