Interpretation of the Epistle to the Ephesians by St. Paul the Apostle

Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria gained experience in explaining the Holy Scriptures when, as a rhetorician of the Great Church, he instructed the people. Most of his written interpretations arose at the request of the Greek Empress Maria, whom he calls his pious patron. These works became an outstanding synthesis and transposition of the established patristic traditions, primarily the heritage of the Antiochian theological school and St. John Chrysostom. As a rule, the author presents abbreviated versions of extensive interpretations of the ancient Church Fathers, borrowing only what is necessary for understanding the text. The commentary also includes his own explanations, which often concern disputes with heretics, especially later ones, and issues of dialogue with the Latins. Thanks to his clear, concise presentation and clear semantic emphasis, his commentaries were accessible to a wide range of readers, became widespread and had a significant influence on both Byzantine and Western European theology. In his “Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians of the Holy Apostle Paul” (6 chapters), Blessed Theophylact reveals the context and significance of this apostolic letter. He notes that Ephesus, as the metropolis of Asia Minor, was famous for the worship of the goddess Artemis (with a magnificent church mentioned in Acts) and was a center of philosophical thought, where prominent thinkers lived. It is precisely because of the deep religiosity (albeit pagan) and intellectual development of the Ephesians that the Apostle Paul, while in prison in Rome, writes to them with special diligence, entrusting “the deepest and most sublime thoughts”, since they were already well communicated in the faith. This message is "full of sublime thoughts" and requires the reader "to pay special attention in order to understand the secrets contained in it." The interpretation raises questions about the nature of faith and the Divine plan of salvation, and explains the purpose and position of the Christian Church in Divine Providence. Ephesus is the metropolis (main city) of Asia Minor; he honored the goddess Artemis as the highest, and in her honor there was a most majestic and beautiful church, which was respected by all the Greeks, but especially by the Ephesians; so that Ephesus was even called the servant of Artemis, as it is said in the book of Acts (Acts 19:35). The Evangelist John, exiled here, lived in Ephesus for a very long time and died here. And Paul left Timothy there as a teacher; The most famous of philosophers also lived in it. So, since this city was so pious and so famous for its wise men, Paul writes with special diligence to the Ephesians and confides to them the deepest and most sublime thoughts, as if they had already received the announcement. He writes this message, full of sublime thoughts, from Rome, where he was in prison. Therefore, we also need special attention to understand the secrets contained in it. You might be interested in: