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Bible #49
Ephesians (Bible #49), ESV
The Life Application Bible Commentary series is the only commentary to offer sermon and lesson applications alongside stirring commentary. Each volume in the series provides in-depth explanation, background, and application for every verse in the text. Perfect for sermon preparation and lesson planning, this one-of-a-kind reference provides excellent quotes and a bibliography for additional commentary.
Additional features include
Charts, diagrams, and maps on the same page as their related verses
Quotes from various versions, such as the NIV, NRSV, and NLT
Key information graphically highlighted
Additional features include
Charts, diagrams, and maps on the same page as their related verses
Quotes from various versions, such as the NIV, NRSV, and NLT
Key information graphically highlighted
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 90
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About the author
Paul the Apostle
608books63followersPaul commonly known as Paul the Apostle and Saint Paul, was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world Generally regarded as one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age, he founded several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe from the mid-40s to the mid-50s AD.
The main source of information on Paul's life and works is the Acts of the Apostles book in the New Testament, with approximately half of its content documenting them. According to the Acts, Paul lived as a Pharisee and participated in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, possibly Hellenised diaspora Jews converted to Christianity, in the area of Jerusalem, prior to his conversion. Some time after having approved of the execution of Stephen, Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus so that he might find any Christians there and bring them "bound to Jerusalem". At midday, a light brighter than the sun shone around both him and those with him, causing all to fall to the ground, with the risen Christ verbally addressing Paul regarding his persecution. Having been made blind, along with being commanded to enter the city, his sight was restored three days later by Ananias of Damascus. After these events, Paul was baptized, beginning immediately to proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish messiah and the Son of God. He made three missionary journeys to spread the Christian message to non-Jews communities in Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia, Cyprus, Judea and Syria, as narrated in the Acts.
Fourteen of the 27 books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul. Seven of the Pauline epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder. Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews is not asserted in the Epistle itself and was already doubted in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. It was almost unquestioningly accepted from the 5th to the 16th centuries that Paul was the author of Hebrews, but that view is now almost universally rejected by scholars. The other six are believed by some scholars to have come from followers writing in his name, using material from Paul's surviving letters and letters written by him that no longer survive. Other scholars argue that the idea of a pseudonymous author for the disputed epistles raises many problems.
Today, Paul's epistles continue to be vital roots of the theology, worship and pastoral life in the Latin and Protestant traditions of the West, as well as the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox traditions of the East. Paul's influence on Christian thought and practice has been characterized as being as "profound as it is pervasive", among that of many other apostles and missionaries involved in the spread of the Christian faith.
The main source of information on Paul's life and works is the Acts of the Apostles book in the New Testament, with approximately half of its content documenting them. According to the Acts, Paul lived as a Pharisee and participated in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, possibly Hellenised diaspora Jews converted to Christianity, in the area of Jerusalem, prior to his conversion. Some time after having approved of the execution of Stephen, Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus so that he might find any Christians there and bring them "bound to Jerusalem". At midday, a light brighter than the sun shone around both him and those with him, causing all to fall to the ground, with the risen Christ verbally addressing Paul regarding his persecution. Having been made blind, along with being commanded to enter the city, his sight was restored three days later by Ananias of Damascus. After these events, Paul was baptized, beginning immediately to proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish messiah and the Son of God. He made three missionary journeys to spread the Christian message to non-Jews communities in Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia, Cyprus, Judea and Syria, as narrated in the Acts.
Fourteen of the 27 books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul. Seven of the Pauline epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder. Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews is not asserted in the Epistle itself and was already doubted in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. It was almost unquestioningly accepted from the 5th to the 16th centuries that Paul was the author of Hebrews, but that view is now almost universally rejected by scholars. The other six are believed by some scholars to have come from followers writing in his name, using material from Paul's surviving letters and letters written by him that no longer survive. Other scholars argue that the idea of a pseudonymous author for the disputed epistles raises many problems.
Today, Paul's epistles continue to be vital roots of the theology, worship and pastoral life in the Latin and Protestant traditions of the West, as well as the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox traditions of the East. Paul's influence on Christian thought and practice has been characterized as being as "profound as it is pervasive", among that of many other apostles and missionaries involved in the spread of the Christian faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
April 2, 2018
by Andrea Renee Cox
Ephesians is one of my favorite books written by apostle Paul. I especially like chapter 6, where he speaks of the armor of God. Gives me good chills every time I read it.
