eph_ephotl

INTRODUCTION to the letter.

I.  Introduction of the letter (1:1-23)

A.  Salutation of the letter (1:1-2)

B.  Praise of God (1:3-14) for

1.  The Sovereign Choice of God (1:3-6)

2.  The Redemption through Christ (1:7-10)

3.  The Inheritance in Christ (1:11-12)

4.  The Sealing by the Holy Spirit (1:13-14)

C.  Paul’s First Prayer for his readers (1:15-23)

II.  Doctrinal Affirmations (2:1-3:21)

A.  Salvation by Grace (2:1-22)

1.  Personally: From Death to Life (2:1-10)

2.  Corporately: Jews and Gentiles Reconciled in One Body (2:11-22)

B.  Paul’s Stewardship of the Mystery (3:1-13)

1.  Opening Statement (3:1)

2.  The Mystery of Christ (3:2-7)

3.  The Stewardship of the Mystery (3:8-13)

C.  Paul’s Second Prayer for his Readers (3:14-21)

1.  The prayer for the readers (3:14-19)

2.  A Doxology (3:20-21)

III.  Practical Exhortations (4:1-6:20)

A.  The unity of the church (4:1-6)

B.  Diversity of Christ’s gifts (4:7-11)

C.  Purpose of the gifts (4:12-16)

D.  The Christian walk (4:17-5:21)

1.  Walk not as Gentiles (4:17-19)

2. The old and new man (4:20-24)

3.  Personal relationships (4:25-32)

4.  Walk in love (5:1-2)

5.  Warning against works of darkness (5:3-6)

6.  Walk in the light (5:7-14)

7.  Walk wisely (5:15-17)

8.  Be filled with the Spirit (5:18-21)

E.  The Christian household (5:22-6:9)

1.  Wives and husbands (5:22-33)

2.  Children and parents (6:1-4)

3.  Slaves and masters (6:5-9)

F.  The Christian warfare (6:10-20)

IV.  Conclusion (6:21-24)

A.  Commendation of Tychicus (6:21-22)

B.  Benediction (6:23-24)