He mentions his name in 1:1 and 3:1. Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison. Remember that Paul is not a scholar in an ivory tower.
Paul encountered Jesus, and his life was completely changed by him. And he is a church planter. We know he spent several years in Ephesus working with the church.
As we read this letter, though, remember this: Paul writes about are the realities that define his life. When he talks about the power of God in our inner life, that’s a power he’s experienced.
He talks about grace, and he’s experienced grace. When he says that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood but against the dominions and powers of evil, remember that Paul is a missionary who has been attacked by Satan, seen his converts tormented by the Evil One, and has watched several church leaders leave the faith.
He writes about spiritual realities that he’s experienced in the midst of the pain and struggles of ministry.
