Ephesians related passages

Within the Bible

• Previous: Galatians defended the gospel of grace; Ephesians unfolds the riches of that grace and the church it creates.
• Next: Philippians shows that same gospel producing joy and humility in the church at Philippi.
• Companion: Colossians, written at the same time, emphasizes the supremacy of Christ the head as Ephesians emphasizes the glory of the church.
• Thematic Connections:
  • Genesis 1 - God’s workmanship and new creation, echoed in “we are his workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10).
  • Isaiah 57:19 - “Peace to the far and to the near,” behind Christ our peace (Ephesians 2:17).
  • Colossians 3-4 - Parallel household instructions and calls to the new life in Christ.

Cross-Testament Connections

Ephesians shows the church as the fulfillment of God’s ancient plan:

• One people from all nations: Christ unites Jew and Gentile, fulfilling the promise to bless all nations in Abraham (Ephesians 2:11-22; Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6).
• Christ our peace: Jesus fulfills the promise of peace to those far and near (Ephesians 2:14-17; Isaiah 57:19).
• God’s dwelling place: The church is the true temple where God dwells by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Kings 8; Ezekiel 37:27).
• The Bridegroom and His bride: Christ’s love for the church fulfills the marriage imagery of God and His people (Ephesians 5:25-32; Hosea 2:19-20; Isaiah 62:5).