Ephesians 1:1

Letters to the Faithful - Ephesians 1:1

Berean Standard Bible

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

King James Bible

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:

Greek Text:

Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Ἐφέσῳ καὶ πιστοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ.

Transliteration:

Paulos apostolos Christou Iēsou dia thelēmatos Theou tois hagiois tois ousin en Ephesō kai pistois en Christō Iēsou.

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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God

Paul identifies himself as an apostle, a term meaning "one who is sent." His apostleship is not self-appointed but is by the will of God, emphasizing divine authority and calling. This aligns with his conversion and commission on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Paul's role as an apostle is crucial, as he is a foundational figure in the early church, tasked with spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15-16). His authority is further affirmed in other letters, such as Romans 1:1 and 1 Corinthians 1:1, where he similarly introduces himself.

To the saints in Ephesus

The term "saints" refers to those set apart for God, indicating holiness and dedication. Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, known for its temple to Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was a hub of commerce and culture, making it a strategic location for the spread of Christianity. The Ephesian church was established during Paul's missionary journeys (Acts 19), and he spent significant time there, teaching and strengthening the believers. The archaeological remains of Ephesus, such as the theater and library, provide insight into the city's grandeur and the challenges faced by early Christians in a pagan environment.

the faithful in Christ Jesus

This phrase highlights the believers' steadfastness and loyalty to Christ. Being "in Christ" is a central theme in Paul's writings, signifying a spiritual union with Jesus through faith. This concept is foundational to understanding the believer's identity and position, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20. The faithfulness of the Ephesian believers is commendable, especially in a city rife with idolatry and immorality. Their faith is not merely a private matter but a public testimony of their commitment to Christ, as evidenced by their love and service to one another (Ephesians 1:15).

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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 (Ephesians 1:1). This verse, the opening salutation of the Epistle to the Ephesians, sets forth the apostolic authority of Paul and the divine calling of the recipients, grounding the letter in the sovereign purpose of God and the unifying grace of Christ. Penned by the Apostle Paul, likely from his imprisonment in Rome, it establishes the theological foundation for the epistle’s exalted themes of God’s eternal plan, the unity of the Church, and the riches of grace bestowed upon believers. In its concise yet profound declaration, the verse weaves together the motifs of divine appointment, sanctified identity, and fellowship in Christ, heralding the Gospel’s power to create a people for God’s glory across all nations.

The verse begins with Paul’s self-identification, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,” a declaration that asserts his divinely commissioned authority to speak on behalf of Christ. The term “apostle” (apostolos), meaning one sent with a mission, underscores Paul’s role as a divinely appointed messenger, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and establishing churches among the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). This title, used consistently in Paul’s epistles, carries particular weight in Ephesians, where he addresses a church—possibly a circular letter to multiple congregations—facing the challenges of unity and spiritual maturity in a pagan world. The phrase “by the will of God” anchors Paul’s apostleship in divine initiative, emphasizing that his authority is not self-derived but ordained by God’s sovereign purpose. This appeal to divine will echoes Paul’s conversion on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3–6), where Christ Himself called him, transforming him from a persecutor to a herald of the Gospel.

The recipients of the letter are addressed as “the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus,” a dual designation that reveals their identity and calling. The term “saints” (hagioi) denotes those set apart by God, sanctified through faith in Christ and called to holiness. In the first-century context, this title reflects the Old Testament concept of Israel as a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), now extended to the Church, comprising both Jews and Gentiles united in Christ. The phrase “which are at Ephesus” locates the primary audience in the city of Ephesus, a prominent center of commerce and pagan worship, where the Gospel’s transformative power stood in stark contrast to the surrounding culture. The additional address, “and to the faithful in Christ Jesus,” broadens the scope, encompassing all believers who remain steadfast in their trust in Christ. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is a hallmark of Pauline theology, appearing repeatedly in Ephesians to signify the believers’ union with Christ, through whom they receive every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).

