The Book of Ephesians

This epistle was part of what is known as the Prison Epistles, all written by the apostle Paul. 
"A trio of men left Rome in the year AD 62, bound for the province of Asia, which was located in what is currently designated Asia Minor.  These men had on their persons four of the most sublime compositions of the Christian faith. These precious documents would be invaluable if they were in existence today.  Rome did not comprehend the significance of the writings of an unknown prisoner.  If she had, these men would have been apprehended and the documents seized.  When they bade farewell to the Apostle Paul, each was given an epistle to bear to his particular constituency.  These four letters are designated 'The Prison Epistles of Paul' since he wrote them while imprisoned in Rome, awaiting a hearing before Nero, the Caesar at that time, to whom Paul as a Romon citizen, had appealed his case." (adapted from J Vernon McGee, Exploring Through Ephesians)


Epaphroditus, from Philippi had the Philippian Epistle (Phil 2:28; 4:18); Tychicus had the Ephesian and Colossian Epistles (Eph 6:21, Col 4:7); Onesimus, a slave from Colossae had the Epistle to Philemon and the Colossian Epistle (Col 4:9).


The theme of Ephesians is The Christian Walk or what I would call the Walk, Sit, Stand Epistle.


"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called ..."   (Eph 4:1 NKJV)
" ...and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus"  (Eph 2:6 NKJV)
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."  (Eph 6:11 NKJV)


Outline of Ephesians
1.  The Christian's Wealth (ch 1-3)
      a.  Intro (1:1-2)
      b.  Praise for blessings in Christ (1:3-14)
      c.  Prayer for understanding (1:15-23)
      d.  The People with Position (2:1-22)
      e.  Paul's stewardship (3:1-12)
      f.   Prayer for power and understanding (3:13-21)


2.  The Christian's Walk (ch 4-6)
     a.  In unity (4:1-6)
     b.  In diversity (4:7-16)
     c.  In holiness (4:17-5:17)
     d.  In the Spirit (5:18-21)
     e.  In relationships (5:22-6:9)
     f.   In warfare (6:10-20)
     g.  Conclusion (6:21-24)


In contrast to Ps 1:1, we are instructed in this epistle how we can walk, sit and stand.  As you read the Book of Ephesians may you be inspired to walk in pursuit of holiness, sit with Christ in position of authority and stand against the schemes of the devil.