“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians urges us to remember our identity in Christ and act accordingly. It also lays some of the groundwork for Christians to engage in spiritual warfare.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Unlike his other letters, Paul does not address any particular errors or heresies in the church. Rather, he seeks to help believers better understand God’s purpose and grace to them and to appreciate the high goals God has established for the church.
- Category: Epistle
- Theme: Unity
- Timeline: Written around AD 60
Key Verse
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God.” — Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
We Behave Because We Belong
- Ephesians 1-3: Remember who you are (Child of God).
- Ephesians 4-6: This is how you act (as a Child of God).
Timothy pastored the congregation for perhaps a year and a half, primarily to counter the false teaching of a few influential men, who were probably elders there.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: Ephesians 1
- Day 2: Ephesians 2
- Day 3: Ephesians 3
- Day 4: Ephesians 4
- Day 5: Ephesians 5
- Day 6: Ephesians 6
- Day 7: Ephesians (entirety)
Paul’s Home Base
Paul had made Ephesus his base of operations for more than two years, during which he had proclaimed the gospel throughout the region.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.