1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
The True Meaning of Ephesians 1
The Epistle to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion and became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Paul addresses the believers in Ephesus, a thriving city in the Roman province of Asia, and lays out the foundational truths of the Christian faith in this chapter.
Paul begins by emphasizing the blessings that believers have received through their relationship with Christ, including being chosen, adopted, and redeemed. He then foreshadows the central themes of the letter, which include the unity of the church, the power of God’s Spirit, and the need for believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Throughout the passage, Paul draws upon imagery and language from the Old Testament, such as the concept of being “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13), which echoes the promise of the new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This connection to the broader biblical narrative underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
Ephesians 1:1-2
The Apostle Paul introduces himself as the author in Ephesians 1:1-2, the initial verses of the letter, writing to the saints in Ephesus, and extends a greeting of grace and peace to them from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. This opening serves as a customary salutation common in Paul’s letters, setting the tone for the rest of the epistle.
Paul’s identification of the recipients as “saints” is significant, as it signifies their position in Christ—set apart, consecrated, and made holy by God. This term reflects the central theme of Ephesians, emphasizing the believers’ identity in Christ and their calling to live a life that reflects this new nature. Paul highlights their status as chosen, redeemed, and sanctified by God’s grace, not by their own merit, by addressing them as saints.
The mention of grace and peace in the greeting is also significant. Grace represents God’s unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity, exemplified in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. It is through God’s grace that believers are saved, reconciled to Him, and adopted as His children (Ephesians 1:5). Peace denotes the reconciliation believers have with God through Christ, as they are no longer in enmity but have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). This peace transcends understanding and guards the hearts of believers (Philippians 4:7), offering assurance and rest in turbulent times.
The dual mention of God as our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in the greeting highlights the Trinitarian nature of God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Here, Paul establishes the foundation of the Christian faith, affirming the deity of Christ and His inseparable relationship with the Father. This emphasizes the believers’ union with both the Father and the Son, ensuring their spiritual identity, security, and inheritance as children of God (Ephesians 1:11). These introductory verses in Ephesians not only serve as a formal salutation but also lay the groundwork for the profound theological truths and practical exhortations that Paul will expound upon in the rest of the epistle. Through the greeting of grace and peace, Paul sets the stage for an exploration of the believers’ identity in Christ, their unity in the body of Christ, and the spiritual blessings they have received through God’s redemptive plan.
Ephesians 1:3-6
The passage in Ephesians 1:3-6 can be broken down into a few significant sections.
Firstly, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” acknowledges God as the source of all blessings and praises Him for the spiritual blessings He has granted us. This exaltation of God as the ultimate provider of our blessings sets the tone for the entire passage, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and reverence towards God.
The next section, “who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” highlights the nature of the blessings we receive from God. These blessings are not material or temporary but are spiritual in nature and are bestowed upon us through Christ. This underscores the significance of our union with Christ in receiving these blessings and emphasizes the heavenly nature of the gifts we receive from God.
Moving on, the passage mentions predestination and adoption, stating, “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.” This section delves into the concept of predestination and adoption as integral parts of God’s plan for believers. The idea of being chosen by God before the foundation of the world underscores His sovereignty and foreknowledge. Adoption as sons through Jesus Christ demonstrates God’s intentions to bring believers into His family, highlighting the intimate relationship God desires with His children.
Lastly, the passage mentions the purpose behind these actions, stating, “to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” Here, the ultimate goal of God’s blessings, predestination, and adoption is revealed – to bring glory to His grace. Our acceptance in Christ is a manifestation of God’s grace and serves as a testament to His love and mercy towards us. Ephesians 1:3-6 speaks to the eternal truths of God’s blessings, predestination, adoption, and grace. It underscores the significance of our relationship with Christ, the depth of God’s love for us, and the importance of living a life that brings glory to Him. This passage emphasizes the foundational principles of the Christian faith and serves as a reminder of the richness of the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ.
