“For the Perfecting of the Saints”

CFM: October 2–8

Ephesians

Videos and Podcasts

Video/ Podcast	​Lesson Extension	​Additional Materials
Scripture Central	Ephesians	Study Guide
Follow Him	Ephesians Part 1, Part 2	Transcripts
Line Upon Line	Ephesians	​FHE Lesson
Teaching with Power	Ephesians
Don't Miss This	Ephesians
​CFM New Testament	Ephesians
​Unshaken	Ephesians (Part 1, Part 2)
​The Interpreter Foundation	Ephesians	​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh
​Teaching Helps with John Hilton	Ephesians
​Ponderfun	Ephesians (not yet posted)
​Talking Scripture	Ephesians	Show Notes
​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class, New Testament	The Epistles of Paul, Colossians & Ephesians: Notes, Slides, Handout arnt25_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 9.00MB

Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson

The Book of Ephesians, one of the epistles within the New Testament, has traditionally been ascribed to the Apostle Paul, with its intended audience being the Christian community in the ancient city of Ephesus. However, scholarly debate surrounds the authorship of this letter, casting doubt on its direct attribution to Paul. During the era in which it was written, it was not uncommon for someone other than the purported author to compose a letter in their name. Various theories have emerged regarding the true authorship of Ephesians, and if it was not penned by Paul himself, it is likely that it was composed on his behalf, likely compiled from his other writing and public teachings. Some scholars propose that it may have been authored by one of Paul's trusted disciples or followers, such as Luke or Titus, while others speculate that Priscilla and Aquila could have played a role. Alternatively, Ephesians might be a compilation drawn from various sources or letters circulating during that period. One of the key factors contributing to doubts about Pauline authorship is the presence of noticeable disparities in vocabulary, writing style, sentence structure, tone, and theological emphasis when compared to other undisputed Pauline letters. These distinctions serve as primary reasons prompting scholars to consider the possibility of an alternate authorship for the Book of Ephesians.

If Paul actually did write Ephesians, tradition indicates it was probably written from Rome around 61-63 AD. If it was not written by Paul, scholars suggest it was likely written sometime during 70-95 AD. To understand the context and significance of this book, we must first delve into the history and culture of Ephesus and Paul's influence on the community.

Ephesus: A Historical Overview

Ephesus was a prominent ancient Greek city located on the western coast of modern-day Turkey. It was situated in Ionia, near the mouth of the Cayster River and was known for its strategic location as a major port city along the Aegean Sea. Ionia is historically known as the birthplace of Western Philosophy and Science, and it has a rich and diverse history that spanned several centuries.

According to legend, Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, the fabled female warriors associated with Diana (Artemis, "Wonder Woman"). The city's origins can be traced back to the Ionian Greeks in the 10th century BCE, but it likely has earlier ties to the Ancient Minoan civilization, as the communities share several common mythological themes and cultural/religious traditions. In the 7th century a group of 12 city states joined together to form the Ionian League, forming a socio-religious pact. This helped to provide support, safety, and stability to the community and region. This community would be instrumental during the Persian invasions in the 6th Century, and they would stand against King Darius during the first wave of Persian invasions. Following this invasion the Ionian League partnered with Athens and other areas to create the Delian League to stand against King Xerxes (Ahursus), and they were able to successfully maintain their independence (The Formation of the Delian League). These event propelled Greece into their Golden Age. This history is alluded to in the book of Esther.

Ephesus flourished under various Greek rulers and became a vital hub for trade and commerce. During the Roman Empire, Ephesus continued to thrive and was known for its impressive architecture, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It also served as the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus was a center of culture and religion. The Temple of Artemis was a focal point for religious worship, and the city was home to diverse religious practices, including the spread of Christianity. The city's proximity to the sea and well-developed infrastructure made it a key trading center in the region, fostering economic and intellectual prosperity.

According to Acts 18:19-21, Paul visited Ephesus briefly on his second missionary journey but promised to return, which he did on his third journey (Acts 19). During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul engaged in extensive evangelism, teaching, and building up the church community. His influence on the Christian community in Ephesus was profound.

Some of the major events involving Paul in Ephesus include:

1. Teaching in the Synagogue: Paul initially began his ministry in Ephesus by preaching in the synagogue. He gained a following and started teaching about Jesus Christ. Following being expelled from the Synagogue he began teaching at the School of Tyrannus, and developed a large following.

