Ephesians Chapter One is a rich scriptural text written by the Apostle Paul, emphasizing God's - Yehovah's blessings, the inheritance of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, and Paul's prayer for spiritual enlightenment.
Below is a detailed breakdown of chapter one:
Greeting (Verses 1–2)
From Paul, an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by God's – Yehovah’s will. To God's – Yehovah’s holy and faithful people who are united with the Messiah in the city of Ephesus. Good will and peace from God - Yehovah our Father and the lord Messiah Jesus are yours!
Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus the Messiah by God's – Yehovah’s will and addresses the saints in Ephesus and other faithful followers of the lord Messiah Jesus. He offers a blessing of grace and peace from God the Father – Yehovah and Jesus the Messiah.
Spiritual Blessings in lord Messiah Jesus (Verses 3–14)
Praise the God and Father - Yehovah of the lord Messiah Jesus! Through the Messiah, God - Yehovah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer. Before the creation of the world, He chose us through the Messiah to be holy and perfect in His presence. Because of His love He had already decided to adopt us through Jesus the Messiah. He freely chose to do this so that the kindness He had given us in His dear Son would be praised and given glory. Through the blood [sin-offering sacrifice] of his Son, we have been set free from our sins. God - Yehovah forgives our failures because of His overflowing kindness. He poured out His kindness by giving us every kind of wisdom and insight when He revealed the mystery of His plan to us. He had decided to do this through the Messiah. He planned to bring all of history to its goal in the Messiah. Then the Messiah will be the head of everything in heaven and on earth [as lord and Messiah]. God - Yehovah also decided ahead of time to choose us through the Messiah according to His plan, which makes everything work the way He intends. He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on the Messiah would praise him and give him glory. You heard and believed the message of truth, the Good News [about the kingdom of God] that he has saved you. In him you were sealed with the Holy Spirit that He promised. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we will receive our inheritance. We have this guarantee until we are set free to belong to Him. God - Yehovah receives praise and glory for this.
This section highlights God's eternal plan and blessings for believers:
Blessings in Heavenly Places (Verse 3): Paul praises God - Yehovah for blessing the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus with every spiritual blessing in the Messiah.
Election and Predestination (Verses 4–5): God - Yehovah chose the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in love. He predestined [marked out beforehand] them for adoption as His children through the lord Messiah Jesus.
Grace and Redemption (Verses 6–7): The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are accepted in the beloved – the Messiah and redeemed through his blood [sin-offering sacrifice], receiving forgiveness of sins according to God's – Yehovah’s abundant grace.
Revelation of God's – Yehovah’s Will (Verses 8–10): God - Yehovah lavished wisdom on the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, revealing His plan to unite all things in heaven and earth under the lord Messiah Jesus at the fullness of time.
Inheritance and Sealing by the Spirit (Verses 11–14): The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are predestined [marked out beforehand] to an inheritance in the lord Messiah Jesus, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their redemption until they fully possess it [at their resurrection, all for God's glory.
3. Thanksgiving and Prayer (Verses 15–23)
I, too, have heard about your faith in the lord Jesus and your love for all of God's – Yehovah’s people. For this reason, I never stop thanking God - Yehovah for you. I always remember you in my prayers. I pray that the glorious Father - Yehovah, the God of the lord Messiah Jesus, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know the Messiah better. Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that He calls you to have and the glorious wealth that God's – Yehovah’s people will inherit. You will also know the unlimited greatness of his power as it works with might and strength for us, the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus. He worked with that same power in the Messiah when He brought him back to life and gave him the highest position in heaven [as lord and Messiah]. He is far above all rulers, authorities, powers, lords, and all other names that can be named, not only in this present age but also in the age to come. God - Yehovah has put everything [all creation] under the control of the Messiah [only Yehovah is excluded]. He has made the Messiah the head of everything for the good of the called-out Assembly. The called-out Assembly is the Messiah's body and completes him as he fills everything in every way.
