Christ and Church in Ephesians
Ekklesia is the mighty theme in Ephesians, PAul dedicates more to the Spiritual blessing of the church (1-3) and Spiritual life of the church (4-6). Great truths are taught in the Letter to Ephesians about the Church. Lot of theologians says the theme of Ephesians is Church. Spirit of God puts a lot of emphasis on the Church but as I seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and read the Letter to Ephesians again and again in English, Greek and telugu, I am convinced that the theme to be “All things in Christ”, 1. Chapter 1 - All things under his feet” 2. Chapter 2 - One in Christ 3. Chapter 3 - Mystery of Christ and Chapters 4-6 - Christian living. Ephesians starts with Spiritual blessings and ends with the Spiritual warfare and armor of God.
Here are the 9 references to Church (ἐκκλησία )
Ephesians 1:22 - And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 3:10 - so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:21 - to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:23 - For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Ephesians 5:24 - Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Ephesians 5:27 - o that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Ephesians 5:29: - For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church
Ephesians 5:32 - This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
