EPHESIANS: Introduction
EPHESIANS Number 1:
An Introduction
The wonderful book of Ephesians was very likely an encyclical. A letter intended to be copied and sent to several, or many, local churches. We can gather this in part from the fact that Paul does not mention specific people by name in this letter. Additionally, the earliest manuscript copies of this letter do not include the words “in Ephesus.” Coupling this with Marcion’s canon list (a very early list of the writings having Apostolic authority) which refers to the letter to Laodicea as having come from Paul, it appears that the names of the various fellowships to which the letter was carried may have been inserted as the letter was copied for distribution. It appears that it was sent out by Paul at the same time as the letter to the Colossians and in Colossians 4:16 (KJV 1900) we find, “And when this epistle [the book of Colossians] is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.” It appears likely that the Laodicean letter spoken of was the epistle we call Ephesians.
Whether or not this is so, Ephesians certainly stands as a pillar for us today. As Watchman Nee points out in his wonderful little study of Ephesians entitled “Sit, Walk, Stand”, we can divide the book into two major sections. Chapters 1-3 being doctrinal in nature, and chapters 4-6 being practical. Within these two sections we can gain great insight using three key words, sit, walk, and stand.
As is Paul’s way, he presents us first with the doctrinal truth upon which his practical instructions rest. First he tells us what God has done for us and who He has made us. Only when this has been established does he instruct admonish or command.
We find the first key word, “sit” in Ephesians 2:6 “and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”.
The second key word, “walk” is found in Ephesians 4:1 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called”.
Finally, the third key word, “stand” is found in Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