Paul transitions into thanksgiving and intercession for his readers:
Thanksgiving for Faith and Love (Verses 15–16): Paul expresses gratitude for their faith in Jesus and love for fellow followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, continually praying for them.
Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation (Verse 17): He asks God - Yehovah to grant them spiritual wisdom and revelation to deepen their knowledge of Him.
Enlightenment of Understanding (Verse 18): Paul prays that their hearts be enlightened to comprehend the hope of God's – Yehovah’s calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance, and His power toward the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.
The Messiah’s Exaltation (Verses 19–23): Paul describes God's – Yehovah’s mighty power demonstrated in raising the lord Messiah Jesus from the dead, exalting Him above all rulers, authorities, powers, dominions, and every name. The lord Messiah Jesus is made head over all things for the called-out Assembly, which is his body - the fullness of Him - Yehovah who fills all in all.
Note: 1 Corinthians 15:27: Clearly, God - Yehovah has put everything under the Messiah's authority. When God - Yehovah says that everything [all creation – heaven, earth, and mankind] has been put under the Messiah's authority, this clearly excludes God - Yehovah, since God - Yehovah has put everything under the Messiah's authority.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER TWO
Ephesians Chapter Two is divided into two main sections:
Salvation by Grace through Faith (verses 1–10) and
Unity in the lord Messiah Jesus (verses 11–22).
Below is a detailed breakdown of chapter two:
Salvation by Grace through Faith (Verses 1–10)
***God – Yehovah saved us because of His great love for us
You were once dead because of your failures and sins. You followed the ways of this present age and its spiritual ruler [the Adversary – Satan]. This ruler continues to work in people who refuse to obey God - Yehovah. All of us once lived among these people and followed the desires of our corrupt nature. We did what our corrupt desires and thoughts wanted us to do. So, because of our [corrupt] nature, we deserved God’s – Yehovah’s anger just like everyone else.
But God is rich in mercy because of His great love for us. We were dead because of our sins, but He made us alive together with the Messiah. [It is God’s – Yehovah's grace that saved you.] God - Yehovah has brought us back to life together with the Messiah Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through the Messiah Jesus out of His generosity to us to show His extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It’s not the result of anything you’ve done, so no one can brag about it. God has made us what we are. He has created us in the Messiah Jesus to live lives filled with good works that He has prepared for us to do.
Paul begins by describing the spiritual condition of humanity before salvation:
Dead in Sin: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus were spiritually dead, living in disobedience and sin, influenced by the Adversary - Satan ("the prince of the power of the air") and their own fleshly desires (verses 1–3).
God’s Mercy and Grace: Despite humanity's sinful state, God - Yehovah, rich in mercy and love, made the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus alive in the Messiah. This marks the first mention of salvation by grace (verses 4–5).
Raised with the lord Messiah Jesus: Paul emphasizes that the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are seated with the Messiah in heavenly places, showcasing God's – Yehovah’s grace throughout eternity (verses 6–7).
Salvation by Faith: Verses 8–9 is pivotal, stating salvation is a gift from God through faith that cannot be earned by works, ensuring no one can boast. The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are described as God’s – Yehovha’s “workmanship,” created for good works prepared in advance by God - Yehovah (verse 10).
Unity in the lord Messiah Jesus (verses 11-22
Remember that you were not Jewish physically. Those who called themselves “the circumcised” because of what they had done to their bodies called you “the uncircumcised.” Also, at that time, you were without the Messiah. You were excluded from citizenship in Israel, and the covenants God made in His promises were foreign to you. You had no hope and were in the world without God - Yehovah.
But now through the Messiah Jesus you, who were once far away, have been brought near by the blood [sin-offering sacrifice] of the Messiah. So, he is our peace. In his body, he has made Jewish and non-Jewish people one by breaking down the wall of hostility that kept them apart. He brought an end to the commandments and demands found in Moses’ Teachings so that he could take Jewish and non-Jewish people and create one New Humanity in himself [When we become new creations in the lord Messiah Jesus, we have become members of the New Humanity of which he is the federal head]. So, he made peace. He also brought them back to God in one body by his cross, on which he did away with the hostility. He came with the Good News [gospel of the kingdom God] of peace for you who were far away and for those who were near. So Jewish and non-Jewish people can go to the Father - Yehovah in one Spirit.