Ephesians is one of my favorite books written by apostle Paul. I especially like chapter 6, where he speaks of the armor of God. Gives me good chills every time I read it.
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April 1, 2024I found that the phrase “in Christ�, “in the Lord�, and “in the Spirit� was the most repeated phrase in this book. It was said 43 times in the whole book! Especially in the first half.
Whereas in the second half it said more “of Christ�, “of the Lord�, and “of the Spirit�.
This book points out the importance of who we are “in Him� and the results of when we are “of Him�. As well as pointing out what isn’t “in� or “of� Him.
Paul then gives instruction on how to apply these to our lives. Whether wives, husbands, fathers, children, workers, or masters all are to conduct themselves in a Christlike way.
He finishes with speaking of the biggest battle the Christian faces which is not of flesh and blood. It is the spiritual battle against the devil, his schemes, and the spiritual forces in high places. And he lists our Spiritual defences: the WHOLE armour of God and prayer.
He then leaves them with blessings of peace and love with faith from the Lord and grace to those who love the Lord in sincerity.
Whereas in the second half it said more “of Christ�, “of the Lord�, and “of the Spirit�.
This book points out the importance of who we are “in Him� and the results of when we are “of Him�. As well as pointing out what isn’t “in� or “of� Him.
Paul then gives instruction on how to apply these to our lives. Whether wives, husbands, fathers, children, workers, or masters all are to conduct themselves in a Christlike way.
He finishes with speaking of the biggest battle the Christian faces which is not of flesh and blood. It is the spiritual battle against the devil, his schemes, and the spiritual forces in high places. And he lists our Spiritual defences: the WHOLE armour of God and prayer.
He then leaves them with blessings of peace and love with faith from the Lord and grace to those who love the Lord in sincerity.
December 20, 2022
This is one of my favorite books of the Bible. This letter teaches us much about how to conduct ourselves in the salvation of Christ Jesus. I highly recommend that all read this book and be blessed in doing so.
December 31, 2022
Ephesians is just such a good book. I wish someone would write me a letter like it! If I were to quote all the good quotes in it, I'd basically have to quote the whole book. It's short and easy to read (so you can even read it in one go before going to sleep), yet is packed full of wisdom and verities.
Ephesians is a beautiful revelation of the church and presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the answer to the brokenness in this world. Paul states that the only way to see true transformation in this marred world is through the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul also hits on a wide range of moral, ethical, and spiritual behaviors in addition to the spiritual blessings we have in Christ Jesus (including the famous "Armor of God" in 6:10-17). He extorts his readers, us, to live up to our heavenly calling (4:1) and challenges us to "walk as children of Light" (5:7), to live exemplary Christian lives and be unified in love.
Ephesians is a beautiful revelation of the church and presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the answer to the brokenness in this world. Paul states that the only way to see true transformation in this marred world is through the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul also hits on a wide range of moral, ethical, and spiritual behaviors in addition to the spiritual blessings we have in Christ Jesus (including the famous "Armor of God" in 6:10-17). He extorts his readers, us, to live up to our heavenly calling (4:1) and challenges us to "walk as children of Light" (5:7), to live exemplary Christian lives and be unified in love.
"1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."
June 19, 2024
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.�
Ephesians� �6�:�12� NKJV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,�
Ephesians� �2�:�8�
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.�
Ephesians� �2�:�10�
“in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.�
Ephesians� �3�:�12�
“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height� to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.�
Ephesians� �3�:�17�-�19�
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.�
Ephesians� �3�:�20�-�21� �
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,�
Ephesians� �4�:�1�-3
“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.�
Ephesians� �4�:�23�-�24� NKJV�
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.�
Ephesians� �4�:�30�-�32�
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.�
Ephesians� �5�:�1�-�2�
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.�
Ephesians� �6�:�11�
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;�
Ephesians� �6�:�14�-�17� NKJV�
Ephesians� �6�:�12� NKJV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,�
Ephesians� �2�:�8�
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.�
Ephesians� �2�:�10�
“in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.�
Ephesians� �3�:�12�
“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height� to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.�
Ephesians� �3�:�17�-�19�
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.�
Ephesians� �3�:�20�-�21� �
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,�
Ephesians� �4�:�1�-3
“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.�
Ephesians� �4�:�23�-�24� NKJV�
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.�
Ephesians� �4�:�30�-�32�
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.�
Ephesians� �5�:�1�-�2�
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.�
Ephesians� �6�:�11�
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;�
Ephesians� �6�:�14�-�17� NKJV�
September 8, 2024
Ephesians is probably one of my favourite new testament books. Some many truths and powerful revelations revealed in just 6 short chapters.
