Title and Author: The book of Ephesians is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. The title "Ephesians" refers to the recipients of the letter, the believers in Ephesus. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is identified as the author in the opening verse: "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:1).

Historical Context: Ephesians was likely written around A.D. 60-62 during Paul's imprisonment in Rome. Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its temple to Artemis and its diverse population. The city was a hub of commerce and culture, which made it a strategic location for the spread of the Gospel.

Audience: The letter was addressed to the Christian community in Ephesus, a group composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. The Ephesian church was established during Paul's missionary journeys, and he had a deep relationship with them, having spent considerable time teaching and nurturing the congregation.

Purpose: Paul wrote Ephesians to strengthen the believers in their faith, to promote unity within the church, and to provide instruction on living a life worthy of their calling in Christ. The letter emphasizes the spiritual blessings in Christ and the importance of the church as the body of Christ.

Genre and Style: Ephesians is an epistle, characterized by its theological depth and practical exhortations. Paul uses a formal and structured style, with long, complex sentences and rich theological language.1. Paul (Ephesians 1:1)
- Paul is the author of the letter. He identifies himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God." Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and extensive writings in the New Testament.

2. Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21)
- Tychicus is mentioned as a "beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord." He was a companion of Paul and is believed to have delivered this letter to the Ephesians. Tychicus is noted for his role in communicating Paul's messages to the churches.1. Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1)
- Ephesus is the primary location associated with the Book of Ephesians. It was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Ephesus was an important center for early Christianity and was known for its large temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Paul spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus during his missionary journeys, and the church there was one of the most prominent in the early Christian world.

2. Heavenly Realms (Ephesians 1:3)
- While not a physical location on Earth, the "heavenly realms" are mentioned several times in Ephesians. This term refers to the spiritual dimension where Christ reigns and where believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing. It emphasizes the spiritual nature of the blessings and battles that Christians experience.

3. Heaven (Ephesians 1:10)
- Heaven is mentioned in the context of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth. It represents the divine realm where God dwells and where believers' ultimate hope and inheritance lie.1. Greeting and Introduction (Ephesians 1:1-2):
Paul begins the letter with a greeting, identifying himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and addresses the saints in Ephesus.

2. Spiritual Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14):
Paul praises God for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers, including election, adoption, redemption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that these blessings are part of God's eternal plan.

3. Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation (Ephesians 1:15-23):
Paul prays for the Ephesians, asking God to give them wisdom and revelation to know Him better, and to understand the hope and power available to them in Christ.

4. Made Alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10):
Paul explains how believers were once dead in their sins but have been made alive through Christ. This transformation is by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast.

5. Unity in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22):
Paul discusses the unity between Jews and Gentiles, who are now one in Christ. He describes how Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, creating one new humanity and reconciling both groups to God.

6. Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-13):
Paul explains his role in revealing the mystery of Christ, which is that Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel. He speaks of his mission to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles.

7. Prayer for Spiritual Strength (Ephesians 3:14-21):
Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened with power through the Spirit, to grasp the love of Christ, and to be filled with the fullness of God.

8. Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16):
Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling, maintaining unity through the Spirit. He describes the church as a body with diverse gifts, working together to achieve maturity and fullness in Christ.

9. Instructions for Christian Living (Ephesians 4:17-32):
Paul instructs believers to put off their old selves and to be renewed in the spirit of their minds. He emphasizes living a life of righteousness and holiness, speaking truth, and forgiving one another.

10. Imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-20):
Paul calls believers to imitate God by living a life of love, avoiding immorality, and being filled with the Spirit. He encourages them to make the most of every opportunity and to give thanks to God.

11. Instructions for Households (Ephesians 5:21-6:9):
Paul provides guidance for relationships within households, including husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and slaves. He emphasizes mutual submission and love, reflecting Christ's relationship with the church.

12. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20):
Paul concludes with a call to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. He describes the armor as including truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.

13. Final Greetings and Benediction (Ephesians 6:21-24):
Paul sends final greetings, mentioning Tychicus, who will inform the Ephesians of Paul's circumstances. He concludes with a benediction of peace, love, and grace to all who love Jesus Christ.1. Spiritual Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
- Paul begins by highlighting the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, emphasizing that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. This theme underscores the richness of God's grace and the spiritual inheritance of believers.

2. Unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 2:14)
- A central theme in Ephesians is the unity of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, in the body of Christ. Paul explains how Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, creating one new humanity and fostering peace and reconciliation.

3. The Mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 3:6)
- Paul speaks of the mystery that was hidden for ages but is now revealed: that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. This theme highlights the inclusivity of God's salvation plan.

4. The Church as the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23)
- The church is described as the body of Christ, with Christ as its head. This metaphor emphasizes the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of each member functioning in unity and harmony.

5. Christian Conduct and Holiness (Ephesians 4:1)
- Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This theme focuses on the ethical and moral conduct expected of Christians as they reflect their new identity in Christ.

6. Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:11)
- The theme of spiritual warfare is addressed as Paul instructs believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. This highlights the reality of spiritual battles and the need for divine strength and protection.

7. The Role of Grace and Faith (Ephesians 2:8)
- Paul emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. This theme underscores the unmerited favor of God and the importance of faith in the believer's life.