2. Miracles and Spiritual Warfare: Acts 19:11-20 describes how Paul performed miracles including healing the sick, and casting out demons in the name of Christ. "And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them." (11-12). Some tried to duplicate the miracles Paul performed, but they were unsuccessful, and their efforts backfired.

3. The Riot in Ephesus: Acts 19:23-41 recounts a riot instigated by silversmiths who were concerned about the impact of Paul's teaching on the trade of idols related to Artemis (Diana). This event demonstrated the strong reaction Paul's message provoked, and the significant impact it had, Paul: Uproar in Ephesus. So great was Paul's message, many completely abandoned and rejected the previous traditions, even going so far as to burn and destroy many of the communities records and artifacts. This spurred a great deal of contention, anger, and fear. While one might appreciate the zeal these early members had for the Gospel, their contentious methods set dangerous precedents that brought immediate and long term consequences. Paul's message of unity and oneness in Ephesians addresses the importance of being peacemakers.

Overview:

Ephesians 1 contains important theological and practical insights for the early Christian community in Ephesus and beyond. This letter served to strengthen the faith of believers in a culturally diverse and spiritually challenging context, offering them a vision of their identity and purpose in Christ.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Ephesians 1			​​INT Ephesians Commentary by Phillip Abbot Ephesians-ebook (1) .pdf Download PDF • 195KB
​Verse 1-2	​Salutations	​Standard opening greeting: Salutations indicating sender and recipients. ​χάρις Charis, a greeting that Paul frequently and intentionally uses, means "Grace, beauty, charm, elegance, gratitude, and goodwill," it is the root for several English words such as charisma, cherish, caress, and charity; the word grace is also etymologically related, as the "g" and "c" got swapped, which was a very common occurrence for borrowed words from Greek to Latin. This root is alo related to the Greek name for Christ through the root, χείρ which means "hand" (חֶסֶד, χρηστότης). It is through Christ's hands, help, aid, support, charity, grace, power, and anointings that we can receive the blessings of salvation. These concepts of Grace were personified in Ancient Greek mythologies, which would have registered with the Ephesian Saints. Many recognized correlations between Greek mythological and linguistic remnants to the traditions and teachings that Paul taught. They saw commonalities between their traditions and those These were the types of distinctive markers that pointed many early converts to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, causing them to reject the cultural and religious traditions that they came to recognize as incomplete and flawed.
​Verses 3-14	​The Premortal Blessings of Redemption through Jesus Christ	Verses 3-6: Paul opens the letter by praising God for blessing believers with every spiritual and heavenly blessing in Christ. He emphasizes that God chose (elected) us from before the foundations of the world, and that were were predestined (foreordained) to be adopted and accepted into the glory and grace of God through Jesus Christ. Verses 7-10: Paul discusses redemption and the forgiveness of sins/offenses through Christ's blood. He recognizes God's wisdom and prudence in making know the plan of salvation, the mystery of his will, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might unite all things together as one, in heaven and on earth under Christ. Verses 11-14: Paul highlights the purpose of Christ, to bring to pass the predestinated inheritance that was determined among the counsel and operates according to His will.	​The Plan of Salvation & Pre-Existence: Foreordination Abraham 3, Moses 1 Premortality The Grand Counsel The Plan of Salvation Kingdoms of Glory Atonement of Jesus Christ The Traditional Seven Sacred Mysteries (Sacraments) as recorded by Peter Lombard (c.1100-1160): Baptism Confirmation Repentance Sacrament Holy Matrimony Ordination Unction (Priesthood Anointing)
​Verses 15-23	​Paul's Prayer of Thanksgiving, stresses Unity in Christ	Verses 15-16: Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian believers and his continual prayers for them. Verses 17-19: Paul prays for the Ephesians to receive wisdom and revelation through knowing Christ, that the eyes of their understanding might be enlightened, and they will know the hope of the calling, including the wealth, glory, and inheritance that lies in store for the saints. Verses 20-23: Paul emphasizes the power of Christ's Atonement, his authority and exaltation above all principalities and authorities, with the Church as His body, filled with His fullness.

