An introductory hymn or eulogy, which blesses the Triune Godfor
the spiritual blessings given to the church(1:3-14).
A report on Paul's prayer that believers will be enlightened to know the hope
of God's calling, the riches of his inheritance in the saints, and the
greatness of his power, demonstrated in the
resurrection and exaltationof Jesus Christ
(1:15-23).
Paul's reflection on how believers have been raised from death in
sinby virtue of their union with Christ in his resurrection and
exaltation (2:1-10).
A description of the former alienation of the Gentilesfrom the
people of God, and their reconciliation with God and
with the covenant people of God through the blood of Jesus Christ (2:11-18).
A description of the church of Jesus Christ, likened to a new temple built
for the habitation of God through the Spirit (2:19-22).
Paul's description of his apostolic ministry and the mystery of the Gospel
(3:1-13).
A report on Paul's prayer that believers will be enabled by God's Spirit to
know the love of Christ and to be filled with the fullness of God (3:14-21).
An appeal to walk in a manner worthy of God's calling, particularly through
maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace for the maturity of
the body (4:1-16).
An appeal to not walk in the futility of sin, but to live as the new people
of God, who have put off the old man, and put on the new (4:17-32).
An appeal to walk in love, light, and wisdomnot in
the darkness of sin (5:1-17).
An appeal to be filled by the Spirit of God in worship,
marriage, family relationships, and in the servant-master
relationships (5:18-6:9)
A call to spiritual warfare, with a warning about the
spiritual and wicked nature of our enemy and a description of the armor
provided for believers by God (6:10-20)
The mission of Tychichusand the conclusion of the letter
(6:21-24).