The most commonly accepted author of the book of Ephesians, including the passage in Ephesians 1:9-10, is the Apostle Paul. From an evangelical Christian perspective, Paul is considered an important figure in early Christianity, known for his missionary work and theological writings.
### Context of Ephesians 1:9-10
Ephesians 1:9-10 states:
> “He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
In this passage, Paul expresses the idea that God has revealed His divine plan through Christ, which is central to the understanding of salvation and the ultimate reconciliation of all things.
### Paul’s Background
– **Education**: Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a highly educated Pharisee who studied under Gamaliel, a respected teacher in Jerusalem. His training gave him a deep understanding of Jewish law and scripture.
– **Conversion**: His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Jesus, transformed him from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential apostles.
– **Missionary Journeys**: Paul undertook several missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing churches and strengthening Christian communities.
### Themes in Ephesians
1. **Unity in Christ**: A major theme of Ephesians is the unity of believers in Christ, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
2. **Spiritual Blessings**: The letter emphasizes the spiritual blessings available to believers, including redemption and adoption as children of God.
3. **The Church**: Paul discusses the role of the church as the body of Christ, highlighting its importance in God’s divine plan.
### Evangelical Perspective
From an evangelical viewpoint, the book of Ephesians is often regarded as a robust theological work that outlines key doctrines such as grace, salvation, and the significance of Christ’s work. Evangelicals hold that Paul’s writings are inspired and authoritative, contributing to the understanding of Christian faith and practice.
In summary, within the context of Ephesians 1:9-10, Paul is seen as a divinely inspired author whose insights into God’s will are foundational for understanding Christian identity and community.