Ephesians 1:1 Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus. Paul's one but all-sufficient claim on the Ephesians is his relation to Christ: he is Christ's apostle, not only as sent forth by him, but also as belonging to him; elsewhere his servant or bondman.
Full Answer
What is the meaning of Ephesians 1?
Paul, in his prayers “for saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus” ( Ephesians 1:1, ESV ), asks that God “may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (verse 17). Prior to his prayer for the spirit of wisdom and revelation, Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of the blessings God has bestowed upon them ( Ephesians 1:3 ), their adoption as children through Christ (verse 4), the wisdom and insight they have been given (verse 8 ...
What are "predestined" referring to in Ephesians 1?
Since the word translated "predestined" means literally "to define beforehand", we might understand these verses to say that for those of us who received God's invitation of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and who are living this life by faith in Him, God determined beforehand to adopt us as His very own children and that we would be His precious inheritance.
Who is included in "US" in Ephesians 1?
The key personalities of Ephesians are the Apostle Paul and Tychicus. It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of Christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution.
How to understand Ephesians?
This quartet of men and their respective places of abode can be identified:
- Epaphroditus was from Philippi, and he had the Epistle to the Philippians (see Phil. ...
- Tychicus was from Ephesus, and he had the Epistle to the Ephesians (see Eph. ...
- Epaphras was from Colosse, and he had the Epistle to the Colossians (see Col. ...
- Onesimus was a runaway slave from Colosse, and he had the Epistle to Philemon who was his master (see Philem. ...
What is Ephesians 1 talking about?
Explain that in his epistle recorded in Ephesians 1–6, the Apostle Paul addressed the Saints who were in Ephesus and surrounding areas. His aim was to strengthen those who were already members of the Church and to help recent converts grow in their spiritual knowledge and remain faithful to their covenants.
What is the main message of Ephesians?
Ephesians teaches that the Gospel makes way for a new multi-ethnic family of God, transforming how we live as a new humanity unified in love. Ephesians teaches that the Gospel makes way for a new multi-ethnic family of God, transforming how we live as a new humanity unified in love.
What is Paul's 1st message to the Ephesians?
The letter declares that the Christian mystery (gospel) of salvation, first revealed to the Apostles, is the source of true wisdom (perhaps an indirect repudiation of Gnostic claims to esoteric knowledge of the supernatural) and that salvation through Christ is offered to Jews and Gentiles alike.
How do you understand Ephesians?
4:428:57Overview: Ephesians - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey have one Lord with one faith they have one baptism they believe in one God that's a lot ofMoreThey have one Lord with one faith they have one baptism they believe in one God that's a lot of unity. However Paul says unity is not the same thing as uniformity. He goes on to explore how Jesus's.
What lessons do we learn from the book of Ephesians?
Ephesians reminds us of the root of all our problems. The world is filled with people who are spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins but who are physically alive, free to roam this world “according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience” (Eph.
Who wrote Ephesians 1?
The Apostle PaulThe Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians (see Ephesians 1:1).
Who is Paul talking to in Ephesians?
In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he speaks to Jews and non-Jews, two groups that were divided by so many factors it would have taken an act of God to unite them. In the first three chapters, Paul teaches about the great measures God took in order to make these two groups into one new humanity in Jesus.
What is Paul saying in Ephesians?
Ephesians 1:3-14 is one long expression of praise to God. To bless means to speak well of or praise. Paul blesses God because God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing....Eph. 1:3 (ESV)GodheadTruth/ActionTimeHoly Spirit (v. 13-14)SealsFuture2 more rows
What do we mean by the church is one?
One: the Church is one. This means that it is a single, united and global Church which has its basis in Christ Jesus. Holy: the Church is holy, because it is the Body of Christ with Jesus as the head.
What are the promises in Ephesians 1?
Three wonderful promises of God given to all believers are found in this passage… His hope, His riches and His power. He has chosen us in His love to be His children, pure and righteous in His sight through His Son Jesus Christ. We are called to be His holy people.
Why is Ephesians so important?
The Relevance of Ephesians Today In Ephesians, Paul provides significant teaching on salvation, reconciliation, the nature of God's family, and the Christian identity. Paul's goal for all of this teaching was to encourage and energize believers in their faith.