That is why you are no longer foreigners and outsiders but citizens together with God’s – Yehovah’s people and members of God’s family. You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. The Messiah Jesus himself is the cornerstone. In him all the parts of the building fit together and grow into a holy temple in the Lord. Through him you, also, are being built in the Spirit together with others into a place where God - Yehovah lives.
Paul transitions to focus on the reconciliation and unity brought through the lord Messiah Jesus:
Gentiles Included: Gentiles were once alienated from God’s – Yehovah’s promises, described as “uncircumcision” and without hope. However, through the lord Messiah Jesus blood [sin-offering sacrifice], they have been brought near to God - Yehovah (verses 11–13).
Breaking Down Divisions:
The lord Messiah Jesus abolished hostility between Jews and Gentiles, creating one unified family. The law of commandments was fulfilled in Him, establishing peace and reconciliation (verses 14–16).
Access to God - Yehovah: Through the lord Messiah Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles have access to God - Yehovah the Father by one Spirit (verse 18).
Access to God - Yehovah: Through the lord Messiah Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles have access to God - Yehovah the Father by one Spirit (verse 18).
The Called-out Assembly as God's – Yehovah’s Household: Gentile followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are no longer strangers but part of God’s – Yehovah’s household. The called-out Assembly is depicted as a spiritual temple built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with the lord Messiah Jesus as the cornerstone. This temple grows into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit (verses 19–22).
Key Themes
Transformation from Death to Life: Humanity’s journey from spiritual death to spiritual life through God's – Yehovah’s mercy and grace is central to this chapter.
Salvation as a Gift: Salvation is entirely dependent on God's – Yehovah’s grace through faith, not human effort.
Unity in the lord Messiah Jesus: This chapter emphasizes reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles, forming one unified body – the called-out Assembly.
Purpose for the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are described as God's workmanship, created for good works prepared beforehand.
Ephesians Chapter 2 offers a profound reflection on salvation and unity in the lord Messiah Jesus, urging the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to live out their new identity, as members of God’s New Humanity as part of God's – Yehovah’s spiritual family.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER THREE
Ephesians Chapter Three 3 is a pivotal part of Paul's letter to the called-out Assembly in Ephesus, transitioning from the scriptural truth about salvation and grace to practical applications of living for the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.
This chapter is divided into two main sections:
Paul’s explanation of the mystery of the lord Messiah Jesus (verses 1–13) and
Paul’s prayer for spiritual strength (verses 14–21).
Verses 1–13: The Mystery of the lord Messiah Jesus Revealed
**Paul’s work of spreading the good new about the kingdom of God.
This is the reason I, Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus the Messiah for those of you who are not Jewish. Certainly, you have heard how God - Yehovah gave me the responsibility of bringing His grace to you. You have heard that He let me know this mystery through a revelation. I’ve already written to you about this briefly. When you read this, you will see that I understand the mystery about the Messiah. In the past, this mystery was not known by people as it is now. God’s Spirit has now revealed it to His holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is the Good News that people who are not Jewish have the same inheritance as Jewish people do. They belong to the same body and share the same promise that God - Yehovah made in the Messiah Jesus. I became a slave of this Good News through God’s – Yehovah’s grace freely given to me when His power worked in me.
I am the least of all God’s – Yehovah’s people. Yet, God - Yehovah showed me His kindness by allowing me to spread the Good News of the immeasurable wealth of the Messiah to people who are not Jewish. He allowed me to explain the way this mystery works. God - Yehovah, who created all things, kept it hidden in the past. He did this so that now, through the called-out Assembly, he could let the rulers and authorities in heaven know His infinite wisdom. This was God’s – Yehovah’s plan for all of history, which he carried out through the lord Messiah Jesus. We can go to God - Yehovah with bold confidence through faith in the Messiah. So then, I ask you not to become discouraged by the troubles I suffer for you. In fact, my troubles bring you glory.
