Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2:1-3

The Father’s High Calling: God’s Role - In Ephesians 2:1 to Ephesians 3:21 Paul explains the Father’s high calling by expounding upon the three-fold office of the Trinity mentioned in the previous passage (Ephesians 1:3-23). This passage is discussed in light of God the Father’s redemptive plan for mankind. It explains how the Father gives us hope (Ephesians 2:1-10), while the Son gives us a glorious inheritance (Ephesians 2:11 to Ephesians 3:13), and the Spirit empowers us (Ephesians 3:14-21). Outline - Note the proposed outline:

1. The Father - The Hope of Our Calling — Ephesians 2:1-10 The Son – The Riches of Our Glorious Inheritance — Ephesians 2:11 to Ephesians 3:13a. Christ’s Work of Reconciliation — — Ephesians 2:11-22b. Paul’s Commission to Declare These Riches — — Ephesians 3:1-133. The Spirit - The Power Given to Every Believer — Ephesians 3:14-21 In Ephesians 2:1-22 Paul will describe the person who is not partaking of the spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3) that God’s children are now enjoying. Paul will describe the lifestyle of the Gentiles before their conversion to Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:11-3

The Son’s Blessings - The Riches of Our Glorious Inheritance Through Justification – In Ephesians 2:1-10 Paul tells us that in His mercy God the Father saved us out of the bondage of darkness and sin and has prepared for us a work, or plan, to do for Him. He then tells us in Ephesians 2:11-22 how God would do this by Jesus’ redemptive work of reconciling all people back to Himself. This passage of Scripture expounds upon Ephesians 1:7-12. God called the Gentiles to become one with Israel, and thus, partakers of Israel’s inheritance. Before this calling the Gentiles were without hope (Ephesians 2:12). This plan is for all of the saints to work together in peace in order to build a habitation for God to dwell among us.

In Ephesians 3:1-13 Paul elaborates on his personal calling as an apostle to the Gentile to reveal the “mystery” that he has just discussed in Ephesians 2:1-22. He explains that this mystery is found in Christ Jesus, in whom are hid “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. Christ’s Work of Reconciliation — Ephesians 2:11-222. Paul’s Commission to Declare These Riches — Ephesians 3:1-13