Ephesians may be a "circular" letter. Paul's home base when he started churches in Asia Minor may have been Ephesus and he wrote his epistles (letters) to that church for distribution. This "circular" idea is due to the fact that the list of names typically found at the end of Paul's letters is not present. Ephesus was an important city in the Roman Empire because it was a major port and home of both emperor worship but also the god Artemis had a temple there. Paul was in prison at the time of writing this letter, probably late in his life (57-62 AD.) Note Paul now claims the title "Apostle," one usually reserve for those who actually had been with the live Jesus. Paul starts out by praising God for all the things God did in claiming and redeeming us. Christ is the entryway to these gifts. Believing (investing) in Christ opens the door to an inheritance at comes to children. We are God's children. Paul is impressed by the church's faith (or practice of investing in Christ.) The thankful Paul then offers encouragement to continue in the work of Christ.
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