The second chapter of Ephesians delves into key theological and practical themes that were crucial for the early Christian community in Ephesus, including themes of salvation by grace, unity in Christ, and reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles. These teachings provided guidance and encouragement to the Ephesian Christians, emphasizing their shared identity in Christ and the transformative power of God's grace in a diverse and complex cultural context.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Ephesians 2			​INT
​Verses 1-10	​Salvation by Grace through Faith: From Death to Life with Christ	Verses 1-3: Paul begins by describing the spiritual state of all people before coming to faith in Christ, emphasizing their deadness because of trespasses and sins. He wrote about them walking (הָלַך) according to the course of the world and the prince of disobedience. Verses 4-7: Paul highlights God's rich mercy and love, which led Him to save those who were by nature in a fallen and carnal state, the "children of wrath." Those who make the choice to walk with Christ in faith will be saved and quickened together with Him; they will be raised up with Christ and sit with him (to appoint, confer a kingdom upon one) in the heavenly places. This gift of redemption and the opportunity for exultation is only possible because of the grace of Jesus Christ. It is not something we are entitled to, and it is not something we can earn on our own. Verses 8-9: Paul makes a profound declaration about salvation by grace through faith, emphasizing that it is a gift of God and not based on human works, so that no one can boast. Verse 10: Paul asserts that believers are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand for them to walk in.​	Agency and Accountability The Fall of Adam & Eve War in Heaven Grace Quickening (Immortality) Becoming Like God Kingdoms of Glory What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace? The Gift of Grace
​Verses 11-22	​Unity in Christ	Verses 11-13: Paul addresses the Gentile believers, reminding them of their former state as outsiders without Christ using terminology such as uncircumcised, aliens, strangers from the covenant of promise, and without God. However, through Christ, they have been brought nigh by the blood of Christ. Verses 14-16: Paul emphasizes the role of Christ in reconciling both Jews and Gentiles and creating one new humanity, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility (emnity) that had previously partitioned them. In Christ's flesh, he abolished the law of commandments and ordinances that had previously separated them in twain, making one new man, ushering in an era of peace and reconciliation where the body of Christ could be unified and made whole (perfected). Verses 17-18: Paul highlights that through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by the Spirit. Verses 19-22: Paul describes believers as fellow citizens in God's household, built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone. This imagery underscores the unity of the Church.	The goal of reconciliation and unity between Jews and Gentiles within the Christian community was especially relevant for Paul in Ephesus at this time. Many Christians and Jews had been fighting with each other, and with the Romans. Rome even expelled the Jews from the capitol for a time because of these conflicts, and the hostility was widespread, leading to deadly international, political, and militaristic tensions. This was part of the reason that Paul was incarcerated. The message of salvation by grace through faith offered hope and comfort to the saints in Ephesus, reminding them that their standing before God was not dependent on cultural background or their works (good deeds, cultural expectations, financial contributions, ritual observance, etc.) but on God's grace. Breaking down walls of separation, a reference to the Temple mount that had previously excluded the Gentiles under penalties of death (Balustrade Inscriptions)

