Ephesians 1:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

NIV: For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people,

NASB: For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints,

CSB: This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

NLT: Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere,

KJV: Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

NKJV: Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

Verse 15 begins a new segment of Paul's letter, extending through the end of the chapter in verse 23. Paul points out two things he had heard about the Ephesian believers. Paul had already lived among the Ephesian believers for three years and knew of their faith. That Paul has also "heard of" their faith likely refers to what others have said about the Ephesian believers. These others are likely those who had visited Paul in Rome.

Beyond faith, Paul had also gotten good reports about the Ephesians' genuine, well-known concern for one another in the church. Because of this, Paul could give thanks for them in his prayers (Ephesians 1:16). Their congregation was largely united, though Paul taught church leaders were to equip believers toward unity (Ephesians 4:12–13). Paul saw love for one another as a source of strength in the one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1–6). The use of the term "saints" here once again shows that, in Paul's view, all Christians are "saints." We are a "set apart" people, meant to live holy lives before the Lord.

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.

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.

Accessed 5/7/2024 4:03:56 AM