Paul's Role and Calling:
Paul identifies himself as a prisoner for the lord Messiah Jesus on behalf of the Gentiles (v. 1). He emphasizes his unique calling to administer God's – Yehovah’s grace and reveal the mystery entrusted to him (v. 2–3).
This mystery, previously hidden, is now revealed through the Spirit of God to apostles and prophets (v. 4–5).
The Mystery Defined:
The mystery is that Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel [when they enter into the kingdom of God], members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in the lord Messiah Jesus through the gospel [message about the kingdom of God] (v. 6).
Paul's Ministry:
Paul acknowledges his role as a slave of the gospel [the message about the kingdom of God] by God’s – Yehovah’s grace, despite considering himself "less than the least" of all the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus (v. 7–8).
His mission is to preach to Gentiles about the boundless riches of the Messiah and make plain God’s – Yehovah’s eternal plan, which was hidden for ages (v. 9).
God's Purpose Through the Called-out Assembly:
The called-out Assembly is to display God’s – Yehovah’s manifold wisdom to rulers and authorities in heavenly realms, fulfilling His eternal purpose accomplished in the lord Messiah Jesus (v. 10–11).
Through faith in Jesus, his followers have boldness and confident access to God - Yehovah (v. 12).
Encouragement Amid Suffering:
Paul urges his readers not to be discouraged by his imprisonment but to see it as their glory because it advances God’s – Yehovah’s plan (v. 13).
Verses 14–21: Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Strength
This is the reason I kneel in the presence of the Father from whom all the family in heaven and on earth receives its name. I am asking God - Yehovah to give you a gift from the wealth of His glory. I pray that He would give you inner strength and power through His Spirit. Then the Messiah will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation. This way, with all of God’s – Yehovah’s people you will be able to understand how wide, long, high, and deep His love is. You will know the Messiah’s love, which goes far beyond any knowledge. I am praying this so that you may be completely filled with God - Yehovah.
Glory belongs to God - Yehovah, whose power is at work in us. By this power, He can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory belongs to God - Yehovah in the called-out Assembly and in the Messiah Jesus for all time and eternity! Amen.
Paul's Posture in Prayer:
Paul kneels before God - Yehovah, acknowledging Him as the Father from whom every family derives its name (v. 14–15).
Prayer for Inner Strength:
He prays that God - Yehovah would strengthen the Ephesians through His Spirit so that the Messiah may dwell in their hearts through faith (v. 16–17).
Understanding the lord Messiah Jesus Love:
Paul desires for the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to be rooted and grounded in love, comprehending its vast dimensions; its width, length, height, and depth; and knowing a love that surpasses knowledge (v. 18–19).
Filled with God's – Yehovah’s Fullness:
He prays that they may be filled with all the fullness of God - Yehovah, experiencing His transformative presence (v. 19).
Doxology:
The chapter concludes with praise to God - Yehovah, who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power at work within us (v. 20).
Paul gives glory to God - Yehovah in the called-out Assembly and in the Messiah Jesus throughout all generations forever (v. 21).
Key Themes
Unity in the lord Messiah Jesus: Jews and Gentiles are united as one body through faith in Jesus.
God’s – Yehovah’s Eternal Plan: The mystery of salvation was part of God's – Yehovah’s purpose from eternity.
Spiritual Empowerment: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are strengthened by God’s – Yehovah’s Spirit to grasp the incomprehensible love of the Messiah.
God's – Yehovah’s Omnipotence: Paul highlights God's – Yehovah’s ability to exceed human imagination in fulfilling His purposes.
This chapter beautifully intertwines scriptural truth with heartfelt prayer, encouraging the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to embrace their identity in the lord Messiah Jesus while seeking spiritual maturity and strength through God's – Yehovah’s love and power.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER FOUR
Ephesians Chapter Four marks a pivotal shift in Paul’s letter, transitioning from doctrinal teachings to practical applications. It emphasizes unity, spiritual growth, and the transformation of believers' lives.
