Ephesians: Discipleship Lessons

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier, St Paul Writing His Epistles (1620)
(Probably) Valentin de Boulogne (ca 1594-1632), Saint Paul Writing His Epistles (c. 1618-20), oil on canvas, 39-1/8 x 52-3/8", Blaffer Foundation Collection, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX.
Of all of Paul's Epistles, I think the Letter to the Ephesians is his masterpiece. Though written from prison, the first half of the Letter is full of praise and worship, an exalted understanding of Christ, and a transcendent view of the Church. He challenges us to leave our lowest selves and inspires us to seek our highest potential in Jesus, seated with him at the right hand of the Father. Here is salvation by grace through faith, as well as the unity and mission of the church. Paul's prayers are amazing in their breadth and scope!

The second half  turns from doctrine to application. He spells out what unity looks like and how gifted ministry functions in the church body. Paul's condemnation of sinful attachments is matched by his conviction that the power of Christ can free us to become like "light in the Lord." He paints a portrait of a loving Christian marriage between believing spouses, and compares it to Christ and his Church. This prison epistle concludes with a challenge to "put on the whole armor of God" and to struggle in prayer for victory. All in all, it is an uplifting, glorious epistle, indeed!

I invite you to journey with me and thousands of brothers and sisters world-wide through St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians.

 
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
This study was originally taught online in 1996, then completely revised in 2006. With a minor revision in 2021, it is offered in both 7 lesson and 16 lesson weekly  versions. -- Dr. Ralph F. Wilson. About the leader.
  • Each Saturday I'll e-mail you the lesson for the week. Then you'll read the Bible passage and use my notes to help you understand it better.
  • You can respond to discussion questions using the Joyful Heart Bible Study Forum -- and read others' answers to reinforce your own understanding.
  • With each lesson you'll receive a link to this material in audio form. Some who learn better from hearing than from reading really appreciate this.
  • Then on Saturday, I'll send you the next week's lesson.
You can choose to receive the lessons over 7 weeks, or over 16 weeks. (See Lesson Options)  (Note: The notes and questions in each series are exactly the same. Only with the 7-week series, you cover more verses each week, thus receive notes faster).
Disciple Lessons from Ephesians, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
All the lessons are now available as an e-book or printed book for your convenience.

Here's an outline of the study:

  1. Secure in Christ our Lord (Ephesians 1:1-23)
  2. Salvation Full and Free (Ephesians 2:1-10)
  3. The New People of God (Ephesians 2:22-3:21)
  4. The Unity and Gifts of the Church (Ephesians 4:1-16)
  5. A New Way of Life in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-5:20)
  6. Christ's Love in All our Relationships (Ephesians 5:21-6:9)
  7. Our Present Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-24)

As you are waiting for the study to commence, I encourage you to begin reading Ephesians in your own private devotions. Try to read it completely through in one sitting. Then read it chapter by chapter as you begin to absorb what God is saying to you in this wonderful book. Free participant handouts are available for those who want to study in classes and small groups.

Sign up now!

To sign up, start by clicking on your study speed preference. (Note: The notes and questions in each series are exactly the same. Only with the 7-week series, you cover more verses each week, thus receive notes faster).

You'll receive your first lesson this coming Friday after you sign up. There is no cost to participate in the study, though donations are encouraged so we can create more studies and reach more people.

We respect your privacy and never sell, rent, or loan our lists. Please don't subscribe your friends; let them decide for themselves.

Please don't sign up for more than one of my Bible studies at one time. There's no penalty, but each of them is pretty intensive. If you try to do too many studies at the same time without adequate reflection, you'll miss out on God speaking to you.

Disciple Lessons from Ephesians

Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


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Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
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  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
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  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
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Acts

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Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
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General Epistles

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Revelation

  1. Revelation
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Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

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