The Argument of the Epistle of S. Paul to the Ephesians

Of S. Paul's first coming to Ephesus, and short abode there, we read Acts 18. And immediately Acts 19. of his returning thither according to his promise. what time he abode there three months, speaking to the Jews in the Synagogue. Acts 19. v. 8. and afterward apart from them (because they were obstinate) two years in a certain school, so that all that dwelt in Asia, heard the word of our Lord, Jews and Gentiles. Acts 19. v. 10. The whole time himself calleth three years, in his exhortation at Milétum to the Clergy of Ephesus. Acts 20. v. 31.

After all this he writeth this Epistle unto them from Rome (as it is said) being then prisoner and in chains. and that as it seemeth, not the first time of his being there, whereof we read Acts 28: but the second time, whereof we read in the Ecclesiastical Stories afterward: because he saith in this Epistle ch. 6. v. 21. Tychicus will certify you of all things, whom I have sent to you. Of whom again in the 2. to Timothy ch. 4. v. 12. he saith: Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. And the said 2. Epistle to Timothy (no doubt) was written very little before his death: for in it thus he saith: I am even now to be sacrificed, and the time of my resolution is at hand. 2 Timothy 4, 6.

In the three first chapters, he commendeth unto them the grace of God, in calling of the Gentiles no less than the Jews, and making one blessed Church of both. Whereas his intention is to move them to persevere (for otherwise they should be passing ungrateful) and specially not to be moved with his trouble, who was their Apostle: knowing (belike) that ✱ it would be a great temptation unto them, if they should bear soon after, that he were executed: therefore also arming them in the end of the Epistle, as it were in complete harness.

In the other three chapters he exhorteth them to good life, in all points, and all states, as it becometh Christians: and afore all other things, that they be most studious to continue in the unity of the Church, and obedience of the pastors thereof, whom Christ hath given to continue and to be our stay against all Heretics, from his Ascension, even to the full building up of his Church in the end of the world.

Marginal notes

• Ephesians 3. v. 1. & 4. v. 1. Ephesians 6. v. 20. (left margin: citation, beside "being then prisoner and in chains")
• ✱ See Acts 20. v. 25. 32. (left margin: citation, keyed by the ✱ at "knowing (belike) that ✱ it would be a great temptation")