Julian Cortes

Pauline Literature – Final Paper

December 18, 2017

The Letter to the Ephesians

This letter is considered one of the Deutero-Pauline letters, and it contains a strong sense
about the universal Church. However, this letter has been one of the most controversial Pauline
letter because it is not clear its authenticity. Brown says by the end of 18 th century, there were
many scholars who affirmed that the epistle to the Ephesians was not written by Paul, but it was
written by one of his disciples.1 They concluded this premise for three reasons: “(1) differences
in language and style, (2) the special relationship of Ephesians to Colossians in particular, and to
other Pauline letters, and (3) differences in doctrinal emphasis and content.”2 On the other hand,
the date and origin of this letter is also unclear. If it was written by Paul, it could be in the 60s
AD, but if it was written by one of Paul’s disciples, it could be in the 90s AD.3
The letter to the Ephesians consists of six chapters, and its purpose announces God’s plan
which is to create the people of God through Jesus Christ. In other words, Paul’s intention is to
make clear our participation on the mystical body of Christ as universal Church. On the other
hand, according to the reading guide of The Catholic Study Bible,4 we can identify three main
divisions in this letter: 1. The Address (1:1-14), 2. The body of the letter (1:15- 6:20), and 3.
Conclusion (6:21-24). Nonetheless, the Bible also identifies five topic which show the general
idea of the letter. I would like to follow this scheme because I think it is very clear, and it gives
an outlook of what the letter wants to express. These are 1. Address, 2. Unity of the Church in
Christ, 3. World mission of the Church, 4. Daily conduct and expression of unity, and 5.
Conclusion.
In the address section (1:1-14), we will find four subtopics. First, Paul starts with a
greeting. Here he announces himself as an apostle for God’s will through Jesus Christ. Also, Paul
directed his greeting to the holy and faithful people in Ephesus, but he could refer to any
Christian or communities in Asia Minor, and even the Gentiles. 5 Second, Paul explains that the
Father’s plan of Salvation is to be chosen as adopted sons through Jesus Christ. Third, he claims
that we [all] are redeemed by Christ’s death and receive the forgiveness of our sins. Finally, Paul
remind us that the Holy Spirit is our heritage for those how accepted Christ in their lives.6
As a second section, we find the unity of the Church in Christ (1:15 – 2:21). Here there
are three essential subtopics. First, the Church as Christ’s Body. Paul explains his main point
about the role of the Church. In this occasion, Paul uses a simile to identify how to understand
this mystical body: Christ as a head, and the Church as a body. Second, generosity of God’s plan.
Paul wants to remind us the great love and mercy of God that forgive our sins and permeate with

1
Raymond E. Brown, An Introduction to the New Testament, (New York: Yale University Press, 2010),
620.
2
Joseph A. Grassi, The Letter to the Ephesians, The Jerome Biblical Commentary, Vol. 2 (New Jersey:
Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968), 342.
3
Brown, 621.
4
The New American Bible, The Catholic Study Bible, third edition (New York: Oxford University, 2010),
RG 520
5
Brown, 621.
6
Grassi, 344.
new life in Christ. Finally, One in Christ. The author expresses that it does not matter if people
are or are not circumcised because the important thing is that with Christ, we participate in the
household of God.
The third topic is the world mission of the Church (3:1– 4:24). In this part of the letter,
we can identify some important ideas of Paul’s role and principles of Christian life. Paul
mentions that, for grace of God, the mystery was revealed to him. Therefore, his mission became
to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.7 Moreover, he emphasizes that everyone should live
according to their call and be one body and one spirit. Thus, through this unity with Christ, they
will receive some gifts which will help them to increase the mystical body of Christ. Another
important aspect to mention is the spiritual renewal because Paul clarifies that the Christian have
to leave the old life and live the new life in Christ.
As the fourth topic, Paul emphasizes the daily conduct as expression of unity (4:25–
6:20). Here, the author explains the behavior that Christians should live in their lives. He
mentions some commandments and clarifies some roles between wives and husbands, and
children and parents. With these, people can produce goodness as adopted sons of God.
Finally, in the conclusion (6:21-24), Paul mentions his messenger, Tychicus, as a source
to continue enhancing the faith of the holy ones in Ephesus. Moreover, he finished with a
blessing which contains two common Pauline elements: “Peace” and “Grace.”8

7
Grassi, 346.
8
Grassi, 349.