Book of Ephesians — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 6 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 60–62 · Theme: The Congregation & Unity in Christ

Summary of the Book of Ephesians

Ephesians soars with rich teaching on the believer's standing before Jehovah, the unity of the congregation as the body of Christ, and the call to walk in love while standing firm against wicked spirit forces.

The book of Ephesians is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 6 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 60–62. The central theme running throughout Ephesians is the congregation & unity in christ — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Ephesians

  • Eph 2:8–9
  • Eph 4:4–6
  • Eph 6:10–12

Notable Passages in Ephesians

Ephesians 2:8–9

The teaching that salvation comes 'through faith' as 'a free gift from God — not owing to works' removes all human pride and establishes Jehovah's undeserved kindness as the sole basis for hope.

Ephesians 4:4–6

The seven 'ones' — one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father — define the doctrinal and organizational unity that Jehovah expects in his congregation.

Ephesians 6:10–12

Paul's counsel to 'put on the complete suit of armor from God' to stand against 'wicked spirit forces' provides the framework for understanding the spiritual warfare Jehovah's people face.

Study Questions for Ephesians

As you read the book of Ephesians, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Paul's description of the congregation as the 'body of Christ' (chapters 1; 4) teach about the unity and interdependence of all congregation members?
  2. How does Ephesians 2:8–9 — 'you have been saved through faith...not owing to works' — clarify the basis of our hope for salvation?
  3. What does the metaphor of the 'whole suit of armor of God' (6:10–18) teach about the spiritual warfare Jehovah's Witnesses face and how to defend themselves?
  4. How does Paul's counsel for Christian households — husbands, wives, children, parents (chapters 5–6) — reflect Jehovah's standards for family life?
  5. What does Ephesians 4:4–6 — 'one body, one spirit, one hope...one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father' — teach about the basis of true unity?

How to Study Ephesians with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 6 chapters of Ephesians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Ephesians as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Ephesians

The book of Ephesians is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into all 13 letters of the apostle Paul — from Romans to Philemon — in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
  • Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures

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