The Epistle. The contents are much akin to those of Colossians, but also differ greatly from them. (1) In each book half is doctrinal and half practical. (2) Colossians discusses Christ-hood or Christ the head of the church, while Ephesians discusses church-hood or the church as the body of Christ. (3) In Colossians Christ is "All and in all", in Ephesians the ascended Christ is seen in his church. (4) In Colossians we have Paul in the heated arena of controversy; in Ephesians he is quietly meditating upon a great theme. It has been said to contain the profoundest truth revealed to men, and the church at Ephesus was, perhaps, better prepared than any other to be the custodian of such truth, since Paul's long stay there had so well prepared them to hear and understand it. It may have been written as a circular letter to be sent in turn to several churches of which the church at Ephesus was one. Date. By Paul, probably from Rome, A. D. 62 or 63. Theme. The church, Christ's mystical body. Analysis. Salutation, 1:1-2. I. The Spiritual Blessings of the Church. 1:3-14. 1. The origin of these blessings, v. 3. 2. The blessings enumerated, 4-14. II. Prayer for the Readers, 1:15 end. 1. That God may grant them the spirit of wisdom, the Holy Spirit, 15-17. 2. That they may know what they have in Christ, 18-33. III. The Great Work Done for Them, Ch. 2. Both Jews and Gentiles. 1. They were regenerated, 1:10. 2. They were organized, 11 end. IV. Paul's Mission and Prayer for Them, Ch. 3. 1. His mission to preach the mystery of Christ. 1-13. 2. His prayer for them and doxology of praise to God, 14 end. V. The Duty of the Churches as the Body of Christ, 4:1-6:20. 1. Duty of individual members in relation to other members and to the world. 4:1-5:21. 2. Duties of individuals in their home relations, 5:22-6:9. 3. Duties of individual members in their relation to the organized efforts of the church. 6:10-20. Conclusion, 6:21 end. For Study and Discussion. (1) The Christian's standing before God, Chs. 1-2. Such words as sealed, chosen, quickened. (2) The blessings of the church, make a list, 1:3-14. (3) The elements and characteristics of the new life, 4:25-32. (4) The different things done in an intelligent Christian life, 5:3-17. (5) The exalted nature and office of Christ, 1:2-33; 2:13-22. (6) The eternal purpose of God, 2:3-5; 2:4-7; 3:9-12. (7) Principles of Christian sociology seen in the home relations such as husband and wife, child and parents, and servant and master. (8) The Christian's relation to Christ as seen in these relations. * * * * * Chapter XXXII. Philippians and Colossians. Philippians.