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What does Ephesians 1 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Chapter 1 includes a brief introduction (Ephesians 1:1–2) followed by two key sections. First, Paul describes the spiritual blessings which believers have in Christ (Ephesians 1:3–14). Second, he focuses on thanksgiving and prayer for his readers (Ephesians 1:15–23).

The introduction (Ephesians 1:1–2) offers Paul's standard greeting, beginning with the author and information about him. It also mentions his audience: the Ephesians and perhaps other churches in the area. This is followed by a greeting: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:2).

The first section (Ephesians 1:3–14) begins with a word of blessing to God, beginning a long sentence in the original Greek which continues for several verses. Paul emphasizes predestination (Ephesians 1:5), which is the idea that God knew before creating that He would choose certain people to be His followers (Ephesians 1:4). Paul also highlights the importance of grace (Ephesians 1:6). Further, Paul reminds his readers of the redemption through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7), noting the revelation of God's mystery through Jesus as a fulfillment of the plan of God (Ephesians 1:9–10).

Paul further describes the inheritance of believers (Ephesians 1:11) which results in the glory of God (Ephesians 1:12). Paul's readers shared in this inheritance when they heard and believed in the gospel (Ephesians 1:13) and were sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the guarantee of the believer's future heavenly hope (Ephesians 1:14).

Predestination is a clear theme in this section, noted directly twice (Ephesians 1:5, 11). God chose "us"—Paul's readers specifically, and Christian believers in general—for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:5). He also "predestined" believers for certain purposes (Ephesians 1:11). The salvation believers receive is "sealed" by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) as a guarantee of the believer's future heavenly home. These words strongly support the teaching of eternal security. This is the doctrine that a person who truly believes in Jesus for salvation can never be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:37–39).

The second section (Ephesians 1:15–23) highlights Paul's thanks and prayers. He thanks God for his readers in his prayers (Ephesians 1:16), asking the Lord to give them wisdom and knowledge (Ephesians 1:17). His words extend into praise of God for His great might (Ephesians 1:19), a description of the resurrection (Ephesians 1:20), Christ's exalted status (Ephesians 1:21), Christ's authority (Ephesians 1:22), and the significance of the church (Ephesians 1:22–23).

Ephesians 1:1–2 introduces Paul's letter to the believers of the church at Ephesus. This includes Paul's claim to the title of ''apostle.'' The greeting features many of Paul's common expressions, including ''Christ Jesus,'' and ''grace to you.'' While the letter is clearly directed to the Ephesian Christians, it seems that Paul intended it to be read among the other churches in the area.

Ephesians 1:3–14 praises God for the blessings He has provided. Paul ties together the ideas of predestination, God's glory, the salvation of His people, and the rights we have as children of God. In particular, believers are blessed because God chose, before creation, to save us. That salvation came at a great cost: the death of Jesus Christ. As children of God, we can be confident that God will give us what He has promised: namely, an eternity with Him in heaven.

Ephesians 1:15–23 celebrates the value of our salvation in Christ. Paul's prayers for the believers of Ephesus not only include praise for their success, but an appeal for their growth. This passage heavily involves the supremacy of Christ. As believers, we are not only followers of Jesus, but also recipients of His blessings and power. Paul seeks to remind the Ephesian church that a complete understanding of Christ leads to a greater love and a stronger faith.

Chapter Summary:

The first chapter of Ephesians contains two main passages. The first describes the blessings Christians have been given as a result of our salvation through Christ. Paul explains these through praises directed to God the Father. The second section both commends the Ephesians for their reputation, and prays that Christ would bring them into an even fuller and more aware faith.

Chapter Context:

The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. Chapter 1 establishes Paul's view on the value of our salvation in Christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. He does this in the form of praise, directed at God, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. Later chapters will build on these ideas as Paul connects who we are in Christ to how we should live as Christians.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.

Accessed 5/5/2024 6:12:53 AM