Below is a detailed breakdown of this chapter:
Unity in the Body of the lord Messiah Jesus (Ephesians 4:1–6)
I, a prisoner in the Lord, encourage you to live the kind of life which proves that God - Yehovah has called you. Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives. There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way, you were called to share one hope. There is one lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all - Yehovah, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything.
Paul begins by urging believers to live a life worthy of their calling, emphasizing virtues that foster unity:
Humility, gentleness, patience, and love are essential for maintaining peace and harmony (4:2).
Paul underscores the oneness of the faith of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus through seven unifying elements: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (4:4–6).
This reflects the spiritual unity that binds all the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus together.
Diversity of Gifts and Roles in the Church (Ephesians 4:7–16)
God’s grace has been given to each of us. It was measured out to us by the Messiah who gave it. That’s why the Scriptures say:
“When he went to the highest place, he took captive those who had captured us and gave gifts to people.”
Now what does it mean that he went up except that he also had gone down to the lowest parts of the earth [the grave]? The one who had gone down also went up above all the heavens so that he fills everything [because Yehovah has made him both lord and Messiah with power of all His creation and over mankind].
He also gave apostles, prophets, and missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers, as gifts to his called-out Assembly. Their purpose is to prepare God’s – Yehovah’s people to serve and to build up the body of the Messiah [the called-out Assembly]. This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God’s – Yehovah’s Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to the Messiah, who is the standard. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray. Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to the Messiah, who is the head [of the called-out Assembly]. He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Paul explains that while believers are united, they are also diverse in their spiritual gifts:
The lord Messiah’s gifts to his followers are distributed according to his will (4:7). These include roles such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (4:11). These roles equip the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus for ministry and build up the called-out Assembly.
Diversity of Gifts and Roles in the Church (Ephesians 4:7–16)
God’s grace has been given to each of us. It was measured out to us by the Messiah who gave it. That’s why the Scriptures say:
“When he went to the highest place, he took captive those who had captured us and gave gifts to people.”
Now what does it mean that he went up except that he also had gone down to the lowest parts of the earth [the grave]? The one who had gone down also went up above all the heavens so that he fills everything [because Yehovah has made him both lord and Messiah with power of all His creation and over mankind].
He also gave apostles, prophets, and missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers, as gifts to his called-out Assembly. Their purpose is to prepare God’s – Yehovah’s people to serve and to build up the body of the Messiah [the called-out Assembly]. This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God’s – Yehovah’s Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to the Messiah, who is the standard. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray. Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to the Messiah, who is the head [of the called-out Assembly]. He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Paul explains that while believers are united, they are also diverse in their spiritual gifts:
The lord Messiah’s gifts to his followers are distributed according to his will (4:7). These include roles such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (4:11). These roles equip the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus for ministry and build up the called-out Assembly.
The purpose of these gifts is to achieve unity in faith, grow in knowledge of the Messiah, and attain spiritual maturity (4:12–13). Maturity helps the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus avoid being misled by false teachings and enables them to speak the truth in love (4:14–15).
Paul uses the metaphor of the called-out Assembly as a body with the Messiah as its head. Each member contributes to its growth by working together in love (4:16).
3. The New Life in the lord Messiah Jesus (Ephesians 4:17–32)
So, I tell you and encourage you in the lord’s name not to live any longer like other people in the world. Their minds are set on worthless things. They cannot understand because they are in the dark [spiritually]. They are excluded from the life that God - Yehovah approves of because of their ignorance and stubbornness. Since they no longer have any sense of shame, they have become promiscuous. They practice every kind of sexual perversion with a constant desire for more.
But that is not what you learned from the Messiah’s teachings. You have certainly heard his message and have been taught his ways. The truth is in Jesus. You were taught to change the way you were living. The person you used to be would ruin you through desires that deceived you. However, you were taught to have a new attitude [a renewed mind]. You were also taught to become a new person created to be like God, with a life that truly has God’s – Yehovah’s approval and is holy.
