What is the purpose of Ephesians book?

Answer 1

A Summary of the Book of EphesiansThe book of Ephesians was a letter written by Paul to the Christian congregation in Ephesis, but it is appropriate for us because it gives instruction on many aspects of Christian life. We see many distressing problems in the world and this book can help us with sound advice, if we apply it's direction. Paul gives counsel to children on how they ought to conduct themselves esp toward their elders, and parents are instructed on the training of children. The requirements of a Christian husband are outlined as well as how a wife should regard her husband. True Christians are counseled on maintaining unity, and showing love, even though the world around them is wicked. Paul explains how christians are to put on the "new personality" and what is involved in doing so. We come to understand God's personality and what kind of persons ought we to be in order to please Him. -Ephesians 4:24-32; 6:1-4; 5:3-5, 15-20, 22-33.

Ephesians discusses those who would take the lead in the true christian congregation, that they would carry out their assignment "with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ." These instructions would help a christian appreciate the need to cooperate fully, so that they can "by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ."-Ephesians 4:12, 15.

In Ephesians we read of the "the sacred secret of the Christ." This "sacred secret" involved the understanding that obedient Jews and "people of the nations" were being gathered together to be "joint heirs and fellow members of the body and partakers . . . of the promise in union with Christ Jesus through the good news." It explains that "the Law of commandments," that had been like a wall, Fencing the Jews off from those of the other nations, had been put out of the way by Christ's blood, so that all could become part of God's household. The christian congregation was to stand in contrast to those pagan teples around them and be purified in order to be worthy to be called "a holy temple for Jehovah."-Ephesians 3:4, 6; 2:15, 21.

The "sacred secret" also involves "an administration . . . to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth." God's purposes to bring about his kingdom through which true peace, security, and unity is highlighted. Paul prayed for these Ephesian brothers and sisters so that they might continue in that path of enlightenment and hold onto the hope wich God had revealed to them. Paul's letter was a great source of encouragement to these Ephesian christians as it can be to those today who wish to follow closely in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 1:9-11, 18; 3:19.

SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONnote*---though most preachers and teachers dwell on the what, Paul stresses the who and the how and serves the what up last. It is seated in heavenly places concept that changes everything. A God who serves those who should serve Him. Truly this is the Savior of the world. Paul stressed the unity of all believers. He also encouraged believers think differently about their relationship with Christ. see Ephesians 2:12-13

Discovering the purpose for our lives. Have you ever asked "Why am I here?

It tells us how to live, to look at eternal things not of this earth. To be imitators of God.

God gives wisdom and knowledge to all who ask liberally. So just ask Him and he will give you an understanding of this Book that is wonderfully written.

Ephesians is one of my favorite Book's in the New Testament.

Good Stuff in Ephesians

1. Don't lie. Speak the truth to your neighbor. 4:25
2. "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath." 4:26
3. Don't steal, but rather work so that you will have something to give to those who are in need. 4:28
4. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying." 4:29
5. Be kind and forgiving to one another. 4:31-32
6. "So ought men to love their wives." 5:28
7. Love your wife as yourself. 5:33

Interpretations in Ephesians

1. "Paul ... to the saints to the saints which are at Ephesus"

   Although Ephesians claims to have been written by Paul, most scholars think it was written after his death by one of his followers. Also, the words "to the saints which are in Ephesus" does not occur in the best manuscripts. 1:1

2. "As I wrote afore in few words"

   There was another epistle to the Ephesians that has since been lost. 3:3-4

3. "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness."

   To JWs, everything outside of the Watchtower Organization is controlled by Satan. This is one of the verses that the the Governing Body uses to condemn all holidays, civic activities, and association with non-JWs. 5:11

4. Is is OK to drink alcohol? 5:18; see related question on left
5. Should women have the same rights as men? 5:22-24; see related question on left.
6. Is polygamy OK? 5:33 . see related question on left.
7. Does God approve of slavery? 6:5; see related question on left.

