An Introduction to Ephesians: The Church, the Body of Christ

An Introduction to Ephesians: The Church, the Body of Christ

The Epistle to the Ephesians stands as a monumental theological treatise, penned by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Rome. Far from a letter addressing specific problems within a local church, Ephesians is a profound exposition of God's eternal purpose concerning the Church, presenting it not merely as an organization, but as the very Body of Christ, united in Him and destined for His glory. It unveils the breathtaking scope of God's redemptive plan, conceived before the foundation of the world, culminating in the spiritual union of Jew and Gentile within one new humanity in Christ. This epistle calls believers to comprehend the immense spiritual blessings bestowed upon them, to walk worthy of their high calling, and to stand firm against the spiritual forces of darkness.

The Riches of God's Grace in Christ (Ephesians 1)

Paul begins this magnificent letter by setting the stage for God's grand design, revealing the unsearchable riches of His grace poured out upon believers in Christ. He declares that God chose us in Christ "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4) to be holy and without blame before Him in love. This divine election is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign will and pleasure. Through Christ, we are predestinated unto the adoption of children, redeemed through His blood, and receive the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:7

Moreover, God has revealed unto us the mystery of His will, which is to gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth (Ephesians 1:10). As believers, we have obtained an inheritance, being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. This sealing signifies our secure identification with Christ and our guaranteed future with Him.

Paul concludes the first chapter with a powerful prayer for the Ephesians, asking that God would grant them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the eyes of their understanding might be enlightened. He desires for them to truly know:

• The hope of God's calling.
• The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
• The exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe.

This power is demonstrated in Christ's resurrection from the dead and His exaltation to the right hand of the Father, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion. Christ is the head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23).

From Death to Life and Unity in Christ (Ephesians 2)

Chapter two vividly contrasts our former state of spiritual death with the new life we have in Christ. Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were once "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1), walking according to the course of this world, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath. But God, being rich in mercy, by His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. This is the essence of grace:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Through Christ, we are not only quickened but also raised up together and made to sit together in heavenly places. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. This profound transformation is the foundation for the unity that is the hallmark of the Church. Paul then addresses the historical division between Jew and Gentile. The Gentiles, once alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world, are now made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Christ Himself is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Ephesians 2:14). He abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances, to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Through Him, both Jew and Gentile have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Thus, the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:20-21).

The Mystery Revealed and God's Manifold Wisdom (Ephesians 3)

Chapter three unfolds the glorious mystery that was hidden from ages and from generations: the inclusion of the Gentiles as fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel (Ephesians 3:6). Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles, was given the stewardship of this grace. This revelation highlights God's expansive love and His intention to create a unified body, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

The Church, as the Body of Christ, is the vehicle through which God's manifold wisdom is made known even to the principalities and powers in heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10). This demonstrates the cosmic significance of the Church in God's eternal purpose. Paul concludes this chapter with another fervent prayer, asking that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith, that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that they might be filled with all the fulness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Walking Worthy of the Calling (Ephesians 4-5)

Having laid a robust theological foundation, Paul transitions in chapter four to the practical implications of being the Body of Christ. He exhorts believers to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1) with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. The emphasis shifts to unity and maturity within the Body. There is one Body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6).

To facilitate this unity and growth, Christ gave gifts to men: some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. These ministry gifts are for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). The goal is that we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). This entails putting off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and being renewed in the spirit of our mind, and putting on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Practical instructions follow regarding speech, anger, stealing, and bitterness. Believers are commanded to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Chapter five continues this theme, urging believers to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us (Ephesians 5:2), and to walk as children of light, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. The chapter also includes profound instructions on family relationships, particularly concerning husbands and wives, with the relationship between Christ and the Church serving as the ultimate model of love and submission.

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Ephesians 5:30

This verse powerfully underscores the intimacy and organic unity between Christ and His Church, His Body.

The Whole Armour of God (Ephesians 6)

The final chapter of Ephesians shifts from interpersonal relationships to spiritual warfare. Paul warns believers that their struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, believers must put on the "whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against the wiles of the devil. This spiritual armour includes:

Alongside donning this armour, Paul emphasizes the necessity of prayer: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18). This final exhortation highlights the spiritual battle that the Church, the Body of Christ, is engaged in, and the divine provision for victory.

Conclusion

The Epistle to the Ephesians is a profound masterpiece that elevates our understanding of the Church from a mere religious institution to the very Body of Christ, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. It takes us from God's eternal counsel before creation, through our redemption and unity in Christ, to our present walk in holiness and our future glory. It reveals God's magnificent purpose to unite all things in Christ, bringing Jew and Gentile into one new man, a holy temple, a dwelling place for God through the Spirit.

This letter is not merely a theological discourse; it is a powerful call to live out our identity in Christ. We are called to:

• Grasp the immense riches of God's grace and power.
• Walk in unity, love, and holiness as members of His Body.
• Stand strong against spiritual adversaries, equipped with God's full armour.

Ephesians beautifully articulates the believer's position in Christ, the Church's purpose in the world, and the spiritual resources available for living a life that reflects the glory of God. It is a foundational text for understanding Christian doctrine, practice, and the glorious destiny of the Church, the beloved Body of our Lord Jesus Christ.