Ephesians 5:19-20 reads:
“Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)
From an evangelical Christian perspective, the most-likely author of the Book of Ephesians, including these verses, is the Apostle Paul.
### Background on Paul:
1. **Apostolic Authority**: Paul is considered one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. He is credited with writing 13 letters (epistles) in the New Testament, which address various theological concepts, ethical teachings, and practical advice for living as a Christian.
2. **Missionary Journeys**: Paul’s missionary work among the Gentiles (non-Jews) is foundational for the spread of Christianity. He usually wrote his letters to address specific communities he had founded or intended to reach.
3. **Context of Ephesians**: While the exact recipient community of Ephesians is debated (some scholars suggest it was a circular letter meant for multiple churches in the region), the epistle addresses themes prevalent in Paul’s writings, including the unity of the church, the grace of God, and living a life reflective of one’s faith.
### Themes in Ephesians 5:19-20:
1. **Worship and Community**: The verses emphasize the importance of communal worship and expressing faith through music and song. This aligns with evangelical traditions that stress heartfelt worship as a response to God’s grace.
2. **Thankfulness**: Thankfulness to God is a recurrent theme in Paul’s letters, underscoring the idea that believers are called to recognize and express gratitude for God’s blessings in their lives.
3. **Practical Christian Living**: Throughout the Book of Ephesians, Paul emphasized living a life in accordance with one’s faith, which includes both worship and thanks, illustrating how these practices are integral to the Christian life.
In summary, Ephesians 5:19-20 reflects key aspects of Paul’s theological focus and practical instruction for believers, viewed through the lens of evangelical Christianity, which values Scripture for teaching, correction, and guidance in faith and practice.