Eph 1:17 "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,"
Eph 5:20 "Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Eph 6:14-18 "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert will all perseverance, making supplications for all the saints."
Eph 1:17 "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,"
Eph 5:20 "Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Eph 6:14-18 "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert will all perseverance, making supplications for all the saints."
February 19, 2016
An amazing book packed with wisdom, I found Ephesians easy to read and quite satisfying. I didn't realize it was such a short book! Anyway, I believe it was written by Apostle Paul, and I just found it to be wonderful. So many deep, meaningful verses!
So read Ephesians one of these days! It's nothing strenuous... not like reading 1 Chronicles or the like, :-)
So read Ephesians one of these days! It's nothing strenuous... not like reading 1 Chronicles or the like, :-)
September 28, 2024
Another wonderful epistle from the Apostle Paul.
November 3, 2021
I read NKJV, not ESV, but couldn't find NKJV listed w/just Ephesians. Also, the author is not anonymous, but is God through the apostle Paul.
(edit 1/28/16: We recently finished reading through Ephesians as a family. Last finished independently 10/25/15.)
(update 11/3/21: Read it on my own this time again -- still NKJV.)
(edit 1/28/16: We recently finished reading through Ephesians as a family. Last finished independently 10/25/15.)
(update 11/3/21: Read it on my own this time again -- still NKJV.)
Read
July 21, 2024“in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.� -Ephesians 1:7
what a beautiful book about the grace of God, the unity of the body, praying for others, and the strength of the Lord becoming your own.
“do not let the sun go down on your anger� (4:26) felt targeted�
what a beautiful book about the grace of God, the unity of the body, praying for others, and the strength of the Lord becoming your own.
“do not let the sun go down on your anger� (4:26) felt targeted�
Read
December 18, 2024I do not believe in giving ratings for books of the Bible.
February 13, 2021
Here are my takeaways from studying Ephesians this week:
1:5 Jesus gives us the chance to be sons (and daughters) of God!!
1:7-8 His death provided us redemption, forgiveness, and grace-He lavished these on us.
1:16-19 Pray these things for one another.
2:12 We would have NO hope in this world without God.
2:22 The church is now the Temple for/of God.
3:8 "Unsearchable riches of Christ"
3:14-19 Prayer for spiritual strength.
4:1 Walk worthy!
4:4-6 ONE
4:22-24 Put off the old, be renewed, and put on the new.
4:29 Our speech should be edifying, fitting, and grace filled.
5:1-2 Imitate Christ and His sacrificial love.
5:11 Expose them!
5:22 God's design for the family- the only one that matters!
6:4 "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord"
6:10-11 Be ready to fight the many schemes of Satan.
6:18 "keep alert"
6:20 Declare the gospel boldly
1:5 Jesus gives us the chance to be sons (and daughters) of God!!
1:7-8 His death provided us redemption, forgiveness, and grace-He lavished these on us.
1:16-19 Pray these things for one another.
2:12 We would have NO hope in this world without God.
2:22 The church is now the Temple for/of God.
3:8 "Unsearchable riches of Christ"
3:14-19 Prayer for spiritual strength.
4:1 Walk worthy!
4:4-6 ONE
4:22-24 Put off the old, be renewed, and put on the new.
4:29 Our speech should be edifying, fitting, and grace filled.
5:1-2 Imitate Christ and His sacrificial love.
5:11 Expose them!
5:22 God's design for the family- the only one that matters!
6:4 "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord"
6:10-11 Be ready to fight the many schemes of Satan.
6:18 "keep alert"
6:20 Declare the gospel boldly
July 8, 2020
I am currently working on reading through the Bible in the year and today I finished Ephesians! This book brings a continuous emphasis on the now new multi-ethnic family including gentiles into the family of God. Though they are all one, they all have unique parts in how they help the Body of Christ. Finally the book concludes with a commission to stand firm with the spiritual armor against the spiritual evil that is present in our world. Altogether a fantastic book of encouragement and reminder that we are all one in Christ.
