To the Faithful, Grace and Peace

Ephesians 1:1–2 KJV 1900

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

Introduction

We come in our series on Ephesians to the first Greek paragraph in this letter. Paul begins with an introduction of himself, his readers, and his motivation. We will see these this morning.

The letter of Paul to the Ephesians, an important epistle in the Bible, has much to say on the subject of what our church should be. Paul will show us the importance of unity, faithful leadership and biblical order in the church. We will see the vital part that their family plays in the life of every Christian. We will see the blessings of God through His salvation. We will also see the reality of the spiritual warfare around us.

Written by Paul, probably from prison in either Cesarea or Rome, Ephesians corresponds chronologically with Colossians and Philippians. In Ephesians, Paul is writing to a group of people that he now likely did not know as well as some of the other churches he had written to. Though he spent between two and three years in Ephesus, that had been several years before. The people were likely scattered in different house churches and had seen new converts since Paul had left.

As we look at the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, there are several concepts we will want to remember that are central to the theme of this book:

Christ is the central figure in the book.

The Church is the central institution of the book.

Love is one central word of the book.

Grace is another central word of the book.

Unity is a central application of the book.

The central theme of Ephesians is the unity of believers in Christ as part of the local church.

Listed among the greatest cities in the Roman Empire, the city of Ephesus had such illustrious company in this group as Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, and Corinth. Ephesus was the capital city of its province. Called “The Queen City of Asia”, it was a central part of the commerce, trade and politics of Asia Minor. The church at Ephesus was called ekklesia or a called-out assembly 16 times, holy 2 times, faithful once. It may have been started by Apollos or Aquila and Priscilla.

Acts 19:1 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Like the city whose name it bears, the letter to the Ephesians has also been called magnificent names. One commentator lists several of these,

The Sermon Notebook: New Testament Ephesians 1:1–2

It has been called “The Alps of the New Testament”; “The heavenly epistle”; “The crown and climax of Pauline theology”; Samuel Coleridge called it “The divinest composition of man”.

As we move into the book of Ephesians, one more important factor should be realized about this city. The city of Ephesus was a city that was known for its magic, idolatry, and ritual immorality. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was here and it was the center piece of the idolatry in the city. What are those seven wonders?

Colossus of Rhodes - 105 foot statue of the Greek sun god Helios, destroyed by earthquake in 225 or 226 BC

Great Pyramid of Giza - tomb of Khufu with a height of 482 feet when originally built, only remaining wonder

Hanging Gardens of Babylon - gardens possibly built like a ziggurat in the city of Babylon, destroyed

Statue of Zeus at Olympia - 40 foot tall statue of the main god of the Greek religion, destroyed around 426 BC or about 50 years later

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - tomb of Mausolus built ins 353 or 351 BC, destroyed by earthquake in the Middle Ages

Lighthouse of Alexandria - light in the harbour of the city that was 350 tall, destroyed in the late Middle Ages

Temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus - temple to Artemis built in 350s BC, destroyed in 262 AD

One was for enjoyment. One was for safety. Three were for worship. Two were tombs. All but one are now destroyed. In Ephesus, we see one of these amazing wonders. This was the temple of a pagan goddess. As we go through the book of Ephesians, we will see that this is an important note seen in what Paul says to the people.

As we study the greeting this morning, realize the permanence of a relationship with God. Someone worshiping at one of these temples would be without hope when it was destroyed. As we will see this morning, a relationship with the God of the Bible is different.

Declaration

How does Paul begin this letter? He begins by identifying the writer and the addressees. Our application is simple. Today, we must be characterized by holy hearts and believing lives as we live in the grace and peace of Christ through His will. We begin this journey through Ephesians looking three truths about our identity in Christ.

