Book of Ephesians

The main theme of the book of Ephesians is the unity of the church in Christ and the cosmic scope of God’s redemptive plan. Paul emphasizes that through Jesus Christ, God has brought together Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the ‘dividing wall of hostility’ (Ephesians 2:14) and creating a unified body of believers. This theme is explored through several key concepts:

• Spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14): Paul begins by highlighting the myriad blessings believers receive through Christ, including adoption, redemption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
• The mystery of God’s will (Ephesians 3:6): The ‘mystery’ revealed to Paul is that Gentiles are co-heirs with Jews, forming one unified body in Christ.
• Christian conduct (Ephesians 4-6): Paul provides practical instruction on how believers should live in light of their unity in Christ, emphasizing humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

Overall, Ephesians is a profound exploration of the implications of the gospel for the church’s unity and the believer’s conduct.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier’s armor to describe the spiritual resources available to Christians. This passage is about spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be equipped to stand against the ‘schemes of the devil’ (v. 11). The ‘armor of God’ includes:

• The belt of truth (v. 14): Symbolizing honesty and integrity, foundational for standing firm in faith.
• The breastplate of righteousness (v. 14): Representing the righteousness imparted by Christ, protecting one’s heart from evil.
• The gospel of peace (v. 15): Shoes fitted with readiness, indicating a life grounded in the peace and reconciliation offered through the gospel.
• The shield of faith (v. 16): Faith acts as a shield, extinguishing all the fiery arrows of the evil one, symbolizing protection against doubt and temptation.
• The helmet of salvation (v. 17): Protecting the mind, assurance of salvation guards against discouragement and despair.
• The sword of the Spirit (v. 17): The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in the armor, used to counter lies and deception.
• Prayer (v. 18): Paul concludes by emphasizing the importance of constant prayer and supplication for all believers.

Paul’s exhortation to ‘put on the full armor of God’ is a call to be spiritually prepared and vigilant, relying on God’s strength and resources to stand firm in the face of spiritual battles.

In Ephesians 3:6, Paul refers to a ‘mystery’ that has been revealed to him. The term ‘mystery’ (Greek: mystērion) in Pauline theology usually denotes a divine truth previously hidden but now revealed by God. In this context, the ‘mystery’ is that the Gentiles are ‘heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.’

This revelation is significant for several reasons:

• Inclusivity: It underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers that once separated Jews and Gentiles.
• Unity in Christ: It highlights the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their background, reinforcing the theme of the church as one body.
• The Fulfillment of God’s Plan: It reveals the progression of God’s redemptive plan, which has always intended for the gospel to reach all nations, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3).

Paul’s revelation of this ‘mystery’ serves to deepen the understanding of God’s grace and the expansive scope of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It is a pivotal moment that redefines the identity and mission of the early Christian community.