To the Saints Which Are at Ephesus

2018-08-11

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: (2) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:1-2)

This opening to the book of Ephesians is like others in some ways. Let us look at some of its facets.

1. Paul identified himself as apostle, and therefore established his authority. The ordination of Paul to apostleship was not by his own choice, but rather “by the will of God.” Ephesians 1:1
2. Paul identified the recipients as “saints.” Paul called them saints because all believers in Jesus Christs are saints. Ephesians 1:1
3. Paul identified them as faithful. These believers did not have a lot of the troubles that others did, such as the churches in Corinth and Galatia. They had turned away from their former wicked lives and had surrendered completely to Christ. Ephesians 1:1
4. Paul blessed them with grace and peace. This was customary in his letters to the churches, because grace and peace are instrumental in making us saints. We are not saints because of our own efforts and works. We are saints because of His grace and establishing peace between us and Himself. Read more about this blessing here. Ephesians 1:2