What is the background of the book of Ephesians?
The Book of Ephesians was written to “God's holy people in Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1, NIV). The city of Ephesus was a large commercial port city in Asia Minor (present day Turkey) located at the mouth of the Cayster River near the Aegean Sea.
Why was Ephesians written?
Like Romans, Ephesians was not written so much to address problems in a particular church; more so, it was written to explain some of the great themes and doctrines of Christianity. i. The elevated themes of Ephesians make it highly praised and prized by commentators.
What is the Epistle to the Ephesians?
iv. “The Epistle to the Ephesians is a complete Body of Divinity. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel; in the next, you have the experience of the Christians; and before the Epistle is finished, you have the precepts of the Christian faith.
What is the similarities between Ephesians and Colossians?
c. Ephesians has many similarities with Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Since Paul wrote both of them from his Roman imprisonment, his mind may have worked on the same themes when he wrote each letter. i. “He wrote to the Colossians to meet a particular situation and danger in the church at Colossae.
What is the mystery of Christ's will?
Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
Why is Paul calling for a blessing upon the Father?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Paul called for a blessing upon the Father (in the sense of recognizing His glory and honor and goodness), because the Father has already blessed the believer with every spiritual blessing (who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing). i.
What is the Queen of the Epistles?
Ephesians has been called “the Queen of the Epistles,” “the quintessence of Paulinism,” “the divinest composition of man” and even “the Waterloo of commentators.”. Some say that Ephesians reads “like a commentary on the Pauline letters” and probably it has been best termed “the crown of Paulinism.” (Bruce) ii.
What does Paul say in Ephesians 2:9-10?
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10: But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”.
What is the Ephesians chapter 1?
Ephesians chapter 1. New International Version. 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms ...
What is the first chapter of Ephesians?
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.
What is the importance of the Ephesus letter?
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.
What is the letter to Paul?
1 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. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual ...
What does the Bible say about eternal inheritance?
6. The eternal inheritance is the great blessing with which we are blessed in Christ: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, v. 11. Heaven is the inheritance, the happiness of which is a sufficient portion for a soul: it is conveyed in the way of an inheritance, being the gift of a Father to his children.
What does the Bible say about Jesus?
Jesus Christ is advanced above all, and he is set in authority over all, they being made subject to him. All the glory of the upper world, and all the powers of both worlds, are entirely devoted to him. The Father hath put all things under his feet ( v. 22 ), according to the promise, Ps. 110:1 .
What does the Apostle say about God's power?
The apostle speaks here with a mighty fluency and copiousness of expression, and yet, at the same time, as if he wanted words to express the exceeding greatness of God’s almighty power, that power which God exerts towards his people, and by which he raised Christ from the dead, v. 20.
What is the next spiritual blessing the apostle takes notice of?
2. The next spiritual blessing the apostle takes notice of is acceptance with God through Jesus Christ: Wherein, or by which grace, he hath made us accepted in the beloved, v. 6. Jesus Christ is the beloved of his Father ( Mt. 3:17 ), as well as of angels and saints.
What does the Bible say about prayer?
Prayer may preach; and praise may do so too. Verses 3-14. He begins with thanksgivings and praise, and enlarges with a great deal of fluency and copiousness of affection upon the exceedingly great and precious benefits which we enjoy by Jesus Christ.
Where is the Book of Ephesians in the Bible?
Ephesians. The Book of Ephesians is in the Bible's New Testament. Paul wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus, which he had led for over two years (Acts 19:10). When Paul wrote the Book of Ephesians, Paul was in prison. But the letter is not a sad letter.
What did Paul tell the Christians in Ephesus?
Paul was pleased that the Christians in Ephesus continued to serve God. Paul wanted to encourage them. And he told them about his prayers for them (Ephesians 1:15-22, Ephesians 3:14-21). Paul reminded the Christians in Ephesus that previously they were enemies of God. But God sent Jesus to die for them.
Why do Christians become friends with God?
Because of Jesus' death, they became friends of God (Ephesians 2:11-22). So, they should live lives that please God (Ephesians 4:17-32, Ephesians 5). And, they should trust God more. God had appointed teachers to help the Christians. And the Christians would learn to be more like Jesus.
