lessons from ephesians 1
“Ephesians 1 presents a breathtaking vision of God’s cosmic plan and the believer’s place within it. It speaks of a divine initiative that transcends human understanding, grounding us in a hope that is both eternal and unshakeable.”
Ephesians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 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, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 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. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Summary of Ephesians 1
Paul starts his letter to the Christians in Ephesus with a warm greeting and a blessing of grace and peace from God.
Praise and Blessings (Verses 3-14):
Paul praises God for blessing believers with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
He explains that God chose us before the world was made to be holy and blameless. Out of love, God decided to adopt us as His children through Jesus.
Paul emphasizes that through Jesus' sacrifice, we have redemption and forgiveness of sins, showering us with God's grace.
God revealed the mystery of His will to us, which is to bring unity to everything in heaven and on earth under Christ.
We are chosen and predestined according to God's plan, so that we might live for His glory.
When we believed the gospel, we were marked with the Holy Spirit, who is a guarantee of our inheritance until we are fully redeemed.
Paul's Prayer (Verses 15-23):
Paul shares his gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian Christians.
He prays for them to receive wisdom and revelation to know God better.
Paul asks that their hearts be enlightened to understand the hope of God’s calling, the riches of their glorious inheritance, and the incredible power available to believers.
He describes this power as the same mighty strength that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand.
Jesus is placed far above all rulers and authorities, with everything under His feet. He is the head of the church, which is His body and the fullness of Him who fills everything.
“In Ephesians 1, Paul shows us the vastness of God’s plan. We are chosen, adopted, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. This is a message that provides deep assurance and calls us to a life of gratitude and purpose.”
Commentary on Ephesians 1
Paul begins with a powerful declaration of blessings that believers have in Christ. He highlights that our spiritual blessings come from being united with Jesus. God's plan for salvation was in place even before the world began, showing His love and intention for us to be part of His family.
Redemption and forgiveness are central themes, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. The idea of being chosen and predestined reassures believers of their secure place in God's plan.
Paul's prayer reflects his deep care for the Ephesians. He wants them to grow in their knowledge of God and fully grasp the hope, riches, and power available to them. This power is not just theoretical but is the same force that raised Jesus from the dead, highlighting its magnitude.
Jesus' authority is supreme, and everything is under His control. The church, being His body, is filled with His presence and power, making it a vital part of God's plan.
In essence, Ephesians 1 is about recognizing the incredible spiritual blessings in Christ, understanding our secure and predestined place in God's family, and realizing the immense power and authority of Jesus, which believers share in.
“In the whole of our salvation there is nothing that ought to be attributed to our merit, for everything flows from this fountain, that God hath chosen us freely of his own good pleasure, without any respect to our works.”
Further Reading on Ephesians 1
"Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon" by N.T. Wright
In this accessible commentary, N.T. Wright provides insights into Paul's letters, including Ephesians. Wright's clear explanations make complex theological concepts understandable and relevant for modern readers.
"The Message of Ephesians" by John Stott
This book is part of the Bible Speaks Today series and offers a detailed exposition of Ephesians. John Stott’s work is known for its clarity and depth, making it a valuable resource for understanding the key themes of Ephesians 1.
"Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary" by Harold W. Hoehner
For those looking for a thorough academic study, Hoehner’s commentary provides an extensive exegesis of Ephesians, including critical analysis and theological insights.
"Sit, Walk, Stand" by Watchman Nee
Although not a traditional commentary, this classic work focuses on the practical application of the principles found in Ephesians. Watchman Nee’s insights help readers understand how to live out their faith in light of the teachings in Ephesians.
"The Epistle to the Ephesians" by F.F. Bruce
F.F. Bruce is a renowned biblical scholar, and his commentary on Ephesians offers a blend of scholarly analysis and accessible writing. This book is part of the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) series.
"Ephesians: Building a Community in Christ" by John Stott
Another excellent resource by John Stott, this book focuses on the practical aspects of building a Christian community based on the teachings of Ephesians. It includes study questions and applications.
"Ephesians for You" by Richard Coekin
Part of the God's Word For You series, this book aims to make Ephesians accessible to everyone. Coekin’s writing is engaging and practical, ideal for personal study or group discussions.
"Ephesians: A Theological Commentary on the Bible" by Michael Allen
This commentary explores the theological dimensions of Ephesians, providing deep insights into its spiritual and doctrinal significance.