1. Our Identity is Determined by God’s Will

Ephesians 1:1 KJV 1900

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:

A. Paul as Example

The life of Paul is a perfect example of the change that comes about when God changes a life. Before Christ, Paul had lived a blameless life according to the law. He gives us this testimony in Philippians. He held the coats of those who stoned Steven. He went to persecute the “people of the way” in Jerusalem and in the surrounding areas. He was trained by one of the great rabbis of the time. But, Paul had great sins by his choices that must have weighed at times on his conscience. Despite these personal choices, God had a plan for Paul. Your sin and my sin are small in comparison to Paul, but God saved Paul. God can surely save you! Paul’s testimony was,

Galatians 1:15 KJV 1900

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

We see here that a title is given after Paul’s name. Paul is an apostle. These were selected believers sent for a special purpose by Christ. This was recognized as an office in the Early Church because these men were honored with their task by the Risen Lord Himself. Some, the original Twelve Disciples, were “apostles” in the technical sense as Christ had sent them out personally. Others were “apostles” because of a church sending them out, like Barnabas. This word could also be used for temporary messengers sent for a purpose. Paul is a technical “apostle” because he was sent out directly by Christ. We see that in the first two chapters of Galatians. Also, in Ephesians, Paul says

Ephesians 3:8 KJV 1900

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Not only is Paul an apostle, he is an apostle in a unique way found in the New Testament. Paul is sent specifically to the Gentiles. The book of Acts tells his story, especially in the second half. Paul is the apostle sent to the lost Gentiles that ultimately reach even to us today. The preaching and writings of Paul are pillars of the theology of the Western World. His writings under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shed much light on the practical Christian life.

Paul is an apostle “of Jesus Christ” or the Greek could be “by Jesus Christ”. Paul is either authorized by Christ, or possessed like a slave by Christ, or both. Likely, it is both. This was a personal mission that Paul was on to give the Gospel to the lost Gentiles and specifically here by writing to the people in Ephesus.

Notice that Jesus and the Father are mentioned multiple times. Jesus is mentioned 3 times as "Jesus Christ", "Christ Jesus", and "Lord Jesus Christ". What do these names and titles mean?

Christ is the Greek form of Messiah. This was the prophesied ruler who would come and bring victory to Israel. Each Jewish person would look and still today looks for this coming Anointed One.

Jesus is the Aramaic form of Joshua. Joshua means “Jehovah Saves.” The God we see in the Old Testament is the same as the One in the New. He is still about the business of salvation. Jesus is the means of that salvation for the world.

Lord is a title that connects a Person as Master with a servant or slave. Jesus is Lord in the immediate sense of ruling over His church and over the world as King of Kings. This word also is how “God” is often translated in the LXX in the Old Testament. Calling Jesus “Lord” reminds us of His Deity.

B. By the Will of God

Will is the rule of God. God makes the decision and works that decision out in the world throughout time. His purpose is never thwarted. That purpose is the redemption of mankind and the restoration of man to a state of fellowship with Him.

Ephesians Ephesians 1:1a

We could rightly question, “What right did he have to speak for God?” None at all, based on his record. But Paul is not an apostle because of his record. He is an apostle because of Christ’s redemption.

God is mentioned twice with "of God" and "God our Father". God is pictured both as supreme and as a caring and providing Heavenly Father. The idea of God as Father is found often in both Testaments. God is there for you today. God is working out His Will as a kind Father.

The will of God is the instrument of the calling of Paul as an apostle. Paul was not an apostle because he was any better than anyone else. He was not an apostle because he could boast of having seen the many miracles that Christ had done first hand. Paul was an apostle because of the will of God.

God’s will brought him to this moment in time that he writes this letter to Ephesus. God’s will brought him to the future day that he will stand before the Emperor in Rome. God’s will someday will bring him to the throne of God in heaven as he receives the rewards for his faithful service. All of our lives are organized, sustained and filled by the will of God.

Ephesians 1:5 KJV 1900

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Paul’s identity was an apostle according to the will of God. God chose this path for Paul. What about you? What does God have for you? What is your identity in Christ? Salvation is the beginning of this identity determined by the will of God.

