Ephesians 1:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

NIV: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

NASB: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

CSB: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will:To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.

NLT: This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.

KJV: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

NKJV: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

This letter begins by distinguishing its author and audience. Its first word, "Paul," clearly identifies the writer as the apostle who had lived among the Ephesian believers for a significant amount of time. They knew him well and required little introduction. Instead, he simply noted himself as an apostle "of Christ Jesus by the will of God." Both the specific name "Christ Jesus" and God's will are important themes throughout the letter. "Christ Jesus" is used eleven times in this book. Paul heavily favored this title for Jesus, with the title being used only once outside of Paul's writings, by Luke (Acts 24:24), a close associate of Paul.

Paul writes to the saints in Ephesus, though some early manuscripts omit "in Ephesus." As a result, many believe this letter was intended for more than one church. While it may have been directly penned to the believers in Ephesus, Paul probably intended this letter to be shared and read among other churches in the area. These believers are called "faithful in Christ Jesus." Paul starts his letter with an affirming, positive note for this church that certainly included many of Paul's personal friends.

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.

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.

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.