Paul expounds on the mystery of Christ and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, emphasizing unity and the importance of prayer for spiritual strength and understanding. These teachings provided guidance and assurance to the Ephesian Christians in navigating their faith within a diverse and challenging cultural context.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Ephesians 3			​INT
​Verses 1-13	​The Mystery of Christ and the Inclusion of Gentiles	Verses 1-6: Paul explains his role as a prisoner of God's grace, entrusted with making the mystery of Christ known. This mystery, hidden in previous generations, is one that God wants people to read, understand, and know. He has revealed these truths to the children of men through the apostles and prophets, and he desires the Gentiles to be included as fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. Verses 7-13: Paul expresses his humility and awe at being chosen to be a minister, calling himself the least of all saints, marveling at the gift of grace given to him by the effectual working (energy) of His power. He speaks of his mission to share the unsearchable riches of Christ. He describes the "fellowship of the mystery," which had been hidden from the beginning of the world by Jesus Christ the creator of all things. He describes the principalities and powers of the heavenly places according to the manifold wisdom of God (Kingdoms of Glory, Throne Theophany, manifold "multicolored, variegated diversity" -rainbow pattern associated with the covenant as described by Enoch, Noah, Ezekiel, John, and others, and observed with Joseph's coat and the breastplate of righteousness/judgment). Paul reveals these mysteries to the Gentiles according to the eternal purposes of Christ, emphasizing his boldness and confidence in the wisdom of God's plan. Paul repeats his commitment to follow through and serve God in humility and faith.	​Ephesians: Unfolding the Mysteries through Revelation Some Additional Mysteries Paul expands upon: The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times (Ephesians 1:9–10) Becoming Fellow Heirs with Christ (Ephesians 3:3–6) Covenantal Marriage, Living, & Stewardship (Ephesians 5:31–32) Throne Theophany (the same pattern of prophecy described by multiple prophets, both male and female, through sacred visions and encounters) 26.4OstlerThrone-Theophany-cf65ed80-0dff-44d3-ad98-6f842ce25628 (1) .pdf Download PDF • 9.82MB
​Verses 14-21	​Prayer for Spiritual Strength and Understanding	Verses 14-17: Paul bows his knees in prayer on behalf of the Ephesians and names the whole family in heaven and earth. He asks that the family be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit in their inner being and that Christ may dwell in their hearts, being rooted and grounded in faith and love. Verses 17-19: Paul prays that the saints may have the strength to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge and has the capacity to fill them with the fullness of God. Verses 20-21: Paul closes with a doxology, glory of logos "logic/study/word/discourse, etc." acknowledging that God is able to do far more abundantly than we could possibly ask, desire, think, or imagine, according to the power that he works in us! Therefore, he deserves all glory, throughout all ages and all worlds forever.	​With the Power of God in Great Glory

In Ephesians 4, Paul addresses themes of unity, spiritual maturity, and ethical conduct within the Christian community, offering practical guidance for navigating a diverse and challenging cultural context. These teachings were intended to strengthen the faith and witness of the Ephesian Christians in a complex world.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Ephesians 4			​INT
​Verses 1-16	​Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ	Verses 1-3: Paul urges fellow Ephesian "prisoners" to walk in a manner worthy of their vocational calling, emphasizing humility, meekness, patience, and forbearing in love as they endeavor to maintain (שָׁמַר) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Verses 4-6: Paul underscores the essential elements of Christian unity: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. Verses 7-11: Paul speaks of Christ's ascension and descension, His giving of spiritual gifts to every one of us in the Church, according to the measure he designates, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Verses 11-13: Paul explains that these individuals are given a measure of this gift to perfect and equip (תָּמַם) the saints for the work of the ministry (שָׁרַת) and the building up the body of Christ until all attain unity, faith, knowledge, and maturity, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Verses 14-16: Paul warns against being deceived by false doctrines and cunning craftiness (Priestcraft), emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth in love, which leads to growth and unity in the Church. This fitly joins together the body of Christ, effectively compacting (knitting together) and building up the kingdom in love.	The term ​prisoners of the Faith was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome awaiting his execution. Walk with Me, Prisoner for Jesus Christ Oneness Gather Together in One All Things in Christ Our Hearts Knit as One Ascension and Descension Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives Priesthood, Keys, and the Power to Bless Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings: Being Perfected (Made Whole, Matured, Completed) in Christ Be Perfected in Him Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually Priestcraft and Unrighteous Dominion Only upon the Principles of Righteousness Truth and the Plan
​Verses 17-32	​Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New	Verses 17-19: Paul instructs believers not to walk as the Gentiles do, in the vanity of their minds. He explains that darkness has alienated them from God through ignorance, their hearts have been blinded because of pride, greed, lust, callousness, and impure motives. Verses 20-24: Paul emphasizes the need to Hear Christ and allow him to teach us truth. We must put off the old/ natural/ corrupt man and create a renewed self in spirit and mind, created in righteousness (justification) and holiness (sanctification), and live accordingly. Verses 25-32: Paul provides practical guidance on living as new creations in Christ, including kindness, speaking truth, avoiding anger/bitterness/ wrath/ corruption, working honestly, communicating to build up, avoidance of malicious gossip and evil speaking, forgiving one another, providing service, being generous and imitating God's love.	​Your minds in the past have been darkened... The Power of the Word (D&C 84:54–57.) Hear Him Put Off the Natural Man, and Come Off Conqueror The Power of Spiritual Momentum Converted Unto the Lord