Our Identity is Determined by God’s Will

2. Our Identity is Demonstrated by God’s Work

Ephesians 1:1 KJV 1900

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:

A. Positional - to the saints which are at Ephesus

What is a saint? To the Jewish person of the Old Testament, they would look at a saint as a “holy one”, another way to translate this word, and see themselves. God had make Israel the Holy Nation. To call a Gentile Christian “holy” was considered blasphemy.

A saint is not pictured here as a “sanctified” or set-apart person. Instead, we see a relationship with Christ Jesus in the Greek. The relationship that has been established makes the Christian holy. Because we have the righteousness of Christ on our account, we are in a relationship that is holy.

The Annotated Luther, Volume 1: The Roots of Reform Second Part of the Conclusion

When therefore God pardons, God neither accepts nor rejects, but pardons.

There is also a connection among each other that is connected to the Holy Spirit. Holy is connected to who the Spirit is. When we see the Third Person of the Trinity in the Bible, He is often called Holy. We have a relationship that is included in this idea of being connected to the Holy Spirit. Paul often uses this word to identify the Christian.

Why use the word saint here? The reason is that the saints are the recipients of the letter. Paul is not writing to those who are unholy. He is not writing to those who are without hope, dead in their sins. Positionally, they are holy by the finished work on the cross over 30 years before. What about you? Are you holy? Are you positionally righteous? Christ died to make you so!

Colossians 1:25–27 KJV 1900

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Ephesians Ephesians 1:1

A little girl who attended worship in a place with a lot of stained-glass windows was asked what a saint was. “A saint is a person the light shines through,” she replied. A saint is someone whose life—speech, actions, attitudes, relationships—points to Jesus

B. Practical - to the faithful (believing) in Christ Jesus

How are they characterized? They are faithful in Christ Jesus. They are believers in Him. This word means to trust or have faith. Paul emphasizes faith with confession as well as carrying out the commands of Christ. Faith for Paul includes both believe and obedience.

How does a believer show another person that they are in Christ? This question was addressed by James. We can tell another of our faith. Perhaps they will believe it. James says to his readers that the true test of faith is works. If you believe in Christ and are full of faith, that will be visible to all that will meet you.

James 2:16–18 KJV 1900

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

The “faithful” or believers could be seen as including us as well. We take application from the letter to Ephesus. Paul describes his readers as holy and as believing. Is this a description that you can identify with? Our identity is demonstrated by God’s work.

Acts 20:31 KJV 1900

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

No man, therefore, is a believer who is not also a saint; and, on the other hand, no man is a saint who is not a believer.

John Calvin

Where are they full of faith? “In Christ Jesus”. This phrase is used often in Paul’s letters. What does it mean? In fact, the truth of Christ containing something is found over 200 times in 190 verses in the New Testament. Christ is pictured as the place that belief is placed. It is where the believer is after salvation. As we will see next week, I would argue that “in Christ” is where the blessings of salvation themselves are. But what does it mean to be “in Christ”?

Romans 8:1 KJV 1900

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Annotated Luther, Volume 1: The Roots of Reform Proofs of the Thesis Debated in the Chapter at Heidelberg, May, Ad 1518

For it is impossible to hope in God unless one has despaired regarding all creatures and knows that nothing can profit oneself without God

Romans 12:5 KJV 1900

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

“Saints” gives us the position of the Christian. “Faithful” gives us the choice of the Christian.

Our Identity is Determined by God’s Will

Ou Identity is Demonstrated by God’s Work

3. Our Identity is Dependent on God’s Way

Ephesians 1:2 KJV 1900

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

A. His Way begins with Grace

At the beginning of this letter, grace is favour that is offered to the readers in Ephesus. One commentator (Chapell)sees in this phrase the entire thought for the rest of the book; Paul wants them to realize the truth of grace and peace.

Ephesians 6:23–24 KJV 1900

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Paul uses grace as more than just a general idea of favour in the verses that follow. For Paul, grace is not just a nice concept but goes beyond to the practical of salvation for the sinner. Grace is salvation. Have you taken part in the grace of God? This is available and visible to all. Only by grace is eternal life offered to mankind.