So then, get rid of lying. Speak the truth to each other because we are all members of the same body. Be angry without sinning. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the devil any opportunity to work. Thieves must quit stealing and, instead, they must work hard. They should do something good with their hands so that they’ll have something to share with those in need. Do not say anything that would hurt another person, Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you. Don’t give God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit any reason to be upset with you. He has put his seal on you for the day you will be set free from the world of sin. [at the resurrection] Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God - Yehovah has forgiven you through the Messiah.
Paul contrasts the old sinful life with the new life believers are called to live:
The Old Self: Non-believers ("Gentiles" in this context) live in futility, ignorance, and hardness of heart. They are alienated from God - Yehovah and indulge in impurity (4:17–19).
The New Self: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus must "put off" their old self and "put on" a new self created in righteousness and holiness. This transformation begins with a renewal of the mind (4:22–24).
Paul provides specific instructions for living this new life:
Speak truthfully to others because all the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are part of one body (4:25).
Avoid sinning in anger and do not give the devil a foothold (4:26–27).
Work honestly and share with those in need instead of stealing (4:28).
Use words to build others up rather than tearing them down (4:29).
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit but strive for kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, modeling the Messiah’s forgiveness toward us (4:30–32).
Key Themes
Unity: The chapter emphasizes that unity is rooted in shared faith and values but does not require uniformity. Diversity within unity strengthens the called-out Assembly.
Spiritual Growth: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to be mature in their faith, avoiding instability caused by false teachings.
Transformation: The life of a follower of the lord Messiah Jesus involves a radical transformation from an old sinful nature to a new life marked by holiness.
Practical Applications
Actively pursue unity by practicing humility, patience, and love.
Identify your spiritual gifts and use them to serve others within your community.
Commit to personal spiritual growth through prayer, study, and fellowship.
Replace sinful behaviors with godly virtues such as honesty, kindness, and forgiveness.
Ephesians chapter four serves as both an exhortation to live out the Gospel practically and a blueprint for building a unified yet diverse community of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.
Ephesians chapter four serves as both an exhortation to live out the Gospel practically and a blueprint for building a unified yet diverse community of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.
Ephesians chapter 5 can be divided into two main sections:
Living as followers of the lord Messiah Jesus (verses 1–21) and
Marriage as a Reflection of the Messiah and the Called-out Assembly (verses 22–33).
Below is a detailed outline:
Living as followers of the lord Messiah Jesus: Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom (Ephesians 5:1–21)
Imitating God – Yehovah. (vv. 1-7
Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Live in love as the Messiah also loved us. He gave his life for us as a sin-offering sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God - Yehovah.
Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God’s – Yehovah’s holy people. It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God. You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of God. Don’t let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. It is because of sins like these that God’s – Yehovah’s anger comes to those who refuse to obey him. Do not be partners with them.
Walking in Love (Verses 1–7)
Call to Imitate God: Believers are urged to imitate God as His beloved children, living in love as Christ loved us sacrificially (verses 1–2)
Warning Against Immorality: Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and foolish talk are condemned as inappropriate for God's holy people. Such behaviors exclude one from inheriting the Kingdom of God (verses 3–5)
Avoiding Deception: Believers are warned not to be deceived by empty words that minimize sin, as these behaviors bring God's wrath upon the disobedient (verses 6–7)
Living as Children of Light (Verses 8–14)
Once you lived in the dark, but now the lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. Light produces everything good that has God’s – Yehovah’s approval, and that is true. Determine which things please the lord. It has nothing to do with the useless works that [spiritual] darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says:
“Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and you will shine with the Messiah’s light.
Transformation from [spiritual] Darkness to Light: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to live as children of light, producing goodness, righteousness, and truth (verses 8–10).
Exposing Sin: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus should avoid fruitless deeds of [spiritual] darkness and instead expose them through their righteous living (verses 11–12).
Call to Awaken Spiritually: Paul quotes an early follower of the lord Messiah Jesus hymn urging the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to awaken spiritually so they will shine with the Messiah’s light (13- 14).
