Overview
Ephesians sets forth God's eternal purpose accomplished in the Messiah and the unity of the ekklesia, in which Jews and Gentiles form one body. The first half addresses the grace and calling believers have received; the second, a life worthy of that calling and spiritual warfare.
Theme Jew and Gentile made one in the Messiah
Historical background
Paul ministered in Ephesus for about three years during his third missionary journey (Acts 19). Some early manuscripts lack the words "in Ephesus" in the address, which has led to the view that the letter circulated among several communities. It overlaps considerably with Colossians and appears to have been delivered by Tychicus.