Modern Bible Commentary On Ephesians 1

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:1-2).”

The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around 60-62 AD during his first imprisonment in Rome. He begins his letter by addressing himself as an apostle. The Greek word ἀπόστολος means a commissioner or delegate for Christ. Paul is stating that he was sent or authorized by God to speak concerning the will of God–this is important because the Lord preordained Paul to be a prophet for the living Lord of the universe.

Paul is writing to the saints and the faithful in Jesus Christ. The word saint in the Greek is ἁγίοις, and it literally means, “set apart ones.” God has set those whom He has chosen apart from the world to be holy and blameless; they are not to conform to the world but be transformed by the renewing of their mind in Christ Jesus. When an individual comes to faith in Jesus, they become distinct, separate, and attain a new spiritual nature.

^“3 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, ⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love, ⁵ having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely gave us favor in the Beloved, ⁷ in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Eph. 1:3-7).”

Paul encourages the church at Ephesus in this letter, reminding them that they are blessed. Their faith in Christ is worthy of praise because it honors God the Father–the creator and sustainer of this world. The apostle also clarifies a truth that most Christians need to realize; having a relationship with God accords us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Paul lists them in the next few verses: God’s favor, his holiness, love, grace, redemption through the sacrifice of Christ, forgiveness of our sins, and all the heavenly awards of knowing the King of kings.

Isn’t it extraordinary that the Lord chose his people before the foundation of the world? This means we didn’t choose God; instead, the Lord chose us, pursued us, and granted grace to His children when they didn’t deserve it. This notion of predestination, which comes from the Greek word προορίσας, means that God foreordained or preplanned one’s eternal inheritance and salvation in Christ.

Moreover, God’s chosen people receives redemption through Christ’s blood. Redemption comes from the Greek word ἀπολύτρωσιν, which literally is translated ransomed, or payment in full for someone who owes a debt or crime. Similarly, all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We have broken God’s law and therefore stand guilty before the Lord.

But God, rich in mercy, not only ransomed us from the rightful punishment we deserve; he also imputed his goodness, love, and power into our hearts and minds. This is the glory of Christ–to be loved by Him, to know God intimately, and be transformed from a hell-bound sinner to a sanctified, glorified saint. There is nothing richer. There is nothing greater than knowing the one who owns the cosmos.

⁸ which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, ⁹ making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him ¹⁰ to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him. ¹¹  (Eph. 1:8-11).

Paul expresses this idea of Jesus abounding his grace, forgiveness, and love towards believers in all wisdom and prudence. The Greek word ἐπερίσσευσεν is an aorist indicative active, which expresses this notion of lavishing or giving an excess of these positive attributes–providing an even greater confidence of our redemption in Christ Jesus.