Walking in Wisdom and Spirit-Filled Living (Verses 15–21)
So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don’t be foolish but understand what the lord wants. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the lord with your hearts. Always thank God - Yehovah the Father for everything in the name of the lord Messiah Jesus. Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for the Messiah
Living Wisely: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are encouraged to make the most of their time and understand God's – Yehovah’s will because the days are evil (verses 15–17).
So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don’t be foolish but understand what the lord wants. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the lord with your hearts. Always thank God - Yehovah the Father for everything in the name of the lord Messiah Jesus. Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for the Messiah
Living Wisely: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are encouraged to make the most of their time and understand God's – Yehovah’s will because the days are evil (verses 15–17).
Filled with the Spirit: Instead of indulging in drunkenness, believers should be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, expressing their faith through psalms, hymns, thanksgiving, and mutual submission out of reverence for the lord Messiah Jesus (verses 18–21).
Marriage Reflecting the Messiah and the Called-out Assembly (Ephesians 5:22–33)
Wives, place yourselves under your husbands’ authority as you have placed yourselves under the Lord’s authority. The husband is the head of his wife as the Messiah is the head of the called-out Assembly. It is his body, and he is its Savior. As the called-out Assembly is under the Messiah’s authority, so wives are under their husbands’ authority in everything.
Husbands, love your wives as the Messiah loved the called-out Assembly and gave his life for it. He did this to make the called-out Assembly holy by cleansing it, washing it using water along with spoken words. Then he could present it to himself as a glorious called-out Assembly, without any kind of stain or wrinkle, holy and without faults. So, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. No one ever hated his own body. Instead, he feeds and takes care of it, as the Messiah takes care of the called-out Assembly. We are parts of his body. That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will be one. This is a great mystery. (I’m talking about the Messiah’s relationship to the called-out Assembly) But every husband must love his wife as he loves himself, and wives should respect their husbands.
Wives’ Submission to Husbands (Verses 22–24)
Submission as unto the Lord: Wives are called to submit to their husbands in a way that reflects their submission to the Messiah, using the analogy of the Messiah’s headship over the called-out Assembly (verses 22–24).
Husbands’ Love for Wives (Verses 25–30)
Sacrificial Love: Husbands are instructed to love their wives as the Messiah loves the called-out Assembly, sacrificing himself for her sanctification and cleansing through his word (verses 25–27).
Love as Self-Love: Husbands are reminded that loving their wives is akin to loving themselves since they are one flesh with their wives (verses 28–30).
The Mystery of Marriage and the Messiah’s Relationship with the Called-out Assembly (Verses 31–33)
Genesis Reference: Paul cites Genesis 2:24 regarding a man leaving his parents to unite with his wife as one flesh, applying this profound mystery to the Messiah's relationship with the called-out Assembly (verses 31–32).
Summary Command: Husbands must love their wives as themselves, while wives must respect their husbands (verse 33).
Key Themes
Imitation of God: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to emulate God’s – Yehovah’s character in love and holiness.
Light vs Darkness: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus must live transformed lives that expose sin and reflect God’s -Yehovah’s truth.
Spirit-Filled Living: A life guided by God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit leads to wisdom, thanksgiving, and mutual submission.
Marriage as a Divine Model: The relationship between a husband and wife mirrors the Messiah's sacrificial love for the called-out Assembly.
This chapter provides both practical guidance for daily living and profound scriptural insights into marriage.
Ephesians Chapter 6: Scriptural Account and Explanation
Ephesians Chapter 6 is the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It provides practical instructions for relationships, spiritual warfare, and final greetings. Below is a detailed account based on scripture:
Verses 1–4: Children and Parents
Children, obey your parents because you are followers of the lord Messiah Jesus. This is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother that everything may go well for you, and you may have a long life on earth.” This is an important commandment with a promise.
Fathers, do not make your children bitter about life. Instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.
Children are instructed to obey their parents in the lord because it is right (v. 1). This command is tied to the fifth commandment: "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise (v. 2). The promise is that things will go well and they will enjoy long life on earth (v. 3).
Children are instructed to obey their parents in the lord because it is right (v. 1). This command is tied to the fifth commandment: "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise (v. 2). The promise is that things will go well and they will enjoy long life on earth (v. 3).
Fathers are warned not to provoke their children to anger but are encouraged to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the lord (v. 4).
Verses 5–9: Servants and Masters
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with proper respect. Be as sincere as you are when you obey the Messiah. Don’t obey them only while you’re being watched, as if you merely want to please people. But obey like slaves who belong to the Messiah, who have a deep desire to do what God - Yehovah wants them to do. Serve eagerly as if you were serving your heavenly master and not merely serving human masters. You know that your heavenly master will reward all of us for whatever good we do, whether we’re slaves or free people.
Masters, treat your slaves with respect. Don’t threaten a slave. You know that there is one master in heaven who has authority over both of you, and he doesn’t play favorites.
Servants (or slaves) are instructed to obey their earthly masters with respect, fear, and sincerity, as though serving the Messiah rather than men (vv. 5–6). They are urged to serve wholeheartedly, knowing that God - Yehovah will reward their good deeds regardless of their status (vv. 7–8).
Masters are advised to treat their servants in the same way, refraining from threats. Paul reminds them that both masters and servants share a Master in heaven who shows no favoritism (v. 9).
Verses 10–20: The Armor of God
Finally, receive your power from the lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God - Yehovah supplies. In this way, you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of [spiritual] darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly places. For this reason, take up all the armor that God - Yehovah supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.
So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s – Yehovah’s approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News [about the kingdom of God] that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the faith of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also, take salvation as your helmet and God’s – Yehovah’s word as the sword that His Spirit supplies.
Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason, be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s – Yehovah’s people. 19 Also pray that God will give me the right words to say. Then I will speak boldly when I reveal the mystery of the Good News. Because I have already been doing this as the Messiah’s representative - ambassador, I am in prison. So, pray that I speak about this Good News as boldly as I have to.
Paul shifts focus to spiritual warfare:
The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to be strong in the lord and his mighty power (v. 10).
They are instructed to put on the full armor of God - Yehovah to stand against the devil's schemes (v. 11).
The battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms - places (v. 12).
The armor includes:
Belt of truth (v. 14)
Breastplate of righteousness (v. 14)
Shoes fitted with readiness from the gospel of peace (v. 15)
Shield of faith, which extinguishes fiery darts from the evil one (v. 16)
Helmet of salvation (v. 17)
Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (v. 17).
Paul emphasizes prayer, urging believers to pray always in the Spirit for all the saints – holy ones and remain alert with perseverance (v. 18). He requests prayers for boldness in proclaiming the gospel [the message about the kingdom of God] despite being an ambassador in chains (vv. 19–20).
Verses 21–24: Final Greetings
I’m sending Tychicus to you. He is our dear brother and a faithful deacon in the lord’s work. He will tell you everything that is happening to me so that you will know how I’m getting along. That’s why I’m sending him to you so that you may know how we’re doing and that he may encourage you.
May God - Yehovah the Father and the lord Messiah Jesus give our brothers and sisters peace and love along with faith. His grace is with everyone who has an undying love for the lord Messiah Jesus.
Paul introduces Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister, who will inform the Ephesians about Paul’s circumstances and encourage their hearts (vv. 21–22).
He concludes with blessings of peace, love, faith, and grace for all who love Jesus Christ with an undying love (vv. 23–24).
Summary
Ephesians Chapter Six addresses:
Family Relationships: Children should obey parents; fathers must nurture without provoking anger.
Social Relationships: Servants should serve sincerely; masters must treat servants fairly.
Spiritual Warfare: Believers must wear God's – Yehovah’s armor to stand firm against spiritual challenges.
Final Encouragements: Paul offers blessings and sends Tychicus for encouragement.
This chapter combines practical guidance with spiritual empowerment, emphasizing unity in the lord Messiah Jesus across all relationships and situations
No comments:
Post a Comment