Category: Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1:3 – Spiritual Blessings

Posted on by Will

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Truth to Learn

God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

 

Behind the Words

There are two Greek words translated “blessed” in the New Testament. The first is makarios, meaning “fortunate, well off, or happy.” The other one is eulogētos, from which we get our English word eulogy. It is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of logos, meaning “a word.” Hence, eulogētos means “good words” or “well-spoken of.” When used as God blessing a person, eulogētos means “to look on with favor, to act in a person’s life and accomplish His purposes instead of allowing the person to have his or her own way.” In the current verse, both words translated “blessed” and the word translated “blessing” are forms of eulogētos.

“Spiritual” is translated from pneumatikos, which is derived from pneuma, meaning “spirit.” Thus, pneumatikos means “that which pertains to the spiritual realm as opposed to the earthly or physical realm.”

The words “heavenly places” are translated from epouranios, which is made up of epi, meaning “above, over, or on” and a form of ouranos which refers “heaven.” Epouranios means “that which pertains to heaven” or “the heavenly realm.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul starts out this verse by giving praise to God the Father. He states very clearly here that, although Jesus Christ is God and part of the trinity, He is subservient to the Father since he refers to Him as “the God and Father” of Jesus Christ. Since all Christians are “in Christ” (Romans 12:3, 2Corinthians 5:17), He is also our God and Father.

There is some discussion among Biblical scholars as to the exact meaning of Paul’s expression “spiritual blessing.” Some claim that he is referring to “every blessing of the Holy Spirit,” especially since that would make mention of all three persons of the Godhead in this verse. Others (with whom I would agree) see this as an expression of spiritual blessing as opposed to worldly or material blessing. This makes more sense since the realm of the blessing is “in the heavenlies.” Notice that in the Old Testament, from Abraham onward, God’s promise of blessing was focused on material, earthly things. Not so, in the New Testament. The blessings He promises us are not fame and fortune; they are spiritual riches like eternal life, adoption as sons by God, and reigning with Him. Keep in mind that our citizenship is in heaven, not this world (Philippians 3:20).

Finally, Paul tells us that these spiritual blessings, which we have already been blessed with, are in Christ. Our blessings are not in religion, good works, or obedience; they are in Christ Jesus our Lord and they are acquired by faith.

 

Application

We live in a physical world and we are surrounded by the world system, characterized by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. But we are commanded not to love the things of this world (1John 2:15). Instead, Paul will describe a number of spiritual blessings because he wants us to focus on our spiritual blessings, not the material ones.

Where are you looking for your blessings, my Christian friend? In the things of this world? Or in the things of God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

Posted on by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“Lord” is from the Greek word kurios, which is derived from the noun kuron, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “one who is supreme in authority” or “one’s owner.”

 

Meaning Explained

This verse, which expresses the Apostle Paul’s natural tenderness toward those whom he loves, is sort of like the calm before the storm. Whereas the first two or three verses in this chapter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes after these verses may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Though part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent three years with the Christians in Ephesus, he developed a close relationship with, and fondness for, them. His first expression of fondness is that he prays for grace for them. Christians often think of grace as “unmerited favor,” which it surely is when used in reference to the grace that God has shown to us in granting us the righteousness of Christ and eternal life through Him. But, since Paul is addressing this letter to Christians who already know the grace of God with regard to salvation, this is a different flavor of grace. This is living grace, the favor and good will from God that brings gratification and joy to the everyday lives of Christians.

In addition to grace, Paul prays for peace to be bestowed on all who read this letter. Throughout the years, from the first century until now, faithful Christians have enjoyed periods of peace as well as periods of persecution. Paul is well aware of the trials and troubles that we will encounter throughout our journey on this earth and expresses this prayer for peace even when we are in the midst of such troubles.

He recognizes and tells us not only the source of grace and peace, but the mediator through whom these are passed on to us. There are three persons in the Godhead, each one of whom is completely God, but there is a hierarchy that the three persons have agreed on. The Father is the first person of the three. The Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the second person of the three and is voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Father. And, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who is voluntarily submitted to the authority of both the Father and the Son. Paul tells us here that grace and peace are from our Father and from (or through) our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Application

Do you know the peace of God that surpasses all our understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Are you experiencing His grace in your life? Are you fully submitted to His will? These are the things that Paul looks for and expects from those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:1 – Paul’s Letter to You

Posted on by Will

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the decision of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful ones in Christ Jesus:

Truth to Learn

If you are a Christian, this letter was written to you!

 

Behind the Words

“Apostle” is transliterated from the Greek word apostolos, made up of apo, meaning “from or away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to withdraw from” or “to send forth.” Thus, apostolos, as it is used here, means “one who is sent out by Christ.”

The word translated “decision” is thelēma, which indicates “a determination or decision.” The verbs thelō and boulomai are both translated “to will” but boulomai expresses a desirous will (wish) whereas thelō expresses a determined will (decision).

“Saints” is from hagios, which literally refers to something which causes awe. Its root meaning is “that which has been set apart from common use to Godly use.” As we will learn from Paul in this letter, all Christians have been set-apart by God; that is, all Christians are saints.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul begins this letter with a typical salutation identifying himself (Paul the apostle) as the writer. He immediately sets the tone for this letter by indicating that his apostleship is a result of God’s determination (it was God’s decision). One of the key underlying themes of this letter is the complete sovereignty of God in choosing whom He determines. This doctrine of “election” has been hotly debated since the time of the Reformation in the sixteenth century; however, writings of the early church fathers indicate that the early church readily accepted it. Throughout this letter we will see that Paul clearly teaches that God chose us, not because we decided to get saved, but because He decided to save us.

