King James Version
Ephesians
Ephesians in the King James Version (1769), public domain in the United States.
Background and History
The chapters above are the King James text. This essay is the setting of Ephesians: who is said to have written it, when and where, what happens in it, and how the text has been copied.
At a Glance
| Author | Paul, a prisoner, in the letter’s own words and in early tradition. Many critical scholars regard it as written by a follower of Paul. |
|---|---|
| Date | About AD 60–62 in one survey, during an imprisonment. Scholars who reject Paul’s authorship often suggest about AD 80–100. |
| Place written | A prison not named in the letter. Rome, Italy, is the traditional view. |
| Genre | A letter, possibly circular, on the church and the Christian life. |
| Chapters | 6 |
| Verses | 155 in the King James Version |
| Key verse | Ephesians 2:8–9Ephesians 2:8 · King James VersionFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Ephesians 2:8 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
Who Wrote It
Ephesians 1:1Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionPaul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source (1) opens with Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Ephesians 3:1Ephesians 3:1 · King James VersionFor this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Ephesians 3:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source calls him the prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Ephesians 6:21Ephesians 6:21 · King James VersionBut that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
Ephesians 6:21 · King James VersionOpen the Source sends Tychicus to report on him.
Eusebius counts Paul’s letters undisputed. (2) The Muratorian fragment lists a letter to the Ephesians among Paul’s letters to churches. (3) Athanasius lists it. (4) Many critical scholars doubt Pauline authorship, citing long sentences, vocabulary different from the undisputed letters, close overlap with Colossians, and a more developed view of the church. Defenders answer that style varies with subject and secretary, that the overlap with Colossians fits two letters sent together by Tychicus, and that the early church received it without dispute. Both positions are held by serious scholars.
Who It Is Not
Tychicus carries the letter, according to Ephesians 6:21Ephesians 6:21 · King James VersionBut that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
Ephesians 6:21 · King James VersionOpen the Source. He is not named as its author. The lost letter from Laodicea in Colossians 4:16Colossians 4:16 · King James VersionAnd when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Colossians 4:16 · King James VersionOpen the Source has sometimes been identified with Ephesians, and that is a theory, not a fact.
When and Where
Bible Gateway gives AD 60–62. (5) That assumes a Roman imprisonment, as in Acts 28:16Acts 28:16 · King James VersionAnd when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
Acts 28:16 · King James VersionOpen the Source. Scholars who see the letter as later place it after Paul’s death.
Audience and Setting
The words at Ephesus in Ephesians 1:1Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionPaul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source are missing from some early copies, and many scholars think the letter was meant for several churches in Asia. The audience is Gentile believers, addressed in Ephesians 2:11Ephesians 2:11 · King James VersionWherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Ephesians 2:11 · King James VersionOpen the Source. The purpose is to set out God’s plan to unite all things in Christ and to call the church to live worthy of that calling.
Rulers at the Time
The letter names no emperor, governor, or king. This page adds none.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Paul’s long stay at Ephesus | Over two years, per Acts. Acts 19:10Acts 19:10 · King James VersionAnd this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.Acts 19:10 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| Imprisonment | Paul writes as a prisoner. Ephesians 3:1Ephesians 3:1 · King James VersionFor this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,Ephesians 3:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
| The letter | About AD 60–62 in one survey. (5) |
Places in This Book
| Ancient name | Modern-day location | References |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesus | Ruins near Selçuk, İzmir Province, Turkey. | Ephesians 1:1Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionPaul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source |
What Is Happening
Ephesians 1–3 are doctrine: every spiritual blessing in Christ, salvation by grace, Jew and Gentile made one new man, and Paul’s prayer for the church. Ephesians 4–6 are practice: unity and gifts, new life, household relationships, and the armor of God.
