The Epistle to the Ephesians presents one of the most comprehensive and elevated views of God’s redemptive plan found in the New Testament. Written by the apostle Paul, this letter lifts the believer’s eyes beyond individual salvation to behold God’s eternal purpose in Christ, the identity of the Church, and the calling of God’s people to live in unity, holiness, and spiritual maturity.
Unlike letters written to address a single crisis, Ephesians reads as a circular letter designed to ground believers in who they are in Christ and how that identity shapes every area of life. Paul moves from the eternal counsel of God before the foundation of the world to the practical outworking of faith in relationships, conduct, and spiritual warfare.
In this 100 level survey course, students will gain a broad understanding of
• The historical background and purpose of the letter
• God’s eternal plan of redemption in Christ
• The believer’s identity and position in Christ
• The formation and mission of the Church as one new people
• The call to walk worthy of the gospel in daily life
• The reality of spiritual conflict and the believer’s resources in Christ
This course is designed to help students see the whole argument of Ephesians, understand how each section fits together, and develop a theological framework that will prepare them for deeper expository study at the 200 level.
Course Structure
Unit 1. Introduction to the Epistle to the Ephesians
Module 1. Authorship, Audience, and Historical Setting
Module 2. Purpose, Major Themes, and Literary Structure
Unit 2. God’s Eternal Plan in Christ
Module 1. Spiritual Blessings and God’s Redemptive Purpose
Module 2. Chosen, Adopted, and Redeemed by Grace
Module 3. The Goal of God’s Plan and the Glory of Christ
Unit 3. From Death to Life by Grace
Module 1. Humanity’s Condition Apart from Christ
Module 2. Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Module 3. One New People in Christ and the Unity of the Church
Unit 4. The Mystery of Christ and the Mission of the Church
Module 1. The Mystery Revealed to the Apostles
Module 2. The Inclusion of the Gentiles
Module 3. Paul’s Prayer and the Church’s Calling
Unit 5. Walking Worthy of the Calling
Module 1. Unity, Maturity, and Growth in the Body
Module 2. The New Life in Christ and Transformed Living
Module 3. Love, Light, and Wisdom in Daily Conduct
Unit 6. Standing Firm in Christ
Module 1. Christian Relationships and Spirit Filled Living
Module 2. The Reality of Spiritual Conflict
Module 3. The Armor of God and the Believer’s Victory
Course Outcome
By the end of this 100 level survey course, students will
• Understand the overall message and structure of Ephesians
• Be able to trace Paul’s argument from God’s eternal purpose to practical Christian living
• Recognize the central themes of identity, unity, grace, and spiritual maturity
• Be prepared to engage in a deeper scripture by scripture expository study at the 200 level