Hey sis! Welcome to the Ephesians Companion Library, your companion resource designed to help you study the book of Ephesians in context and discover the incredible truth of who we are in Christ and how that identity transforms the way we live. Whether you're using the Bible Study Corner™ Guided Bible Companion, studying on your own, or teaching others, you'll find tools here to help you dig deeper into God's Word with confidence.
This page is filled with carefully selected resources to help you understand not only what Ephesians says, but why it matters. As you work through Paul's letter, you'll discover the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, the incredible gift of salvation by grace, God's plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one body, and what it means to live as a new creation. You'll see Paul move from teaching us who we are in Christ to showing us how we should live because of who we are in Christ- in our relationships, our homes, our churches, and our spiritual battles. Most importantly, you'll discover that Jesus Christ is at the center of it all- the One who saves us, reconciles us to God and one another, gives us a new identity, and leads His Church as its Head.
My prayer is that these resources encourage you to slow down, open your Bible, and truly understand what it means to live from your identity in Christ. Ephesians isn't simply a letter filled with instructions for Christian living; it's a beautiful reminder that we don't obey God in order to earn our identity- we live differently because of the identity He has already given us in Christ.
If you haven't already purchased the printable Bible Study Corner™ Guided Bible Companion, you can do so by clicking the link below. They're not required to use these resources, but they're filled with thoughtfully organized study tools, historical background, key themes, and beautiful pages that save you time and make a wonderful addition to your Bible study.
But First... Pray
Prayer Before Studying Ephesians
Heavenly Father,
As I open the book of Ephesians, I ask You to open my heart and my mind to Your truth. Thank You for preserving Your Word so that I can know You more deeply and understand who You have called me to be in Christ.
As I read, help me see the incredible riches of Your grace and every spiritual blessing You have given through Jesus. Teach me what it means to be chosen, redeemed, forgiven, adopted, and made alive in Christ. Help me understand that my identity is not something I have to earn, but something You have graciously given me through faith in Your Son.
Show me how the truths I learn should transform the way I live. Teach me to walk worthy of the calling I have received, to pursue unity and love, to put off my old ways, and to walk in the new life You have given me. Help me recognize the spiritual battles around me and teach me to stand firm, clothed in the full armor You provide.
Give me wisdom to understand these Scriptures in their proper context and a humble heart that is willing to be changed by what I learn. Help me not to rush through these pages, but to slow down, ask good questions, notice important connections, and delight in discovering the richness of Your Word.
May this study deepen my faith, strengthen my understanding of who I am in Christ, and draw me into a closer relationship with You. Let what I learn move beyond knowledge and transform the way I think, speak, love, serve, and live.
Thank You for Your grace, Your presence, and the new life You have given me through Jesus. May everything I learn lead me to worship You more fully and walk faithfully in the life You have called me to live.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Start Here
Before diving into Ephesians, I encourage you to watch the BibleProject overview of the book. In just a few minutes, you'll gain a big-picture understanding of Ephesians- its structure, major themes, historical setting, and how it fits into God's plan of redemption. Watching the overview first will help you recognize the beautiful structure of Paul's letter as he moves from explaining who we are in Christ to showing us how we should live because of who we are in Christ. You'll also gain a better understanding of themes like grace, salvation, unity, the Church, our new identity, Christian relationships, and spiritual warfare as you work through your Bible Study Corner™ Guided Bible Companion.
Once you've finished the video, open your Bible and begin reading Ephesians. Then come back here to explore the companion resources, historical and cultural background, maps, word studies, cross references, and bonus study tools designed to help you dig even deeper into God's Word and understand the incredible riches of the life we have been given in Christ.
Begin Reading
Now that you've watched the overview, it's time to dive into God's Word. Before exploring the additional resources below, we are going to start reading the book of Ephesians in your Bible. Resist the urge to rush ahead or rely on study notes. Spend time observing the text for yourself, asking questions, and noticing repeated words and themes like grace, unity, love, inheritance, identity, walking, and being “in Christ.”
Start by opening the free commentary linked below, or use a commentary of your choice. As you read, remember that Ephesians is more than a list of instructions for Christian living. Paul first establishes what God has done for us through Christ- saving us by grace, giving us a new identity, and bringing believers together as one body- before showing us how those truths should shape the way we live. Pay attention to that movement from belief to behavior, because understanding who we are in Christ helps us understand how we are called to walk.
I personally take notes from the commentary that I feel are important to remember.
Take your time, pray as you read, and allow Scripture to speak before turning to outside resources.
Ephesians Maps
Here you will find links to important locations mentioned in Ephesians
Bible Study Tools
As you continue your study of Ephesians, I encourage you to explore some of the free Bible study tools available through Blue Letter Bible. From original Greek word studies to maps, outlines, cross references, commentaries, and more, these resources can help you better understand the historical, cultural, and linguistic context of Paul's letter.
Remember, these tools are designed to support your study- not replace it. Always read the biblical text carefully, and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. Then use these resources to dig deeper into important themes like being “in Christ,” salvation by grace, unity in the Church, our new identity, walking worthy of our calling, and the armor of God. Exploring Paul's original Greek vocabulary and following his Old Testament references can be especially helpful as you uncover the richness of Ephesians.
Click below to explore Blue Letter Bible's free study tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesians
As you study Ephesians, you're likely to encounter questions you've never considered before- and that's a good thing! Asking thoughtful questions is an important part of studying God's Word. Below you'll find a collection of carefully selected articles from GotQuestions.org that address some of the most common questions people have about the book of Ephesians.
While these articles can be helpful study tools, I encourage you to always compare what you read with Scripture. Let God's Word be your final authority, and use these resources to deepen your understanding as you continue to study the Bible in context.
