Chapter 1

Some translations include the phrase "at / in Ephesus". It is important to note that this phrase is not in the oldest manuscripts. The likely conclusion is the letter was a circular letter that was given from Church to Church in the area surrounding Ephesus and that Ephesus was just the foremost recipient.

For information on Ephesians as a city, see Ephesians.

1:1: "Paul, an apostle..." An apostle was somebody sent with the authority of the one who sent them. In this case, Jesus was the one sending Paul. (See 1:1 on Colossians for more info on Paul as an apostle.) "Saints..." Those who are set apart to God. All the elect are called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:1-2). "to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus..." The language used here helps us to grasp further the idea of election and faith. God elects us and sets us apart so that we can be faithful.

1:2: "Grace to you and peace..." A typical greeting used by Paul in all of his letters.

1:3-4: The blessings Paul is referring to here are outlined in the text following: Election (1:4), Adoption (1:5), Acceptance (1:6), Redemption (1:7), Knowledge of His will (1:9), Inheritance (1:11), Sealing of the Spirit (1:13), The surety of our inheritance (1:14). These blessings cover the scope of God's redemptive works.

1:4: This is speaking of the election and predestination of those called to be saints in Christ (which is all believers). Although some people would disagree, Predestination is an entirely biblical doctrine. Although we are predestined, this predestination doesn't change the fact that we must have faith and it doesn't change the necessity to obey Christ as Lord. Somebody predestined to election (which brings faith) cannot continue to live in their worldly ways as true faith brings repentance from sin. This predestination also is not due to any merit inside of us as people but rather is out of the good will of God. (See Ephesians 1:5) Further, John Calvin calls election the "foundation and first cause" and says that election is the foundation "both of our calling and all the benefit which we receive from God." further speaking Calvin also says this election is "free" because if it is through Christ, that it is not of ourselves because the name of Christ excludes all personal merit. "that we would be holy..." Holiness and Purity are the fruit of this election not the foundation or causation. "blameless..." To be without fault before God.

1:5: This election brings us as sons and daughters to God the Father through Christ. All who are elected and put their faith in Christ are sons and daughters of God and co-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:16-17) He has not only adopted us in a legal sense of sonship but has made us into partakers of the divine nature.

1:6: "to the praise of the glory of His grace..." This election and adoption is done for the main purpose of bringing glory to God. "which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved..." God's grace is only given to us in the Beloved Christ who is the "son of His love". We are only reconciled to God through the blood of Christ.

1:7: This is why Christ had to come. Our righteousness is as filthy as rags and cannot make our salvation. Redemption implies that there was a cost required for the payment of release and the payment owed was the blood of Christ. We have been forgiven of our sins only through the shedding of Christ's blood and this action on Christ's behalf of payment was done according to His grace. Christ's blood was the "propitiation" of our sins.

1:8: The riches of His grace and His plan of redemption were wrought about in us by his manifold wisdom and insight and his eternal plan for salvation.

1:9: God made his rich plan and mystery known to us experientally by bringing it about in us. This was not done because of anything we have done but was done according to his good pleasure and will which has been purposed in Christ. This "mystery" refers to God's plan for salvation among both the Jews and Gentiles and the making of both into "one new man".

1:11: It appears that in this verse "we" refers to the "first-fruits" of Jewish believers. "counsel of His will..." This refers to the "good pleasure of His will". Gods election is not random but is according to His perfect wisdom and sovereignty.

1:12: Again, the purpose and "final cause" of salvation- regardless of ethnicity or race- is for God's glory.

1:13: Faith comes by hearing the gospel of God in truth. (Romans 10:11-17)

1:13-14: At our regeneration, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit which gives us a sure sign of the authenticity and security of our salvation in servanthood to Christ.

1:13: "you also..." referring to the gentiles. "you were sealed..." An ancient seal indicated ownership and protection/security. Not all who have heard the word have also come to belief but all who have heard as well as believed have been sealed with the Holy Spirit by which they were sealed as a sign of authenticity, authority, identity, and ownership.

1:14: Again, the Holy Spirit is given as a “pledge,” or “security,” of our inheritance in the Lord. This pledge has been given as an earnest of God’s possession- which is us as believers.

1:15-16: Because the Ephesians were in Christ and sealed in the Holy Spirit, Paul did not cease in His prayers and thanksgiving for them.

1:17: "the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the full knowledge of Him..." All the treasure of knowledge and wisdom is hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3) and the "Spirit of truth" (The Holy Spirit) guides us into all truth. What the Spirit speaks to us He hears from Christ. He enables us and guides us into a full knowledge of God. (John 16:13-15)

1:18: "having the eyes of your heart enlightened..." Those that previously walked in darkness and were blinded are now enabled to see and walk in light. "hope..." The fullness of salvation that we long for at Christ's return.

1:19-20: The same power that rose Christ from the dead is now accessible to us through unification with Christ.

1:20-22: Christ has been exalted and given the authority over all things. "authority, power, dominion..." Names sometimes used to refer to divine beings. (Ephesians 6:12). "seating Him at His right hand in the heavenly places" It is not the posture in which the importance is found but rather the position. The position is the "right hand". Being at the right hand of God stands for the power and authority that has been bestowed on Christ. (Colossians 2:10)

1:22: "And he gave Him as head..." "Head" not only refers to our union with Christ as His body (Colossians 1:18) and His position as "head" whereby he gives us growth (Colossians 2:19), But also refers to Christ's authority and dominion over the Church. (Colossians 3:1). "And He put all things in subjection under His feet." Cf. Psalm 8:6, Psalm 110:1 and Hebrews 10:13.

1:23: Christ fullness is brought to all things that He chooses. Likewise, the Body of Christ is filled with Christ's fullness.