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Ephesians and Colossians: Prison Epistles, Part 1

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Ephesians (Ephesians 1–6)
    22 Activities
  2. Lesson Two
    Authority and Power (Ephesians Review)
    22 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Author and Audience (Ephesians Review)
    16 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  4. Lesson Four
    Colossians Overview (Colossians 1–4)
    19 Activities
  5. Lesson Five
    Paul's Ethics (Colossians, Romans 6 Review)
    14 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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One of the tidiest summaries of Paul’s theology from anywhere in his letters appears in the second chapter of Ephesians:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. 
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

To emphasize the value of this passage as a summary of Paul’s theology, we might place phrases from it alongside passages from some of the major Pauline letters. Ephesians is thought to be one of Paul’s latest letters, written after the major letters, which would help explain this tidy summary.

Ephesians 2:8-9Major Letters
For it is by graceRomans 3:24, 11:6
you have been saved,Galatians 2:6, Romans 5:1, 9
through faith—Galatians 2:16
and this is not from yourselves,Romans 4:16
it is the gift of God—Romans 3:24
not by works,Romans 3:20, 4:2
so that no one can boast.1 Corinthians 1:29

Table adapted from: C. Leslie Mitton, Ephesians, 1989, pp. 13-14.

We can also see Ephesians 4:4-6 as a summary statement on peace and unity in Christ:

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 
Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV

Ephesians 4:4-6Major Letters
There is one bodyRomans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:17, 12:12
and one Spirit,1 Corinthians 12:4, 13
just as you were called1 Corinthians 7:20
when you were called;1 Corinthians 7:20
one Lord,1 Corinthians 8:6, 12:5
one baptism;1 Corinthians 12:13
one God1 Corinthians 6:6, 12:6
and Father of all,1 Corinthians 8:6; cf Romans 9:5
who is over all.Romans 9:5; cf Romans 11:36
and through allRomans 11:36
and in all.Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 12:6

Table adapted from: C. Leslie Mitton, Ephesians, 1989, pp. 13-14.