Ephesians: The Historical And Cultural Context

The historical and cultural context is perhaps one of the most defining influence on scriptural text. Culture provides the overall framework to organize thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in relation to the environment that the text speaks to. As one begins to read the letter to the Ephesians, one may be transfixed by the many subject matters that the letter bares. Therefore, meticulous analysis of the biblical text has enabled an improved perception of the mysteries of scripture. The intention of this essay is to explore the book of Ephesians by observing essential subjects, such as date, authorship, setting and audience; to better know the Historical and Cultural context of the Biblical text. In this division of the essay, I will expound upon many of the points that are important features, which are vital to understanding Ephesians. This will present a background for the reader to understand the history and culture of that time; the context, and the purpose of why Ephesians was written.

The first petition was that the church of Ephesus will be strengthened in their inner being. Secondly, that Christ will dwell in their hearts. After that, Paul prayed that the church of Ephesus would have the power to comprehend the extent of God’s work. The last petition is that they know the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:16-19 assists the author of Ephesians with the primary objective that Paul had in mind when writing the book of Ephesians because one of the major themes of Ephesians is unity. Although Ephesians doesn't outline the definition of unity, it gives a description of the primary features of unity. Paul is an advocate for unity because of all the bickering that was taking place in Ephesus. People were divided on scriptural doctrine and Paul wanted to remind them that God created one body to serve