October 25, 2021
"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints"
Ephesians 6:14�-�18
Ephesians 6:14�-�18
April 21, 2020
Ephesians is one of my favorite books of the Bible as Paul focuses on salvation by grace through faith. This is the only circular letter that Paul intended for several churches therefore not addressing the issues of one particular church. Instead it is a sermon meant to be proclaimed by the church. It emphasizes the theme of untiy and harmony in Christ in all settings especially the church and family.
December 31, 2020
Since each year I read the 24 chapters of the book of Luke from December 1st thru the 24th, I decided I’d not read anything on Christmas Day, but read a book in the Bible that had 6 chapters to have a daily chapter to read finish out the year. This year I chose Ephesians � chapter 4 brought me what I needed. Also chapter 6 is also close to my heart. I hope you read your Bible on a regular basis.
December 22, 2020
MY BIBLE CHALLENGE:
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
/review/list...
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
/review/list...
July 16, 2018
The reading of God's Word is so remarkable that there is nothing that I can say to make it any better. Please, if you are a lost soul, turn to God! He can heal you and give you the greatest peace that you will ever know!
September 29, 2017
Chapters 4, 5, and 6 are great!
July 27, 2021
Great for learning about the body of Christ and spiritual warfare. Highly recommend!
March 18, 2021
I highly recommend pairing The Bible Recap studies (free podcast/youtube) to your Bible reading. It's helped to bring a fresh perspective to these well-loved books.
April 26, 2021
"...Christ Jesus our Lord: In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him."
-Ephesians 3:11b,12
-Ephesians 3:11b,12
December 16, 2024
These epistles are so dense with Good News it's tricky to consolidate, even a little. No structure came to mind for this one other than the categories I chose, but I did notice running themes of unification, blessedness, riches, and inheritance. Somehow, this feels like the most packed book of them all to date - and I only have two left to read!
Good News According to Ephesians
We are:
-Blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven.
-Citizens and household members.
-God’s workmanship, created for good works.
-Alive with Christ, saved by grace, raised and seated with Him
-No longer far off and alienated, but now near!
-Children of light.
-Members of one another
-Filled with all the fulness of God.
Because of God,
-The riches of God’s grace are lavished upon us.
-We have an inheritance and are sealed with the Holy Spirit
-We all have access to the one Spirit.
-We can put on His armor
His reality:
-Christ’s riches are unsearchable, and His love surpasses all knowledge.
-God fills all things.
-He is our peace.
-The truth is in Jesus.
-God called us to a hope that we know and made us Christ’s body, the church, of which Christ is head.
-God is master of all classes of people, and He shows no partiality
-He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers.
Good News According to Ephesians
We are:
-Blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven.
-Citizens and household members.
-God’s workmanship, created for good works.
-Alive with Christ, saved by grace, raised and seated with Him
-No longer far off and alienated, but now near!
-Children of light.
-Members of one another
-Filled with all the fulness of God.
Because of God,
-The riches of God’s grace are lavished upon us.
-We have an inheritance and are sealed with the Holy Spirit
-We all have access to the one Spirit.
-We can put on His armor
His reality:
-Christ’s riches are unsearchable, and His love surpasses all knowledge.
-God fills all things.
-He is our peace.
-The truth is in Jesus.
-God called us to a hope that we know and made us Christ’s body, the church, of which Christ is head.
-God is master of all classes of people, and He shows no partiality
-He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers.
June 10, 2022
Ephesians is jammed pack with so many moments of wisdom. I read it in KJV and loved it. It stood out to me because of how many times 'called' and 'chosen' we're mentioned. Amen!
December 18, 2022
Studying this with our ABF on Sunday mornings.
May 23, 2024
this book gave a lot of good quotes about living with God’s love which was nice to read about ! It was a very quick read and everything flowed well.
April 12, 2025
The letters in the Bible feel so intimate and personal. A blessing to read.
October 19, 2023
A short, quick read with a lot of important and valuable truths!
December 8, 2021
Doing this Bible study at my church this fall has been SO rewarding and uplifting! Paul’s words on unity and standing firm against evil are so needed, yet so difficult to accomplish! Glad to have some community around me to wrestle with all these things. And even more thankful for the God who makes all things possible.
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