Key Themes
Grace through faith in Ephesians 2:8–9Ephesians 2:8–9 · King James Version2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8–9 · King James VersionOpen the Source. One body of Jew and Gentile in Ephesians 2:14–16Ephesians 2:14–16 · King James Version2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Ephesians 2:14–16 · King James VersionOpen the Source. The church as Christ’s body and bride in Ephesians 5:25–32Ephesians 5:25–32 · King James Version5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:25–32 · King James VersionOpen the Source. Spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10–18Ephesians 6:10–18 · King James Version6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:10–18 · King James VersionOpen the Source.
Apologetics Questions
The authorship debate is the main question. Pseudonymity in the New Testament is discussed under 1 Timothy. The household code in Ephesians 5:22–6:9Ephesians 5:22–6:9 · King James Version5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
6:2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Ephesians 5:22–6:9 · King James VersionOpen the Source, including slaves and masters, is often raised in moral objections, and readers note that it addresses both parties with duties grounded in Christ.
How the Book Points to Christ
Ephesians 1:20–23Ephesians 1:20–23 · King James Version1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 1:20–23 · King James VersionOpen the Source seats Christ far above all rule and authority. Ephesians 4:8–10Ephesians 4:8–10 · King James Version4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Ephesians 4:8–10 · King James VersionOpen the Source applies a psalm about God ascending on high to Christ. The letter blesses the Father, the Son, and the Spirit in turn in Ephesians 1:3–14Ephesians 1:3–14 · King James Version1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:3–14 · King James VersionOpen the Source. Jesus is God.
Text and Manuscripts
Some early copies lack at Ephesus in Ephesians 1:1Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionPaul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source. Codex Sinaiticus is commonly cited among them. This page did not collate that reading itself and cites Sinaiticus only for the manuscript description. (6)
Canon Reception
Ephesians was received without dispute in the early church. (2) (3) (4)
Further Reading
References
- Letter to the Ephesians, 1:1; 3:1; 6:20–21Ephesians 1:1 · King James Version
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:1 · King James VersionOpen the Source. King James Version - Church History, Book 3, 3.3.5; 3.25Papias, in Eusebius, Church History 3.39.15 · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, New Advent
Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord's discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely.
Papias, in Eusebius, Church History 3.39.15 · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, New AdventOpen the Source (Eusebius, Church History 3.3, 3.24–25, and 3.39, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, vol. 1, on New Advent. Chapter 25 sorts books into acknowledged, disputed, and rejected. Chapter 39 reports Papias on Mark and Matthew.) - Muratorian fragment, EphesiansMuratorian fragment, on Acts · Roberts-Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers 5
Moreover, the Acts of all the Apostles are comprised by Luke in one book, and addressed to the most excellent Theophilus, because these different events took place when he was present himself; and he shows this clearly-i.e., that the principle on which he wrote was, to give only what fell under his own notice-by the omission of the passion of Peter, and also of the journey of Paul, when he went from the city-Rome-to Spain.
Muratorian fragment, on Acts · Roberts-Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers 5Open the Source (Roberts-Donaldson translation, Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 5. The Latin is damaged and the English follows restorations. The fragment lists the books read in the church and those rejected.) - Festal Letter 39, 39.4–5 (Athanasius of Alexandria, AD 367, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series, vol. 4, on New Advent. The letter lists twenty-two Old Testament books and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, and places Esther among books to be read rather than in the canon.)
- When Was Each Book of the Bible Written?, Ephesians (Jacob Edson, Bible Gateway, 16 September 2024. The survey gives Ephesians as AD 60–62. It is one editor’s approximation, not a manuscript date.)
- Codex Sinaiticus, About the manuscriptCodex Sinaiticus: content · Codex Sinaiticus Project
Codex Sinaiticus, a manuscript of the Christian Bible written in the middle of the fourth century, contains the earliest complete copy of the Christian New Testament.
Codex Sinaiticus: content · Codex Sinaiticus ProjectOpen the Source (The Codex Sinaiticus project’s description of the manuscript, a fourth-century Greek Bible with the earliest complete copy of the New Testament.)
The King James Version (1769) is in the public domain in the United States.