Ephesians 1:7-10
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7-10 that we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
Paul begins by emphasizing a foundational Christian belief – redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. The concept of redemption runs throughout the entire Bible, starting from the Old Testament where God redeemed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6:6) and leading up to the ultimate redemption through Jesus on the cross. Through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, we are not only forgiven but redeemed – bought back from the power of sin and death. This act of redemption is a central theme in the Christian faith and showcases the depths of God’s love for humanity.
The forgiveness of sins through Christ’s sacrifice is a recurring theme in the New Testament. The idea that we can be forgiven of all our sins through faith in Jesus is at the heart of the Gospel message. Jesus Himself proclaimed the importance of forgiveness when He said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14) This verse emphasizes that forgiveness is not only an act of God’s grace but also a model for us to follow in our relationships with others.
Furthermore, Paul speaks of the mystery of God’s will being revealed in Christ. Throughout the Bible, we see glimpses of God’s plan being gradually unfolded, leading to the ultimate revelation in the person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets foretold of a coming Messiah who would bring salvation and reconcile humanity to God. This mystery, hidden for ages, was finally disclosed through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, bringing salvation not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles, fulfilling God’s plan of redemption for all people.
Lastly, Paul mentions the purpose of God’s plan in Christ – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. This echoes Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21, where He prayed for unity among believers, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” This unity is not just a physical or organizational unity but a spiritual oneness in Christ that transcends all barriers of race, nationality, or social status. The unity found in Christ is a powerful testament to the reconciling work of God in bringing harmony and peace to a broken world in a world divided by sin and strife.
Ephesians 1:11-14
We can break down and analyze several important sections in Ephesians 1:11-14 to understand the depth of its message. “It says in verse 11 that we were also chosen in him, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”” Here the Apostle Paul is highlighting the concept of predestination, emphasizing God’s sovereignty in choosing believers. It is a reminder that our salvation is not by our own works or merit but by God’s grace. This verse also underscores God’s meticulous control over all things and how everything is in alignment with His divine will. This idea of predestination can be challenging for some to accept, but it serves to humble us before God and remind us that He is in control of all things.
Moving on to verse 12, which says, “in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” This verse emphasizes the purpose of our salvation, which is ultimately for the praise and glory of God. Believers are chosen by God to bring Him glory through their faith and obedience. This concept echoes throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 43:7 where it says, “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. We, as Christians, should reflect God’s glory in our lives as we walk in His ways and fulfill the purposes He has for us.
Verse 13 continues, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Here, Paul is highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Upon hearing the Gospel and believing in Christ, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This seal symbolizes God’s ownership, protection, and guarantee of our salvation. It is a profound reminder of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. This idea is also echoed in 2 Corinthians 1:22, where it says, “He set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” The Holy Spirit serves as a mark of distinction and security for those who belong to God.
Lastly, in verse 14, it says, “who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Here, Paul reinforces the idea of the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. This inheritance refers to the future redemption and glorification of believers. It is a promise of our eternal inheritance in Christ. The Holy Spirit not only seals us but also serves as a foretaste and assurance of what is to come. This verse also emphasizes that believers are God’s possession, highlighting the intimacy and ownership God has over those who belong to Him. Ephesians 1:11-14 delves into the themes of predestination, the purpose of salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. It underscores God’s sovereignty, the glory we are to bring to Him, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. These verses serve as a profound reminder of God’s grace, love, and faithfulness towards those who are called according to His purpose.
Ephesians 1:15-19
The apostle Paul expresses his gratitude and praise for the faith of the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:15-19. He begins by acknowledging their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints. This is a crucial point as it illustrates the interconnectedness of faith and love in the Christian life. Faith in Jesus Christ naturally leads to a love for others, particularly fellow believers. The apostle Paul commends the Ephesians for this tangible expression of their faith.
Paul also reveals that he does not cease to give thanks for the Ephesians, remembering them in his prayers. This demonstrates the importance of continual prayer in the life of a believer. Paul’s consistent prayers for the Ephesians highlight his deep care and concern for them spiritually. Through this act of prayer, Paul is not only expressing his gratitude for the Ephesians but also interceding on their behalf before God.
