The letter to the Ephesians, which I am now considering, is unlike the seven genuine letters of Paul. In this letter there are no real references to the circumstances of a particular, special community. Instead, it seems to be a general or circular letter meant to be read and heard within many Christian communities. The use of the Greek word translated into English as church, also suggests this. In Paul’s genuine letters, the word always refers to a specific local community. In Ephesians, it refers to the church in general, the household of God, which is often called and thought of as the church universal. The framework for dating this letter is created by its close parallels to parts of Colossians which indicates that Colossians is earlier and it seems to have been known by the   Christian author Ignatius around the year 100. This suggests a date around 90.

The central theme of Ephesians is the unity of Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles that has happened in Christ. The passage, Ephesians 2:11-20 should be read.

In the passage referred to above, the text treats the controversy about the full status of Gentile Christians as in the past, settled, and resolved. It does not argue for unity but celebrates a unity achieved. Note also that it refers to the apostles as if they were figures of the past.

The theme of Christian unity sounds again with the repeated use of one in another passage (4:4-6) well known to Christians:

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Ecclesiology – a technical theological term for doctrine or teaching about the Church – is central to Ephesians. Its ecclesiology is as splendid as anything in the New Testament.

Another familiar passage in Ephesians uses the imagery of military conflict to describe the struggle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, a term Paul uses in his genuine letters for this world.

Take up the whole armor of God…the belt of truth around your waist,…the breastplate of righteousness,…the shield of faith…the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (6:13-17)

You are encouraged to pick up your bible and read Ephesians.