What is the Epistle to the Ephesians?
iv. “The Epistle to the Ephesians is a complete Body of Divinity. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel; in the next, you have the experience of the Christians; and before the Epistle is finished, you have the precepts of the Christian faith.
What is the Ephesians called?
The elevated themes of Ephesians make it highly praised and prized by commentators. Ephesians has been called “the Queen of the Epistles, ” “the quintessence of Paulinism,” “the divinest composition of man” and even “the Waterloo of commentators.”.
What does Eph 1:19b-21 mean?
4. ( Eph 1:19b-21) A description of the great power of God that Paul wants the Ephesians to know.
What is the similarities between Ephesians and Colossians?
c. Ephesians has many similarities with Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Since Paul wrote both of them from his Roman imprisonment, his mind may have worked on the same themes when he wrote each letter. i. “He wrote to the Colossians to meet a particular situation and danger in the church at Colossae.
What is Paul's letter to the Ephesians about?
Like Romans, Ephesians was not written so much to address problems in a particular church; more so, it was written to explain some of the great themes and doctrines of Christianity. i.
Why is Paul calling for a blessing upon the Father?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Paul called for a blessing upon the Father (in the sense of recognizing His glory and honor and goodness), because the Father has already blessed the believer with every spiritual blessing ( who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing ). i.
What is God's ultimate plan?
He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; in Him: God’s ultimate plan is to bring together — to ultimately resolve — all things in Christ, either through Jesus as a Savior or Jesus as a Judge; this will happen in the fullness of the times . i.
Reception
- i. The elevated themes of Ephesians make it highly praised and prized by commentators. Ephesians has been called the Queen of the Epistles, the quintessence of Paulinism, the divinest composition of man and even the Waterloo of commentators. Some say that Ephesians reads like a commentary on the Pauline letters and probably it has been best termed ...
Assessment
- iii. Among the Epistles bearing the name of St. Paul there is none greater than this, nor any with a character more entirely its own There is a peculiar and sustained loftiness in its teaching which has deeply impressed the greatest minds and has earned for it the title of the Epistle of the Ascension. (Salmond)
Contents
- iv. The Epistle to the Ephesians is a complete Body of Divinity. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel; in the next, you have the experience of the Christians; and before the Epistle is finished, you have the precepts of the Christian faith. Whosoever would see Christianity in one treatise, let him read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Epistle to the Ephesians. (Spurg…
Themes
- b. If the Letter to the Romans focuses more on Gods work in the individual Christian, Ephesians includes the great themes of Gods work in the church, the community of believers.
Influences
- c. Ephesians has many similarities with Pauls letter to the Colossians. Since Paul wrote both of them from his Roman imprisonment, his mind may have worked on the same themes when he wrote each letter.
Quotes
- i. He wrote to the Colossians to meet a particular situation and danger in the church at Colossae. Then with his mind still working over the theme of the greatness and glory of Christ, but moving on to consider the place of the Church in the purpose of God, he wrote Ephesians, this time without the limitation of any polemical aims. (Foulkes) b. Who has blessed us: This blessing is o…
Analysis
- ii. In looking at the great, majestic themes of Ephesians, it is important to remember that Paul wrote this letter from prison.
Purpose
- ii. At the same time, we can gather that the letter was also intended in a more general sense to circulate among Christians as a great statement of Gods eternal plan, worked out in the church and in individual Christian lives. If there is a blank space in a manuscript where others read in Ephesus, it is certainly because we are to put our city in that blank space.
Significance
- c. Grace to you and peace from God our Father: This greeting is typical of Paul. The apostle knew the essential place of grace and peace from God in the life of the believer, and He knew that receiving Gods grace comes before a walk in peace with Him.
Origin
- In ancient Greek (the language Paul originally wrote in), Ephesians 1:3 through 1:14 form one long sentence. As an opera has an overture, setting the tone for all the melodies that will follow, so Ephesians 1:3-14 sets the tone for the rest of Ephesians.
Mission
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the pr…
Title
- i. The words [holy and without blame] are a metaphor taken from the perfect and immaculate sacrifices which the law required the people to bring to the altar of God. (Clarke)