Ephesians 1:1–10: The Pearl of Great Price
David Pawson on the letter's pearl, formed in a prison cell — God's plan, his power, and the four blessings waiting for everyone who is in Christ.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” — Ephesians 1:3
Ephesians 1:11–23: Purpose, Power, and the Telescope
David Pawson on how we enter God's purpose through preaching, and find his power through prayer — sealed with the Spirit, and called to a bigger view of God.
“The eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you” — Ephesians 1:18
Ephesians 2:1–10: Dead, Alive, and Made for Good Works
David Pawson's diagnosis, prognosis and prescription for the human condition — spiritual death, the three little letters that change everything, and grace through faith for good works.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” — Ephesians 2:4–5
Ephesians 2:11–22: One Blood, One Body, One Building
David Pawson on the deepest division humanity has ever known — Jew and Gentile — and how the cross dissolves it into one new family, one body, one temple.
“For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility” — Ephesians 2:14
Ephesians 3: God’s Secret Revealed
David Pawson on the great secret hidden for ages — Gentiles and Jews one in Christ — the church as God’s showcase, and Paul’s five prayers for a stronger, larger, fuller life.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” — Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians 4:1–16: Unity with Diversity, Maturity with Charity
David Pawson on what kind of church to build — the unity we cannot lose and must practise, gifts given to equip every believer, and growing up into Christ in truth and love.
“eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” — Ephesians 4:3
Ephesians 4:17–32: The Way to Life and the Way of Life
David Pawson on living out the new life — leaving the old tradition behind, changing clothes in Christ, and the truthfulness, trustworthiness and tenderness that mark the new nature.
“Put off your old nature… and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God” — Ephesians 4:22–24
Ephesians 5:1–20: Imitation, Illumination, Intoxication
David Pawson on the Christian walk — imitating God rather than the crowd, walking as children of light, and being filled with the Spirit instead of wine.
“be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” — Ephesians 5:18–19
Ephesians 5:21–33: Leaving, Cleaving, and the Pattern of Christ
David Pawson on marriage as God’s pattern of leadership and responsibility — wives submitting as to Christ, husbands loving as Christ loved the church, and the mystery of one flesh.
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” — Ephesians 5:25
Ephesians 6:1–4: The Maker’s Instructions for the Family
David Pawson on God’s blueprint for the family — children called to obedience and reverence, and fathers called to discipline and instruct without provoking, with Christ at the centre of it all.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” — Ephesians 6:1
Ephesians 6:5–9: Work as Worship
David Pawson on Christ at work — respectful obedience, conscientious loyalty and cheerful service for employees, and the revolution of verse 9 for employers who now answer to the same Master.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…” — Ephesians 6:5–7
Ephesians 6:10–24: The Armour of God
David Pawson on the Christian warfare — identifying the real enemy, putting on the whole armour of God piece by piece, and Paul’s ambassador’s request for courage rather than safety.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” — Ephesians 6:11