The Structure of the Book of Ephesians
Introduction
The Book of Ephesians has a structure that moves with intention and care. Paul begins with the blessings God has already given, moves toward the new identity believers receive in Christ, and then describes the life that grows from that identity. The letter is balanced, almost symmetrical. The first half focuses on what God has done. The second half describes how the church lives in light of that work. Nothing is rushed. Paul writes as a pastor who wants the church to see themselves within God’s larger story.
Understanding the structure of Ephesians helps readers follow Paul’s rhythm. The letter rises from praise to prayer, from unity to maturity, from daily living to spiritual strength. Each movement prepares the next. Below is a clear look at how the letter is arranged and how its themes unfold.
I. Greeting (Ephesians 1:1-2)
Paul begins with a simple greeting of grace and peace. These words are not routine. They set the tone for the entire letter. Grace opens the letter and grace closes it. Everything in between is shaped by the mercy of God.
II. Praise for Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)
The first major section rises like a hymn. Paul names the blessings God has given in Christ: election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, revelation, inheritance, and the sealing of the Spirit. These verses lay the foundation for all that follows. Reflections on this section appear in
Redemption and Forgiveness in Christ,
and
The Mystery Revealed in Our Inheritance.
Paul starts by reminding believers of who they already are.
III. Paul’s Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation (Ephesians 1:15-23)
After naming the blessings of Christ, Paul prays that the church would understand them. His prayer asks God to open the eyes of their hearts so they can see hope, inheritance, and the greatness of God’s power. This prayer grows into a vision of Christ exalted above all things. This section is explored in
Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation.
This prayer transitions the reader from God’s work for believers to God’s work within them.
IV. From Death to Life: Salvation by Grace (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Paul describes the movement from death to life with clarity. Believers were once dead in trespasses, but God made them alive with Christ. This section holds one of the most memorable summaries of the gospel. Salvation is by grace through faith. It is the gift of God. Believers are God’s workmanship. These reflections appear in
and
Salvation by Grace Through Faith.
This section bridges identity and transformation.
V. Jew and Gentile United in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22)
The letter widens from personal salvation to communal reconciliation. Those once far off are brought near. Hostility is broken down. Christ creates one new humanity. The church becomes a dwelling place for God. This movement is explored in
Remembering Our Former Separation,
and
Citizens and Members of God’s Household.
Unity becomes one of the central themes of the letter.
VI. The Mystery of Christ and Paul’s Calling (Ephesians 3:1-13)
Paul steps back to describe the mystery revealed to him by the Spirit. Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise of Christ. Paul sees himself as a servant of this mystery, entrusted with announcing God’s reconciling plan. These themes appear in
Paul’s Calling to Reveal the Mystery of Christ
and
The Church’s Role in God’s Plan.
This section is the hinge between theology and practice.
VII. Paul’s Prayer for Inner Strength and Love (Ephesians 3:14-21)
The chapter moves from mystery to prayer. Paul prays that believers would be strengthened in their inner being and rooted in love. He asks that they grasp the breadth and depth of Christ’s love and be filled with the fullness of God. These themes are explored in
Paul’s Prayer for Inner Strength
and
The Love of Christ That Surpasses Understanding.
This prayer brings the first half of the letter to a gentle, powerful close.
VIII. Walking Worthy of the Calling: Unity and Maturity (Ephesians 4:1-16)
The second half of the letter begins with a clear call to live in a way that reflects God’s grace. Believers walk with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Unity is grounded in one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. Christ gives gifts so the church can grow into maturity. This section appears in
and
This is the practical outworking of all that has come before.
IX. Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Paul contrasts the old life with the new. Believers are renewed in the spirit of their minds. They put away destructive patterns and embrace new ways of speaking, acting, and relating. These reflections appear in
and
Identity now becomes visible in character.
X. Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom (Ephesians 5:1-20)
Paul uses three simple images to describe Christian living: walking in love, walking in light, and walking in wisdom. These images gather the whole life of faith into daily steps. These themes are explored in
and
Ephesians 5 describes a life shaped by gratitude and guided by the Spirit.
XI. Christlike Relationships Within the Household (Ephesians 5:21-6:9)
Paul turns to the home and workplace. Husbands and wives, parents and children, slaves and masters are all invited to treat one another with honor, patience, and love. Life in Christ reaches into ordinary relationships and reshapes them. This theme appears in
and
Instructions to Children, Parents, Slaves, and Masters.
This is the everyday practice of the gospel.
XII. Standing Firm in the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Paul concludes by calling believers to stand firm in God’s strength. The armor imagery describes gifts God gives for stability and courage. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the word, and prayer all steady the believer. These themes appear in
and the reflections on each piece of armor.
The Christian life is a life grounded in God’s presence.
XIII. Final Greetings (Ephesians 6:21-24)
Paul closes with peace, love, faith, and grace. The tone returns to the quiet strength of the opening blessing. The letter starts and ends in grace.
Why This Structure Matters
Ephesians is shaped with pastoral care. Paul moves from blessing to prayer, from identity to unity, from practice to perseverance. The structure guides the reader from what God has done to what God continues to do within the life of the church. Each section prepares the next. The letter is not rushed. It is patient, steady, and hopeful.
Understanding the structure helps readers see how the themes fit together. The life Paul describes is not built on obligation. It is built on grace, belonging, and the quiet strength that comes from Christ.
