Backstory
When was the letter to Ephesians written?
During Paul's first Roman imprisonment, around 60-63 AD.
Why does Paul address Ephesian believers as saints?
Because they are positionally holy, set apart (hagios) and faithful and trust in God's promises (pistos)
What is the seal that always accompanies salvation according to Eph.1: 13-14?
Holy Spirit of Promise. He's the guarantee or "downpayment" of our inheritance.
For whom is this prayer of Paul's that is presented in the second half of Eph. 1?
For those who are already saved (saints in Christ) (v. 15-16)
According to Gal. 3:18 how do we receive the inheritance promised to believers in Eph. 1:11?
Inheritance received through Promise, not the Law.
Where is Ephesus located? Name historical place and modern day counterpart.
Asia Minor (modern day Turkey)
According to Paul, how do grace and peace come to God's people)?
Both are freely given by the Father (undeserved).
What is the spiritual blessing to believers outlined in Eph. 1:9?
He made known to us the mystery of His will.
What is the nature of God's power at work in our very own lives that Paul mentioned in Eph. 1:20?
This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly places.
2 Thess. 2:13 talks about this spiritual blessing that parallels Eph. 1: 4-5
Predestination (God chose us for salvation through sanctification)
Who was the intended audience of the letter to Ephesians?
Gentile believers living in Asia Minor (Eph. 2:11-13)
What part does Paul attribute to the Holy Spirit in our salvation?
Holy Spirit of promise seals the believers and is a guarantee of our inheritance.
What, according to Eph. 1:4, is God's purpose for redeeming us and what motivated God to choose us to receive this blessing?
He chose us to be holy (set apart) and without blame before Him in love. He sought us because of the love that was in his heart from eternity to be with His Son for eternity.
Name 3 things that Paul asks for in his petition in Eph. 1:17.
1. Wisdom
2. Revelation
3. Knowledge
2 Cor. 5:5 talks about this "guarantee" paralleled in Eph. 1:13-14
Holy Spirit of Promise
What was the purpose of the letter to Ephesians?
1. Paul proclaimed spiritual resources believers have received (Eph.1) .2 He explained how God reconciled believers to Himself and to one another as members of the church (Eph. 2-3). 3 He exhorted them to draw on these resources to live a life of unity. (Eph. 4-6)
What part does God the Father play in our salvation, according to Eph. 1?
1. He blessed us with every spiritual blessing
2. He chose us in Him
3. He predestined us to adoption as sons
4. He made us accepted in the beloved
What is the overarching purpose, according to Eph. 1:6, in God saving us?
Our salvation is to the praise of the glory of God's grace.
What is the relationship between Christ and the church that Paul outlines in Eph. 1:22?
Christ is the head of the church, the body. Body cannot function without the head.
How does Phil. 2:9-10 explain what Paul means in Eph. 1:21?
That this name (Lord Jesus Christ) will make everyone be in total submission to Him, and that will bring glory to the Father.
What is another letter written by Paul that shares a lot of the similar content?
Colossians (more than 75 of Ephesians' 155 verses) written during the same Roman imprisonment.
What part does Jesus Christ play in our salvation in Eph.1?
1. Redemption in Him
2. Forgiveness of sins
3. Inheritance in Him
4. We believe in Him
What is the spiritual blessing mentioned in Eph. 1:11?
In Him we have obtained an inheritance (being adopted into God's family through our union with Jesus Christ).
Name all 3 things that come to enlightened hearts outlined in Eph. 1: 18-19
1. Hope of His calling
2. knowing the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints
3. realization of God's power towards us
Ps. 110:1 parallels Eph. 1:22 in describing Jesus's position
He's head over all things to the church, and his enemies are his footstool.