The fifth chapter of Ephesians continues to provide guidance for Christian living, emphasizing the themes of imitating God, living in light, and exhibiting a Christlike attitudes and relationships in various aspects of life.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Ephesians 5			​INT
​Verses 1-7	​Imitating God and Walking in Love	Verses 1-2: Paul encourages the Ephesian believers to imitate God by walking in love, just as Christ loved them and gave Himself as an offering and a sweet-smelling sacrifice for savour. This involves living a life characterized by selflessness and sacrificial love. Verses 3-7: Paul contrasts the behavior of believers with that of the world, urging them to avoid sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, obscenity, foolish talk, and crude joking. Such behavior is inconsistent with a life of gratitude, holiness, and love. Those who engage in these types of behaviors will not have an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Paul warns the saints not to be deceived by vain words contradicting God's message, for those who partake in these behaviors will suffer the wrath of God and the consequences for their disobedience.	Walk in the Light Gladly, Gladly We’ll Walk in the Light By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them
​Verses 8-14	​Living as Children of Light	Verses 8-10: Paul emphasizes that believers are now children of the Lord's light, having been brought out of darkness by Christ. They are to walk as children of light, bearing the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Verses 11-14: Paul instructs believers to have no fellowship with the unfruitful and shameful works of darkness and secret doings but rather to reprove and to manifest/ bring them to light. He likens the exposure of darkness to light shining on it, thereby transforming and dispelling it. He also relates this concept to the resurrection. As truth is exposed, the faithful draw closer to Christ.
​Verses 15-33	​Engaging in Christ Like Relationships	Verses 15-18: Paul urges believers to be diligent and wise, to make sacred use of their time, and to seek to understand the Lord's will. He councils them to live in wisdom and discernment, to not get drunk, and to avoid excess. Verses 19-21: Paul encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, to submit to one another, to articulate with one another in psalms, hymns, odes, and spiritual singing, making melodies and giving thanks in their hearts to the Lord. Verses 22-33: Paul offers instruction for various relationships, including wives and husbands, and children and parents. He emphasizes the importance of mutual love, respect, caring for and protecting one another, prioritizing these relationships, and putting our lives in order (From ὑπό (G5259) and τάσσω (G5021). We should do this out of respect for God; we should mirror the relationship between Christ and the Church in our homes, with husbands taking the responsibility as the head. He counsels husbands to be worthy of their families and of this sacred responsibility, to provide for them, cherish and nurture them, even as the Lord provides for and gave his life for his Church. Paul councils men to present themselves without spot, wrinkle, or blemish, just as Christ presented himself to the Church. So should they love their wives as they love their own bodies, for he that loves his wife, loves himself. Their families are flesh of their flesh, and bone of their bone, and husbands should be faithful and attentive to their families. A husband and wife should be joined together as one, making their relationship their top priority. This mystery of marriage is one of the seven traditional sacraments previously mentioned.	​Marriage Remember What Matters Most Marriage: Watch and Learn Celestial Marriage