Titus 3:7 KJV 1900

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Grace is seen in the ill-deserved favour that Christ gave to us by His sacrifice on the cross. When Christ came to earth, He came for the singular purpose of establishing the kingdom of God. Repentance and obedience were the message of Christ throughout His ministry. When the people rejected Him and crucified Him, He accomplished His goal. The Kingdom of God is all of those that are saved. Salvation from sin only comes of the death of a Saviour. So we see Jesus is grace personified.

Hebrews 2:9 KJV 1900

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

B. His Way Results in Peace

Peace is the calmness and tranquilness of knowing that we have peace with God as well as with one another. This peace comes from knowing that we are saved. Inner turmoil is the reality of the unsaved man. He is worried about the future. She fears the possibility of failure. There is no hope for a future. No purpose is found in the life of the unsaved. True peace comes only in Christ.

When referring to this peace, Hodge says

A Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians Commentary

It comprehends all blessings flowing from the goodness of God.

Peace in salvation begins with atonement before the throne. Christ brings peace with God. No longer do we stand precariously on the edge of eternal separation from God because of our sin. We have Christ’s righteousness. Nothing that we have done, nothing that we can ever do, is sufficient for a removal of our sin. When God looks at the Christian, He sees Christ and His blood alone. God the Father is satisfied.

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Peace is one of the promised blessings left by Christ when He died on the cross. In the Upper Room, all looked confusing and seemed bleak. As the night wore on, it seemed that the situation was only getting worse and worse. Christ was betrayed. He was tried and sentenced. The next day, Christ was crucified. This was a terrible outcome for His Disciples to live through. However, Christ prepared them that Wednesday night before. He said,

John 14:27 KJV 1900

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The peace of Christ comes from the grace of Christ. Without the free gift of Christ’s sacrifice, there is only conflict. Our sin puts us in conflict with God. The second part of the peace of God is that we have the peace of God with one another.

Colossians 3:14–15 KJV 1900

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

The source of this grace and peace is seen again here as God the Father and Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace are part of the Gospel message to us. Where can we find favour, look at the Gospel. Where can we find peace, look no further than the good news of Christ.

Ephesians Ephesians 1:2a

When the message of grace yields the fruit of peace, then we possess and reflect gospel power.

Conclusion

Ephesians: An Introduction and Commentary (Bock) Ephesians 1:1–2

Paul commends the Ephesians for their faithfulness even as he turns to exhort them. The challenge of a pastor is to encourage his or her people to grow.

How does Paul begin this letter? He begins by identifying the writer and the addressees. Our application is simple. Today, we must be characterized by holy hearts and believing lives as we live in the grace and peace of Christ through His will.

We have seen three aspects of our identity. It is determined by God’s will, demonstrated by God’s work, and dependent on God’s way. Identity is an important topic in today’s world. Identities can be stolen, mistaken, or ruined.

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Identification with Christ

The story has been told of a girl who was the daughter of one of the royal families of Europe, but had a big, bulbous nose that in her eyes destroyed her beauty and resulted in her seeing herself as an ugly person. Finally her family hired a famous plastic surgeon to change the contour of the girl’s nose. He did his work, and there came the moment when they took the bandages off and the girl could see the results. The doctor saw that the operation had been a total success. All the ugly contours were gone. Her nose was different. When the incisions healed and the redness disappeared, she would be a beautiful girl. He held up a mirror for the girl to see, but so deeply embedded was the girl’s image of herself that when she saw herself in the mirror, she couldn’t see any change. She broke into tears and cried out, “Oh, I knew it wouldn’t work!”

It took six months before the girl would accept the fact that she was indeed an attractive person, and it wasn’t until she had accepted this fact that her self-image and behavior began to change accordingly. So it is with those who are “in Christ.” We must accept our new identity before we will change.706

As we start this letter to the Ephesians, Paul is identifying himself and the people he is writing to. Does that group include you?

Are you living a life according to His will for you?

Do those holy and believing include you?

Have you experienced the grace and peace of God?

Today is not too late to be part of those that are in Christ. Choose Christ today and experience the blessings of salvation.