Underlying the Epistle to the Ephesians is a story that is often rehearsed in part or alluded to in it. The major events in the narrative are these:

 1. God’s choice of the people “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4, 5, 11).
 2. Their past, lost existence (Eph. 2:1-3, 11, 12; Eph. 4:17-19, 22; Eph. 5:8).
 3. The intervention of God in Christ to save them (Eph. 1:7, 8; Eph. 2:4-6, 13-19; Eph. 4:1, 20, 21; Eph. 5:2, 8, 23, 25, 26).
 4. Their acceptance of the gospel (Eph. 1:12, 13 and implied elsewhere). Having once “no hope” (Eph. 2:12), they now possess the “one hope” toward which believers move (Eph. 4:4; compare Eph. 1:18).
 5. The present lives of the addressees as disciples. Though living at a time fraught with hazards and the opposition of the evil powers, they may draw on the resources offered by their exalted Lord (Eph. 1:15-23, Eph. 2:6, Eph. 3:14-21, Eph. 4:7-16, Eph. 6:10-20).
 6. In the future culmination of history, the Spirit’s role as “guarantee” (Eph. 1:13, 14, ESV), or “seal” (Eph. 4:30), reaches fruition. In this crowning moment, the addressees will be rewarded for their faithfulness by taking possession of the “inheritance” already granted to them in Christ (Eph. 2:7; Eph. 6:8, 9); and, through their faith in Christ, they will be granted a place in the Christ-centered age to come (Eph. 1:21; Eph. 2:7, 19-22; Eph. 4:13, 15; Eph. 5:27).

 1. The underlying story of Ephesians (see above) is not just the story of believers in the first century. It is our own story. Which of the major steps or stages of that story gives you the most hope in this moment?
 2. Why do you think it is that Paul so frequently recalls the sinful past of his audience, inviting them to reflect on their pre-conversion lives?
 3. Compare Paul’s summary of the gospel in Ephesians 2:8-10 to his earlier summary in Romans 1:16, 17. What similar themes emerge? In what ways are the two different?
 4. While the good works of believers play no role in their redemption, in that they can never give people saving merit before God, what important part do they play in God’s plans for believers? Eph. 2:10.