Theologically, Ephesians 1:1 establishes the divine foundation of both the messenger and the recipients, rooting their identity in God’s sovereign will and grace. Paul’s apostleship “by the will of God” affirms that his authority to teach and exhort flows from divine commission, a truth that lends weight to the epistle’s call to unity and holiness. The designation of believers as “saints” and “faithful” underscores their dual calling: sanctified by God’s grace yet responsible to live faithfully in response to that grace. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” encapsulates the mystery of the Gospel, where believers are incorporated into Christ’s body, sharing in His death, resurrection, and eternal life. This union, central to Ephesians, transcends ethnic and cultural divisions, creating a new humanity reconciled to God and one another (Ephesians 2:14–16).

In the broader context of the epistle, this verse sets the tone for the exalted theology that follows, particularly the revelation of God’s eternal purpose to unite all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Paul’s apostolic authority prepares the way for his teaching on the Church as the body of Christ, called to display God’s wisdom to the cosmic powers (Ephesians 3:10). The address to the “saints” and “faithful” foreshadows the epistle’s exhortations to live worthy of their calling, walking in love, light, and wisdom (Ephesians 4:1; 5:2, 8, 15). The emphasis on being “in Christ Jesus” introduces the spiritual blessings detailed in the subsequent verses, from election and adoption to redemption and sealing by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:3–14), grounding the believers’ identity in the redemptive work of Christ.

In the wider scriptural narrative, Ephesians 1:1 resonates with the biblical theme of God’s calling and sanctification of His people. Paul’s apostleship “by the will of God” echoes the divine commissions of Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah, called before birth (Jeremiah 1:5), and anticipates the New Testament’s portrayal of all believers as sent ones, bearing witness to Christ (John 20:21). The designation of believers as “saints” fulfills the promise of a holy people, extending from Israel to the Church as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The phrase “in Christ Jesus” connects to the Old Testament’s hope of a Messiah who would gather God’s people (Isaiah 11:10–12) and finds fulfillment in the New Testament’s vision of Christ as the head of His body, uniting all believers in Him (Colossians 1:18). The verse also points to the eschatological hope of the Church’s glorification, when the saints will fully reflect Christ’s holiness (Ephesians 5:27).

In conclusion, Ephesians 1:1 stands as a majestic opening to the epistle, proclaiming Paul’s apostolic authority and the sanctified identity of believers in Christ Jesus. Its declaration of divine calling and union with Christ establishes the foundation for the epistle’s vision of God’s redemptive plan, uniting all things in Him. Through its concise yet profound address, the verse invites believers to marvel at the grace that calls them saints, the faith that binds them to Christ, and the divine will that ordains their purpose. In its timeless testimony, Ephesians 1:1 beckons all to embrace their identity in Christ, living as faithful saints for the glory of the One who has called them into His marvelous light.

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Beloved brethren and sisters, I write to you as one who, by the mercy of God, has been made a servant of the gospel and a fellow partaker of the hope of eternal life. I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who has loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and has made us a kingdom of priests unto His God and Father.

It is written: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 1:1.

O beloved, let us marvel at the grace of our calling. For the apostles were not appointed by the will of man, nor by their own wisdom or strength, but by the sovereign will of God. So too, each of us who are in Christ Jesus have been called not by our own merit, but according to the eternal purpose and unchanging counsel of God’s will.

You who are called saints, remember always that your standing before God is not of your own doing, but of His grace alone. You have been set apart by the blood of the Lamb; you have been made holy through the righteousness of Christ. Though once you were dead in trespasses and sins, you have been made alive together with Him. You are now a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Be mindful also that to be called a saint is not a title of pride, but a charge unto holiness. As the Lord who called you is holy, so you are called to be holy in all your conduct. Walk, therefore, as children of light. Let your lives reflect the beauty of Christ’s character. Let your words be seasoned with grace; let your deeds be done in love; let your hearts be ever set upon things above.

