1 After saluting the Ephesians, 3 Paul blesseth God for his spiritual blessings on those whom he had chosen in Christ, and predestinated to the adoption of children; 7 for our redemption by his grace, according to his revealed purpose of gathering together all in one under Christ; 11 for the inheritance already obtained by those who first trusted in Christ; 13 and for the Spirit given to after-believers, as an earnest of the same. 15 He declareth his continual thankfulness to God for their faith, and his prayers that God would perfect them in the knowledge of those things, which concerned their state in Christ, 20 whom God had raised up, and exalted to be the supreme head of his body the church.
1 Paul setteth before the Ephesians their former corrupt heathen state, 4 and God's rich mercy in their deliverance. 8 We are saved by grace, not of works, yet so as to be created in Christ unto good works. 11 They who were once strangers, and far from God, are now brought near by Christ's blood, who having abolished the ritual law, the ground of distinction between Jew and Gentile, hath united both in one body, and gained them equal access to the Father. 19 So that the Gentiles are henceforth equally privileged with the Jews, and together with them constitute an holy temple for the habitation of God's Spirit.
1 Paul, in bonds for preaching Christ to the Gentiles, sheweth that the mystery of their calling, heretofore hidden, had been revealed to him, 7 that by his ministry God's gracious purpose might be universally known, and the Gentiles be assured of their acceptance by faith. 13 He desireth his Ephesian converts not to be discouraged at his sufferings on their account; 14 and prayeth that God would strengthen their faith and knowledge of the infinite love of Christ. 20 He giveth glory to God for his power in the church by Christ Jesus.
1 Paul exhorteth to those virtues which become the Christian calling, particularly to unity: 7 declaring that Christ gave his gifts differently, that his body the church might be built up and perfected in the true faith by the cooperation of the individual members with one another, and with him their head. 17 He calleth men off from the vain and impure conversation of the heathen world, 22 to renounce the old, and to put on the new, man: 25 to discard lying, 26 and sinful anger; 28 to leave off dishonest practices, and to gain by honest labour what they have occasion for; 29 to use no corrupt talk, 30 nor grieve God's Spirit; 31 to put away all expressions of ill will, and to practise mutual kindness and forgiveness.
1 Paul exhorteth to the imitation of God, and of the love of Christ: 3 to avoid fornication and all uncleanness, 5 which exclude from the kingdom of God, and draw down God's wrath on unbelievers: 7 with whose works of darkness Christians, that have better light to inform and influence them, should have no fellowship: 15 to walk with prudence and circumspection; 18 not to drink wine to excess, but to be filled with the Spirit, singing psalms, and giving thanks to God; 21 and being in due subordination to one another. 22 The duty of wives toward their husbands, 25 and of husbands toward their wives, enforced by the example of Christ and his church.
1 The relative duties of children, 4 and parents; 5 of servants, 9 and masters. 10 Paul exhorteth the brethren to resist spiritual enemies by putting on the whole armour of God, 18 and by perseverance in prayer, which he requireth for all saints, and particularly for himself, that he might preach the gospel with due boldness. 21 He commendeth Tychicus, 23 and concludeth with good wishes to all sincere Christians.