Science in Ephesians

1. Satan is the "prince of the power of the air." Until modern times Christians believed that Satan was responsible for storms and droughts. 2:2

Absurdities in Ephesians

1. The bloody death of Jesus smelled good to God. 5:2
2. Those who engage in "foolish talking" or "jesting" will not go to heaven. (Guess where they will be going.) 5:4-5

Women in Ephesians

1. Wives must submit to their husbands "in every thing" as though they were Christ. "For the husband is the head of the wife." 5:22-24
2. Wives must reverence their husband. 5:

Misquotes in Ephesians

1. Misquote of Ps.68:18, which says: "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men."

   The words and meaning of the psalm were changed from "received gifts" to "gave gifts". 4:8

Answer 2

The purpose of the book of Ephesians in The Bible is to emphasize the unity of believers in Christ, highlight the spiritual blessings and identity of believers in Christ, and provide instructions on how to live out the Christian faith in unity and love.

Answer 3

Notes for Verse 8 Verse 8. For -- illustrating "the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness." Translate as in Eph 2:5, "Ye are in a saved state." through faith -- the effect of the power of Christ's resurrection (Eph 1:19, 20 Php 3:10) whereby we are "raised together" with Him (Eph 2:6 Col 2:12). Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "through your (literally, 'the') faith." The instrument or mean of salvation on the part of the person saved; Christ alone is the meritoriousagent. and that -- namely, the act of believing, or "faith." "Of yourselves" stands in opposition to, "it is the gift of God" (Php 1:29). "That which I have said, 'through faith,' I do not wish to be understood so as if I excepted faith itself from grace" [ESTIUS]. "God justifies the believing man, not for the worthiness of his belief, but for the worthiness of Him in whom he believes" [HOOKER]. The initiation, as well as the increase, of faith, is from the Spirit of God, not only by an external proposal of the word, but by internal illumination in the soul [PEARSON]. Yet "faith" cometh by the means which man must avail himself of, namely, "hearing the word of God" (Ro 10:17), and prayer (Lu 11:13), though the blessing is wholly of God (1Co 3:6, 7). Notes for Verse 9 Verse 9. Not of works -- This clause stands in contrast to "by grace," as is confirmed by Ro 4:4, 5 Ro 11:6. lest -- rather, as Greek, "that no man should boast" (Ro 3:27 Ro 4:2). Notes for Verse 10 Verse 10. workmanship -- literally, "a thing of His making"; "handiwork." Here the spiritual creation, not the physical, is referred to (Eph 2:8, 9). created -- having been created (Eph 4:24 Ps 102:18 Isa 43:21 2Co 5:5, 17). unto good works-- "for good works." "Good works" cannot be performed until we are new "created unto" them. Paul never calls the works of the law "good works." We are not saved by, but created unto, good works. before ordained -- Greek,"before made ready" (compare John 5:36). God marks out for each in His purposes beforehand, the particular good works, and the time and way which tie sees best. God both makes ready by His providence the opportunities for the works, and makes us ready for their performance (John 15:16 2Ti 2:21). that we should walk in them -- not "be saved" by them. Works do not justify, but the justified man works (Ga 5:22-25). Notes for Verse 11 Verse 11. The Greek order in the oldest manuscripts is, "That in time past (literally, once) ye," &c. Such remembrance sharpens gratitude and strengthens faith (Eph 2:19) [BENGEL]. Gentiles in the flesh -- that is, Gentiles in respect to circumcision. called Uncircumcision -- The Gentiles were called (in contempt), and were, the Uncircumcision; the Jews were called, but were not truly, the Circumcision [ELLICOTT]. in the flesh made by hands -- as opposed to the true "circumcision of the heart in the Spirit, and not the letter" (Ro 2:29), "made without the hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" (Col 2:11). Notes for Verse 12 Verse 12. without Christ -- Greek, "separate fromChrist"; having no part in Him; far from Him. A different Greek word (aneu) would be required to express, "Christ was not present with