8. The Love of Christ (Ephesians 3:17-19)
- The love of Christ is a profound theme, as Paul prays for believers to be rooted and grounded in love and to comprehend the vastness of Christ's love. This theme highlights the transformative power of divine love in the believer's life.

9. The New Self (Ephesians 4:22-24)
- Believers are called to put off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This theme emphasizes the transformation and renewal that occurs in a believer's life through the Holy Spirit.

10. Submission and Relationships (Ephesians 5:21)
- Paul addresses various relationships, including those between husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and servants. The theme of mutual submission and love is central, reflecting Christ's relationship with the church.1. Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:1)
- Type: Messiah/Anointed One
- Description: Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed Savior sent by God.

2. Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2)
- Type: Sovereign Ruler
- Description: This title underscores Jesus' divine authority and lordship over all creation, as well as His role as the source of grace and peace.

3. Beloved (Ephesians 1:6)
- Type: Object of Divine Love
- Description: Refers to Jesus as the beloved Son of God, in whom believers are accepted and through whom they receive grace.

4. Redeemer (Ephesians 1:7)
- Type: Savior
- Description: Jesus is described as the one through whom we have redemption, highlighting His sacrificial death that brings forgiveness of sins.

5. Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23)
- Type: Leader and Authority
- Description: Jesus is depicted as the head over all things to the church, indicating His supreme authority and leadership over the body of believers.

6. Peace (Ephesians 2:14)
- Type: Reconciler
- Description: Jesus is described as our peace, who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body.

7. Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)
- Type: Foundation
- Description: Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, the essential foundation upon which the apostles and prophets build the spiritual structure.

8. Mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:4)
- Type: Revealed Truth
- Description: Refers to the previously hidden truth now revealed in Christ, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles in the promises of God.

9. Giver of Gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8)
- Type: Provider
- Description: Jesus is portrayed as the one who ascended on high and gave gifts to men, distributing spiritual gifts to equip the church.

10. Head of the Body (Ephesians 4:15-16)
- Type: Source of Growth
- Description: Jesus is the head from whom the whole body, the church, grows and builds itself up in love, emphasizing His role in spiritual maturity.

11. Lover of the Church (Ephesians 5:25)
- Type: Bridegroom
- Description: Jesus is depicted as the one who loves the church and gave Himself up for her, illustrating His sacrificial love and commitment.

12. Savior of the Body (Ephesians 5:23)
- Type: Protector and Deliverer
- Description: Jesus is the Savior of the body, the church, highlighting His role in preserving and delivering His people.1. Prophecy of the Mystery of God's Will Revealed (Ephesians 1:9-10)
- Reference: "He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ."
- Fulfillment: This passage speaks to the revelation of God's plan through Jesus Christ, which was previously hidden but is now made known to believers. The fulfillment is ongoing as the church grows and unites in Christ.

2. Prophecy of Unity of Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-16)
- Reference: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility."
- Fulfillment: The prophecy of unity between Jews and Gentiles is fulfilled through the work of Christ, who reconciles both groups into one body, the church.

3. Prophecy of the Church as the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13)
- Reference: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ."
- Fulfillment: The church's growth and maturity in faith and knowledge of Christ is an ongoing fulfillment of God's plan for His people.

4. Prophecy of the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-13)
- Reference: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."
- Fulfillment: The call to put on the armor of God is a prophetic exhortation for believers to be prepared for spiritual battles, with the fulfillment seen in the daily lives of Christians who stand firm in their faith.

While Ephesians does not contain specific prophecies with direct fulfillments like some other biblical texts, it does emphasize the unfolding of God's eternal plan through Christ and the church.

1. Paul’s Greeting to the Ephesians  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2 )

2. God’s Purpose for the Church  ( 1:3⁠–⁠3:21 )

a. Spiritual Blessings  ( 1:3⁠–⁠14 )

b. Spiritual Wisdom  ( 1:15⁠–⁠23 )

c. Alive with Christ  ( 2:1⁠–⁠10 )

d. One in Christ  ( 2:11⁠–⁠18 )

e. Christ Our Cornerstone  ( 2:19⁠–⁠22 )

f. The Mystery of the Gospel  ( 3:1⁠–⁠13 )

g. Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians  ( 3:14⁠–⁠21 )

3. Fulfilling God's Purpose for the Church  ( 4:1⁠–⁠6:20 )

a. Unity in the Body  ( 4:1⁠–⁠16 )

b. Righteous Living  ( 4:17⁠–⁠5:20 )

i. New Life in Christ  ( 4:17⁠–⁠32 )

ii. Imitators of God  ( 5:1⁠–⁠7 )

iii. Children of Light  ( 5:8⁠–⁠20 )

c. Authority and Submission  ( 5:21⁠–⁠6:9 )

i. Submit to One Another  ( 5:21 )

ii. Wives and Husbands  ( 5:22⁠–⁠33 )

iii. Children and Parents  ( 6:1⁠–⁠4 )

iv. Serving with Honor  ( 6:5⁠–⁠9 )

d. The Full Armor of God  ( 6:10⁠–⁠20 )

4. Final Greetings  ( 6:21⁠–⁠24 )