The next phrase in this opening verse, “To the saints who are in Ephesus,” has been questioned by some. The reason for this is because the words “who are in Ephesus” are omitted in two key Greek manuscripts. Some scholars believe that the letter was written with these two words intentionally omitted, allowing copyists to insert the name of a particular church to make it more personal. An overwhelming number of the manuscripts, however, contain the words “who are in Ephesus;” therefore, it is reasonable for us to conclude that this letter was specifically addressed to the church in Ephesus.

The final phrase of this verse indicates that Paul intended that is should be read by more than just the Ephesians. He addresses this letter to all the “faithful ones in Christ Jesus.” This is not a reference to those who have a sense of fidelity and perseverance, but to those who are “of the faith.” In other words, this letter was sent to the Christians who lived in Ephesus and to anyone else who has professed faith in Jesus Christ. If you have accepted the blood of Jesus Christ as payment for your sins and have declared Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, then this letter was written specifically to you.

 

Application

The God of all creation, the great I AM who lead Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness, wants you to know Him completely. It’s not very often that we recognize that God had the Bible written for you and me individually. This letter called Ephesians was written to you, Christian!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians – Background

Posted on by Will

The City of Ephesus

The city of Ephesus was located on the eastern coast of Asia Minor (present day Turkey). It was nearly 200 miles due east from Athens across the Aegean Sea (the body of water that separates Greece from Turkey). This very large metropolis, located on the Cayster River, was the capital of the Roman province called Asia. Its primary claim to fame was the presence of the magnificent temple to the goddess Dianna (the Greek goddess Artemis). This temple was one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Today, only half buried ruins occupy the site of this once great commercial city.

Who Wrote This Letter?

According to Ephesians 1:1 and 3:1, this letter was written by the Apostle Paul. The genuine Pauline authorship is attested to by many of the early church fathers including Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Valentinus, Hippolytus, Polycarp, Tertullian, and Ignatius.

Toward the end of his second missionary trip, Paul visited Ephesus for a short while where he disputed with the Jews in the synagogue of the city (Acts 18:19-21). After Paul left Ephesus, the work was carried on by Apollos (Acts 18:24-26) and by Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). On his second visit to Ephesus, Paul remained there more than two years (Acts 19:10). In fact, for three years according to Acts 20:31. During this time, he preached the gospel with such success that it affected the entire city and province (Acts 19:17-20). The conversion rate of Ephesians was so significant that it stirred up the fears of the local silversmiths who profited from the worship of Diana. They raised such a commotion that Paul was forced to leave the city.

On his last journey to Jerusalem, he sailed by Ephesus and summoned the elders of the Ephesian Church to meet him at Miletus where he delivered a stirring farewell address to the people he loved so (Acts 20:18-35).

When Was This Letter Written?

This letter is believed to have been written by Paul after his arrest in Jerusalem during his subsequent imprisonment in Rome. The most likely date of writing is AD 62 or 63.

From Where Was This Letter Written?

We know that this letter was written while Paul was a prisoner (Ephesians 6:20), and hence must have been written either at Cæsarea or at Rome. Some scholars relegate it to the first place, but the general consensus is that it belongs to the group of letters which were sent from his Roman prison. This letter was written to the Ephesians most likely during the early part of his imprisonment at Rome immediately after the letter to the Colossians, to which it bears a close resemblance in many passages. Tychicus was the messenger to whom, on the same journey, were entrusted both this letter (Ephesians 6:21) and the letter to Colosse (Colossians 4:7).

Why Was This Letter Written?

Paul’s reason for writing this letter is based on his foresight that false teachers would spring up in the church after his death. He was concerned that their false doctrines would draw away disciples after them and do great harm in the church. Therefore, the design of this letter was to establish the believers in the doctrines of the Gospel so they might not be carried away with the errors of the deceivers.

Paul puts great care into establishing the doctrines of grace, predestination, election, eternal security, redemption by Christ, and salvation by the free grace of God completely apart from works. He also deals with the nature and usefulness of the Gospel ministry, of gifts necessary for it, and of the various duties of religion incumbent on Christians. He speaks to the Ephesians as a “type” or example of the Church universal. Hence, “the Church” throughout the Epistle is spoken of in the singular, not in the plural.

Outline of Ephesians

Section 1 – Doctrine

Ephesians 1:1, 2  —  Introduction

Ephesians 1:3-14 – Blessings to God for His work of mercy in saving us.

Ephesians 1:15-23  —  A prayer that we might fully avail ourselves of the advantages of God’s eternal mercy.

Ephesians 2:1-3  —  Our former unsaved state, dead in sin

Ephesians 2:4-7  —  Regeneration through God’s mercy

Ephesians 2:8-10  —  Salvation by faith apart from works.

Ephesians 2:11-22  —  The reconciliation of both Jews and Gentiles

Ephesians 3:1-12  —  The revelation of the mystery that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs of God with the Jews.

Ephesians 3:13-21 – Paul’s prayer that we might grow to know God better.

Section 2 – Practical Application

Ephesians 4:1-16  —  An exhortation to keep the unity of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:17-24  —  A challenge to quit our former manner of life and to develop a new way of living in righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:25-5:20  —  Specific actions & attitudes to cease, with a challenge to be kind, tender hearted, and forgiving, giving thanks to God.

Ephesians 5:21-33  —  The responsibilities of husbands and wives.

Ephesians 6:1-3  —  The responsibilities of parents and children

Ephesians 6:4-9  —  The responsibilities of masters and servants

Ephesians 6:10-20  —  Conducting Christian warfare.

Ephesians 6:21-24  —  Closing remarks.