you" [TITTMANN]. aliens -- Greek, "alienated from," not merely "separated from." The Israelites were cut off from the commonwealth of God, but it was as being self-righteous, indolent, and unworthy, not as aliensand strangers [CHRYSOSTOM]. The expression, "alienated from," takes it for granted that the Gentiles, before they had apostatized from the primitive truth, had been sharers in light and life (compare Eph 4:18, 23). The hope of redemption through the Messiah, on their subsequent apostasy, was embodied into a definite "commonwealth" or polity, namely, that "of Israel," from which the Gentiles were alienated. Contrast Eph 2:13 Eph 3:6 Eph 4:4, 5, with Ps 147:20. covenants of promise -- rather, ". . . of the promise," namely, "to thee and thy seed will I give this land" (Ro 9:4 Ga 3:16). The plural implies the several renewals of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and with the whole people at Sinai [ALFORD]. "The promise" is singular, to signify that the covenant, in reality, and substantially, is one and the same at all times, but only different in its accidents and external circumstances (compare Heb 1:1, "at sundry times and in divers manners"). having no . . . hope -- beyond this life (1Co 15:19). The CONJECTURES of heathen philosophers as to a future life were at best vague and utterly unsatisfactory. They had no divine "promise," and therefore no sure ground of "hope." Epicurus and Aristotle did not believe in it at all. The Platonists believed the soul passed through perpetual changes, now happy, and then again miserable; the Stoics, that it existed no longer than till the time of the general burning up of all things. without God -- Greek, "atheists," that is, they had not "God" in the sense we use the word, the Eternal Being who made and governs all things (compare Ac 14:15, "Turn from these vanities unto the living God who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things therein"), whereas the Jews had distinct ideas of God and immortality. Compare also Ga 4:8, "Ye knew not God . . . ye did service unto them which are no gods" (1Th 4:5). So also pantheists are atheists, for an impersonal God is NO GOD, and an ideal immortality no immortality [THOLUCK]. in the world -- in contrast to belonging to "the commonwealth of Israel." Having their portion and their all in this godless vain world (Ps 17:14), from which Christ delivers His people (John 15:19 John 17:14 Ga 1:4). Notes for Verse 13 Verse 13. now -- in contrast to "at that time" (Eph 2:12). in Christ Jesus -- "Jesus" is here added, whereas the expression before (Eph 2:12) had been merely "Christ," to mark that they know Christ as the personal Saviour, "Jesus." sometimes -- Greek, "aforetime." far off -- the Jewish description of the Gentiles. Far off from God and from the people of God (Eph 2:17 Isa 57:19 Ac 2:39). are-- Greek, "have been." by -- Greek, "in." Thus "the blood of Christ" is made the seal of a covenant IN which their nearness to God consists. In Eph 1:7, where the blood is more directly spoken of as the instrument, it is "throughHis blood" [ALFORD]. Notes for Verse 14 Verse 14. he -- Greek, "Himself" alone, pre-eminently, and none else. Emphatical. our peace -- not merely "Peacemaker," but "Himself" the price of our (Jews' and Gentiles' alike) peace with God, and so the bond of union between "both" in God. He took both into Himself, and reconciled them, united, to God, by His assuming our nature and our penal and legal liabilities (Eph 2:15 Isa 9:5, 6 Isa 53:5 Mic 5:5 Col 1:20). His title, "Shiloh," means the same (Ge 49:10). the middle wall of partition -- Greek, ". . . of the partition" or "fence"; the middle wall which parted Jew and Gentile. There was a balustrade of stone which separated the court of the Gentiles from the holy place, which it was death for a Gentile to pass. But this, though incidentally alluded to, was but a symbol of the partition itself, namely, "the enmity" between "both" and God(Eph 2:15), the real cause of separation from God, and so the mediate cause of their separation from one another. Hence there was a twofold wall of partition, one the inner wall, severing the Jewish people from entrance to the holy part of the temple where the priests officiated, the