The sixth chapter of Ephesians concludes the letter with instructions regarding spiritual warfare, the Christian's armor, and exhortations for various relationships.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Ephesians 6			​​INT
Verses 1-9	​Relationship with Children, Servants, and Stewards	​ Paul offers counsel regarding how people should treat one another in various social hierarchies: parents to children, children to parents, servants (workers) to masters (superiors), and masters (superiors) to servants (workers). Verses 1-3: Children to parents: Paul emphasizes the importance of obedience and honoring one's parents, explaining that this is the right thing to do and it is a commandment with a promise - that all may be well, and we may live long upon the Earth. Verses 4: Parents to children: Parents should not provoke their children to anger, and they should raise and nurture them according to the admonitions of the Lord. Verse 5-8: Servants to masters: Paul uses the Greek word douli, which is commonly interpreted in a derogatory manner, as a "servant" or "slave." However, this word has a wide range of meanings, from a bondsman to one who is devoted to another to the disregard of their own interests. This could be a minister, a neighbor, a friend, an employee, a student, or even a disciple (διάκονος). Paul counsels those in positions of service to do so with singleness of heart, as one would serve Christ. We should not serve to look good or to receive the praise of others but because we wholeheartedly seek to do the Lord's will. Paul reminds us that the goodwill we do in service will be reciprocated by the Lord when we do it unto the Lord, whether we do it out of obligation or we do it freely. Verse 9: Masters to servants: Paul admonishes those who are in positions of authority to do the same things for their servants as their servants should do for them, to serve and treat them like they would the Savior. They should forbear making threats and treat them as their Master in heaven treats them, with fairness and as no respecter of persons.	​INT
​Verses 10-17	Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God​	Verses 10-12: Paul emphasizes the need for the saints to be strong in the Lord through His power and might. He instructs them to put on the whole armor of God, explaining that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but they wrestle against the wiles of the devil, which can include principalities, powers, rulers of darkness in this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. Verses 13-17: Paul describes the importance of the armor of God, explaining that it will give us the power to stand against the evil of our day, and everything else we have to do and face. He lists the components of the spiritual armor, including: the belt of truth the breastplate of righteousness shod under our feet, shoes of preparation in the gospel of peace Above all, the shield (מָגֵן) of faith, giving us the power to quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).
​Verses 18-20	​Prayer and Perseverance	Verses 18-19: Paul encourages believers to pray and seek the Spirit at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, watching with perseverance, and paying attention to the needs of all saints. Paul also asks for prayer on his behalf that he may be given the words to boldly proclaim and explain the mysteries of the Gospel. Verse 20: Paul underscores his role as an ambassador in chains, emphasizing the importance of boldly proclaiming the Gospel message even in challenging circumstances.
​Verses 21-24	​Relationships and Unity	Verses 21-22: Paul introduces Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister, who would provide correspondence and information about the affairs and circumstances regarding the Ephesian believers. Verses 23-24: Paul ends the letter by imparting peace, comfort, love, faith, and grace to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

Church Related Videos & Resources

• The Epistle to the Ephesians Kent Brown

• The Epistle to the Ephesians Phillip Abbot

Scripture Central

• Study Guide

Reading Guide

Lynne Hilton Wilson, "Ephesians," Come Follow Me: The New Testament, 2019.

Thomas A. Wayment, “Internal Divisions: Ephesians in Historical Context,” Shedding Light on the New Testament: Acts–Revelation, ed. Ray L. Huntington, Frank F. Judd Jr., and David M. Whitchurch (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2009), 153–70.

Matthew O. Richardson, “Ephesians: Unfolding the Mysteries through Revelation,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, 31st Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002), 130–144.

Philip Abbot, New Testament Renditions: The Epistle to the Ephesians: A New Rendition, Provo, UT: BYU New Testament Commentary, 2019.

Amy Blake Hardison, “Unity and Atonement in Ephesians,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, 31st Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002), 114–129.

David A. Bednar, “Gather Together in One All Things in Christ,” General Conference October 2018.

Brian M. Hauglid, “Joseph Smith’s Inspired Commentary on the Doctrine of Calling and Election,” Shedding Light on the New Testament: Acts–Revelation, ed. Ray L. Huntington, Frank F. Judd Jr., and David M. Whitchurch (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2009), 209–27.

Grant Underwood, “The ‘Same’ Organization That Existed in the Primitive Church,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, 31st Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002), 167–186.

Lavell Edwards, “Take Upon Yourself the Whole Armor of God,” BYU Speeches April 2001.

Tad R. Callister, “What Is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church?” CES Devotional for Young Adults January 2014.

Russell M. Nelson, “Thus Shall My Church Be Called,” General Conference April 1990.

Spencer W. Kimball, “Men of Example,” Teaching Seminary: Preservice Readings.

Background to the Pauline Epistles:

• Frank F. Judd Jr., “The Epistles of the Apostle Paul: An Overview,” in New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament, ed. Lincoln H. Blumell (Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2019), 419-445.

• Eric D. Huntsman, “The Occasional Nature, Composition, and Structure of Paul’s Letters,” in How the New Testament Came to Be: The Thirty-fifth Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, ed. Kent P. Jackson and Frank F. Judd Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006), 190–207.

The Bible Project

• Book of Ephesians Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

BYU’s RSC

• Unity and Atonement in Ephesians

• The “Same” Organization That Existed in the Primitive Church

• Ephesians: Unfolding the Mysteries through Revelation

Additional Videos & Insights

• What Was the Temple’s Wall of Separation? | BLP Connections: Balustrade Inscription

• Why was the Temple of Artemis one of the Wonders of the Ancient World?

• New Testament History, Culture, and Society

• Early Church History Timeline 0 to 500 AD (PDF version, download)