And take comfort, brethren, that you are not called alone, but together with all who are faithful in Christ Jesus. You are members of one body, knit together by the Spirit, joined to Christ your Head and to one another in love. Let there be no division among you, but be of one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. Bear with one another in love; forgive as you have been forgiven; encourage one another, and build one another up.

Rejoice also in this truth: that your faithfulness in Christ Jesus is the work of His Spirit within you. It is He who began the good work in you; it is He who will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Therefore, do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you shall reap if you faint not. Trust not in your own strength, but in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

And remember, beloved, that this grace and this peace are not of this world, but are gifts from the Father through the Son. Rest in the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. Let His peace guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And may His grace abound toward you more and more, that you may walk in the good works which He has prepared beforehand for you to do.

Now, brethren, as you go about the work to which God has called you—as you serve one another, as you labor for the kingdom, as you shine as lights in a dark world—know that you are upheld by the power of His might. The same God who called you will sustain you; the same Lord who redeemed you will sanctify you wholly; the same Spirit who indwells you will lead you into all truth.

Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may stand firm against the schemes of the evil one. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. And may the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

To Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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O Lord our God, Most High and Eternal, who rules over all and works all things according to the counsel of Your will, we come before You this day in reverence and in thanksgiving. You are the Father of mercies and the God of all grace, the Giver of life, and the Sustainer of all things. You are holy, enthroned in glory, yet near to those who call upon You in truth.

For it is written: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.” O Lord, in these words we behold the riches of Your sovereign grace, the wonder of Your calling, and the beauty of Your Church. You, O God, are the One who appoints servants for Your purpose, who calls saints out of darkness into marvelous light, and who establishes the faithful in Christ Jesus.

We bless You, O Lord, that the calling of Your servants is by Your will and not by the will of man. You alone raise up laborers for the harvest; You alone equip and anoint those whom You send. We thank You for the faithful ministry of the apostles and prophets, for the holy Scriptures delivered through them, and for the ongoing work of Your Spirit through the ministers of the gospel in every generation.

Grant, O Lord, that we who have received this glorious gospel may walk worthy of the calling we have received. May we be faithful in Christ Jesus, steadfast in hope, abounding in love. Strengthen us to stand firm in the faith, to resist the temptations of the flesh and the snares of the world. May we be rooted and grounded in Christ, drawing life from Him, bearing fruit that glorifies Your name.

O God of all grace, we thank You that You have called us saints—not through our own merit, but through the righteousness of Christ imputed to us by faith. You have set us apart for Yourself; You have clothed us in garments of salvation; You have sealed us with the Holy Spirit of promise. Let us, therefore, walk in holiness and humility, as those who bear Your name.

Forgive us, O Lord, for the ways we have fallen short of this calling. Cleanse us from every sin, renew a right spirit within us, and restore us to the joy of Your salvation. Teach us to live as those who are in Christ Jesus—dead to sin, alive to God, walking in newness of life. Let Your grace be sufficient for us in every weakness, and let Your strength be made perfect in our frailty.

We pray also, O Lord, for the Church throughout the world—for all who are called saints in every place where the name of Jesus is honored. Unite us in love; fill us with Your Spirit; grant us wisdom and boldness to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. May we shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, holding fast the word of life.

Strengthen, we pray, the leaders You have appointed—pastors, teachers, evangelists, and all who labor in the Word and doctrine. May they be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, examples to the flock, and bold witnesses to the truth. Guard them from error; preserve them from pride; sustain them in the work to which You have called them.

And for all the saints, O Lord, grant endurance in trial, comfort in sorrow, courage in witness, and joy in obedience. May we be known as a people marked by love—love for You, love for one another, love for the lost. May the name of Jesus be exalted in our lives and in our assemblies.

Finally, O God of peace, establish our hearts blameless in holiness before You at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. Until that day, keep us faithful. May we ever look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. May we be filled with all the fullness of God, to the praise of His glorious grace.

Now unto You, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us—unto You be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.