other the outer wall, separating the Gentile proselytes from access to the court of the Jews (compare Eze 44:7 Ac 21:28). Thus this twofold wall represented the Sinaitic law, which both severed all men, even the Jews, from access to God (through sin, which is the violation of the law), and also separated the Gentiles from the Jews. As the term "wall" implies the strength of the partition, so "fence" implies that it was easily removed by God when the due time came. -Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary Notes for Verse 8 Verse 8. For -- illustrating "the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness." Translate as in Eph 2:5, "Ye are in a saved state." through faith -- the effect of the power of Christ's resurrection (Eph 1:19, 20 Php 3:10) whereby we are "raised together" with Him (Eph 2:6 Col 2:12). Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "through your (literally, 'the') faith." The instrument or mean of salvation on the part of the person saved; Christ alone is the meritorious agent. and that -- namely, the act of believing, or "faith." "Of yourselves" stands in opposition to, "it is the gift of God" (Php 1:29). "That which I have said, 'through faith,' I do not wish to be understood so as if I excepted faith itself from grace" [ESTIUS]. "God justifies the believing man, not for the worthiness of his belief, but for the worthiness of Him in whom he believes" [HOOKER]. The initiation, as well as the increase, of faith, is from the Spirit of God, not only by an external proposal of the word, but by internal illumination in the soul [PEARSON]. Yet "faith" cometh by the means which man must avail himself of, namely, "hearing the word of God" (Ro 10:17), and prayer (Lu 11:13), though the blessing is wholly of God (1Co 3:6, 7). Notes for Verse 9 Verse 9. Not of works -- This clause stands in contrast to "by grace," as is confirmed by Ro 4:4, 5 Ro 11:6. lest -- rather, as Greek, "that no man should boast" (Ro 3:27 Ro 4:2). Notes for Verse 10 Verse 10. workmanship-- literally, "a thing of His making"; "handiwork." Here the spiritual creation, not the physical, is referred to (Eph 2:8, 9). created -- having been created (Eph 4:24 Ps 102:18 Isa 43:21 2Co 5:5, 17). unto good works -- "for good works." "Good works" cannot be performed until we are new "created unto" them. Paul never calls the works of the law "good works." We are not saved by, but created unto, good works. before ordained -- Greek, "before made ready" (compare John 5:36). God marks out for each in His purposes beforehand, the particular good works, and the time and way which tie sees best. God both makes ready by His providence the opportunities for the works, and makes us ready for their performance (John 15:16 2Ti 2:21). that we should walk in them -- not "be saved" by them. Works do not justify, but the justified man works (Ga 5:22-25). Notes for Verse 11 Verse 11. The Greek order in the oldest manuscripts is, "That in time past (literally, once) ye," &c. Such remembrance sharpens gratitude and strengthens faith (Eph 2:19) [BENGEL]. Gentiles in the flesh-- that is, Gentiles in respect to circumcision. called Uncircumcision -- The Gentiles were called (in contempt), and were, the Uncircumcision; the Jews were called, but were not truly, the Circumcision [ELLICOTT]. in the flesh made by hands -- as opposed to the true "circumcision of the heart in the Spirit, and not the letter" (Ro 2:29), "made without the hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" (Col 2:11). Notes for Verse 12 Verse 12. without Christ -- Greek, "separate fromChrist"; having no part in Him; far from Him. A different Greek word (aneu) would be required to express, "Christ was not present with you" [TITTMANN]. aliens -- Greek, "alienated from," not merely "separated from." The Israelites were cut off from the commonwealth of God, but it was as being self-righteous, indolent, and unworthy, not as aliensand strangers [CHRYSOSTOM]. The expression, "alienated from," takes it for granted that the Gentiles, before they had apostatized from the primitive truth, had been sharers in light and life (compare Eph 4:18, 23). The hope of redemption through the Messiah, on their subsequent apostasy, was embodied into a definite "commonwealth" or polity, namely, that "of Israel," from which the Gentiles were alienated. Contrast Eph 2:13 Eph 3:6 Eph 4:4, 5, with Ps 147:20. covenants of promise -- rather, ". . . of the promise," namely, "to thee and thy seed will I give this land" (Ro 9:4 Ga 3:16). The plural implies the several renewals of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and with the whole people at Sinai [ALFORD]. "The promise" is singular, to signify that the covenant, in reality, and substantially, is one and the same at all times, but only different in its accidents and external circumstances (compare Heb 1:1, "at sundry times and in divers manners"). having no . . . hope -- beyond this life (1Co 15:19). The CONJECTURES of heathen philosophers as to a future life were at best vague and utterly unsatisfactory. They had no divine "promise," and therefore no sure ground of "hope." Epicurus and Aristotle did not believe in it at all. The Platonists believed the soul passed through perpetual changes, now happy, and then again miserable; the Stoics, that it existed no longer than till the time of the general burning up of all things. without God -- Greek, "atheists," that is, they had not "God" in the sense we use the word, the Eternal Being who made and governs all things (compare Ac 14:15, "Turn from these vanities unto the living God who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things therein"), whereas the Jews had distinct ideas of God and immortality. Compare also Ga 4:8, "Ye knew not God . . . ye did service unto them which are no gods" (1Th 4:5). So also pantheists are atheists, for an impersonal God is NO GOD, and an ideal immortality no immortality [THOLUCK]. in the world -- in contrast to belonging to "the commonwealth of Israel." Having their portion and their all in this godless vain world (Ps 17:14), from which Christ delivers His people (John 15:19 John 17:14 Ga 1:4). Notes for Verse 13 Verse 13. now -- in contrast to "at that time" (Eph 2:12). in Christ Jesus -- "Jesus" is here added, whereas the expression before (Eph 2:12) had been merely "Christ," to mark that they know Christ as the personal Saviour, "Jesus." sometimes -- Greek, "aforetime." far off -- the Jewish description of the Gentiles. Far off from God and from the people of God (Eph 2:17 Isa 57:19 Ac 2:39). are-- Greek, "have been." by -- Greek, "in." Thus "the blood of Christ" is made the seal of a covenant IN which their nearness to God consists. In Eph 1:7, where the blood is more directly spoken of as the instrument, it is "throughHis blood" [ALFORD]. Notes for Verse 14 Verse 14. he -- Greek, "Himself" alone, pre-eminently, and none else. Emphatical. our peace -- not merely "Peacemaker," but "Himself" the price of our (Jews' and Gentiles' alike) peace with God, and so the bond of union between "both" in God. He took both into Himself, and reconciled them, united, to God, by His assuming our nature and our penal and legal liabilities (Eph 2:15 Isa 9:5, 6 Isa 53:5 Mic 5:5 Col 1:20). His title, "Shiloh," means the same (Ge 49:10). the middle wall of partition -- Greek, ". . . of the partition" or "fence"; the middle wall which parted Jew and Gentile. There was a balustrade of stone which separated the court of the Gentiles from the holy place, which it was death for a Gentile to pass. But this, though incidentally alluded to, was but a symbol of the partition itself, namely, "the enmity" between "both" and God(Eph 2:15), the real cause of separation from God, and so the mediate cause of their separation from one another. Hence there was a twofold wall of partition, one the inner wall, severing the Jewish people from entrance to the holy part of the temple where the priests officiated, the other the outer wall, separating the Gentile proselytes from access to the court of the Jews (compare Eze 44:7 Ac 21:28). Thus this twofold wall represented the Sinaitic law, which both severed all men, even the Jews, from access to God (through sin, which is the violation of the law), and also separated the Gentiles from the Jews. As the term "wall" implies the strength of the partition, so "fence" implies that it was easily removed by God when the due time came. -Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Answer 4

