The next New Testament book continues Paul’s letters to churches, this time in Ephesus, is Ephesians. A unique letter in that it is also possible the letter’s title refers to this place because Paul was imprisoned here and wrote a letter out to fellow believers. This argument is also strengthened as it is not a letter addressing a specific problem but rather a letter of instruction to several churches or intended to circulate between churches. A major theological theme found within the letter includes a poetic overview of God’s plan for salvation. The final theme outlines the churches’ role in living out this plan with details. As the New Oxford Annotated Bible notes, “the letter is an evocative celebration of God’s plan to unite all creation under the lordship of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:19-22
“19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.”
Prayer
God of salvation, I give thanks and profound praise for your Son who was sent to seek out and save the lost, especially me. May your compassion continue to flow in my life and as I invite others to drink from the cup of salvation may we all be satisfied. Amen.