Furthermore, Paul prays for the Ephesians to receive wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. This prayer reveals the apostle’s desire for the Ephesians to have a deep and intimate understanding of God. Knowledge of God is fundamental in the life of a Christian because it shapes one’s faith, beliefs, and actions. Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual insight and understanding in a believer’s journey by asking for wisdom and revelation on this matter. Paul desires for the Ephesians to know the hope to which God has called them, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward those who believe. These aspects of God’s calling, inheritance, and power are foundational truths in the Christian faith. Understanding the hope of our calling reminds believers of the future glory that awaits them in Christ. The riches of God’s inheritance highlight the spiritual blessings and treasures that believers possess in Christ. Lastly, recognizing God’s immeasurable power reinforces the strength and authority available to believers through their faith in Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Bible, the themes of faith, love, prayer, wisdom, hope, inheritance, and power are interconnected and crucial to the Christian life. The apostle Paul’s words to the Ephesians serve as a powerful reminder of these foundational truths, encouraging believers to deepen their relationship with God, pursue spiritual growth, and live out their faith with confidence and purpose. This passage challenges believers to seek a deeper understanding of God and His promises, to be steadfast in prayer, and to walk in the power and hope of their calling.
Ephesians 1:20-23
A powerful declaration of the greatness of God’s power towards those who believe is found in Ephesians 1:20-23. Let’s break down this passage into sections and explore its profound significance in the context of Ephesians and the broader themes of the Bible.
Firstly, in verse 20, we see the mention of God’s mighty power demonstrated in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms. This is a crucial aspect of Christian theology as it underscores the victory of Christ over death and sin, showcasing God’s ultimate authority and sovereignty. This event, Christ’s resurrection and ascension, is pivotal in the Christian faith as it not only validates Jesus’ claims but also serves as the cornerstone of our hope for eternal life. The imagery of being seated at the right hand of God denotes a position of power, honor, and authority, highlighting Christ’s exalted status.
Moving on to verse 21, we encounter the mention of Jesus being far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. This verse emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over all earthly and spiritual powers, asserting His absolute reign and sovereignty over everything in existence. It speaks to the universal and eternal nature of Christ’s lordship, transcending time and space. This underscores a central theme in Ephesians, which is the cosmic reconciliation and unity under the lordship of Christ (Ephesians 1:10, 22-23). God puts all things under Christ’s feet in verse 22 and appoints Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. This verse highlights the intimate connection between Christ and the Church, portraying the Church as the body of Christ, with Christ as its head. The imagery of Christ being the head of the Church signifies His authority, leadership, and care over the body of believers. This union between Christ and the Church speaks to the concept of the Church as the visible representation of Christ on earth, carrying out His mission and reflecting His character to the world.
Finally, in verse 23, we encounter the concept of the Church as the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way. This idea emphasizes the Church’s role as the completion or full expression of Christ on earth. We, as believers, are called to be Christ’s ambassadors, bringing His light and message to the world. This verse underscores the significance of the Church in God’s redemptive plan, as a vessel through which Christ’s presence and love are made known to humanity. Ephesians 1:20-23 exalts the power, authority, and lordship of Christ while highlighting the inseparable connection between Christ and the Church. It conveys a message of hope, unity, and purpose for believers, encouraging us to live in alignment with Christ’s redemptive work and to proclaim His gospel to the ends of the earth. This passage reminds us of the cosmic implications of Christ’s victory and the profound privilege we have as members of His body.
After Ephesians 1
The apostle Paul emphasized the blessings that believers have received through Christ in this chapter. He highlighted the predestination of God’s chosen people, the redemption through Christ’s blood, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. These truths remind us of the incredible love and grace that God has lavished upon us. As we reflect on these truths, let us fill our hearts with gratitude and awe for the work of God in our lives. We should walk in the confidence of our identity as God’s chosen ones, redeemed and sealed for His glory. We will delve deeper into the practical implications of these spiritual blessings and how they should impact our daily lives as followers of Christ in the next chapter. We will continue to seek God’s wisdom and guidance as we journey together in faith.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.