Attributed to Paul, Ephesians was written to all believers in order to demonstrate the righteousness and kingship of God as divine creator, and to encourage Christians to embrace and worship His view of salvation and the higher call to service - to encourage believers "to live worthy of the calling". Paul intended to demonstrate how the love of God is shown in the spiritual riches given to all believers and teaches the doctrine of salvation through faith and the unity of believers whether Jew or Gentile. All of these were important principles to communicate to the fledgling churches to avoid false doctrines creeping in.

Further clarifying doctrines mentioned briefly in earlier letters, Paul carefully arranged the order of information to convey to the church the new order of faith as opposed to the old, starting with who the believer is in Christ followed by the lifestyle expected of believers. The purpose behind this order was to explain the model of grace which was a new concept at the time - first the gift then the command, whereas under law the order had been the reverse of this. By writing Ephesians, the author taught Christians the importance of believing so as to have the strength required to perform the service expected of heavenly beings.

In Ephesians, Paul also wrote to provide practical advice covering many everyday problems and situations involving relationships in the home, church and society. Paul sets out the roles and correct order of organisation in the church. He communicates the importance of order for the unity he strove to promote amongst Christians " for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." Ephesians 4:12. This verse summarizes much of the intended purpose of Ephesians.

Finally, Paul wrote to provide encouragement to believers and to exhort them to use prayer, truth, righteousness, faith, and God's Word as defences against evil. Paul also seeks prayer for himself and his preaching of the Gospel message.

Answer 5

The meaning of chapter one, of the Apostle Paul's epistle to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus is that these saints are blessed beyond anything that they could imagine, for they are blessed by God with "all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, in Christ." Some of those spiritual blessings are: being chosen before the foundation of the world, made holy, adopted as sons of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, forgiven, endowed with divine wisdom and the knowledge of the mystery of God's will and being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. So blessed are these saints, that Paul says, he prays that God may give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they would know how richly blessed they really are.

Answer 6

Enclosed within the Book of Ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of God. Furthermore, a study in Ephesians will help to fortify and to establish the believer so he can fulfill the purpose and calling God has given. The aim of this epistle is to confirm and to equip a maturing church. It presents a balanced view of the body of Christ and its importance in God's economy.

Answer 7

The oldest and best manuscripts of Ephesians do not have the opening address to the Ephesians, which is probably a late addition. While the epistle copies the style of the genuine Pauline epistles, the clear majority of scholars regard it as a later work written by an unknown author.
In its earlier form, the epistle is not a letter to a church or group of churches, but an encyclical to the Church as a whole. Whereas the Pauline epistles focussed on commitment to the faith, the emphasis in Ephesians, as well as in Colossians, from which many passages of Ephesiansseem to have been copied, was on the functioning of the Church.

Answer 8

It is the near-consensus of scholars that Paul did not actually write the Epistle to the Ephesians. There is not a suggestion of the personal Paul in the book. The style, the vocabulary and the rhetoric are all different from authentic Pauline letters. Moreover, Ephesians contains substantial amounts of material from the pseudo-Pauline epistle, Colossians, believed to have been written in the 80s of the first century. That said, Ephesians appears to have been written as an encyclical to the Church as a whole, using Paul's name in order to gain acceptance for the message of Ephesians.

Answer 9

The Epistle to the Ephesians has long been considered a letter from Paul to the Ephesians, but most New Testament scholars now regard it as having been written pseudepigraphically long after his death. Some of the early manuscripts do not have the address to the Ephesians, which may have been added later.

Because he had no particular community in mind in writing the letter, its author signs off quite impersonally, without mentioning the names of any people he would like to greet. However, although the evidence is that this is an encyclical to the church at large, the author speaks of Tychicus bringing the letter and news about Paul - just as the author of Colossians wrote of Tychicus bringing that letter and news about Paul. Many passages in Ephesians seem to be directly copied from Colossians, also regarded as having been written after Paul's death.

Written as a 'prison epistle', it urges the Ephesians to live in a manner worthy of Christians, with all humility, gentleness and patience, forbearing one another with love. Chapter 5 exhorts us to follow God and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God, avoiding all forms of immorality. Verses 5:2-25 tell us that as the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands should love their wives, even as Christ loved the church. These admonitions are repeated in various ways through the epistle.

The epistle is something of a puzzle because it is the only epistle, genuine or otherwise, that has no obvious purpose and raises no particular problems that the author wished to address, leading to much discussion over the years on why it was written, an issue that is still unresolved.

Answer 10

The Book of Ephesians in the Bible was written in Rome. The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while in prison.