Ephesians 1 Devotional - Introduction

Read-Ephesians chapter 1

Ephesians 1:1–2 NKJV

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul and apostle.

The word apostle is the Greek word apostolos and means a delegate or messenger. However, in this context it describes a small number of men who were deemed worthy of having special authority from God. Paul was likely the only of these men who was not a disciple of Christ. Paul states that he was an apostle, not of his choosing or of the churches, but because it was thew will of God.

In Ephesus

The description of the church is Ephesus is found in most text, but is missing in the earliest text (The Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, and Papryus 45). However, Ephesus was the central city of Asia Minor, the major influential city of Rome in the region, and would have served as a hub for the church, in Asia Minor. The internal evidences point to the book being written to the church at Ephesus. An example of this is the fact that in Acts 19 we see that Paul had conflict with the worshipers of Artemis. And in Ephesians 5:27-29 , we see Paul use words like nourish and glorious. While at the same time Artemis was seen as the nourisher of Ephesus, and had made Ephesus the most glorious city in the Asian province.

Faithful in Jesus Christ

The word Faithful comes from the greek word PISTOS, and means trustworthy, reliable, or dependable. While Ephesus was a diverse city, the Jews made up almost a fourth of the city. Yet, Paul did not decipher between the Jews or the Gentiles. Instead, he spoke of the faithfulness of all those who had followed Christ. Furthermore, Paul commended them for their steadfastness. This faithfulness was remarkable because the church of Ephesus was under a consorted effort by the Romans to infiltrate the church with Syncretism. Syncretism was/is the blending, or merging, of differing religious beliefs to develop a new system of beliefs.

The Romans believed that if they could blend the religious beliefs of their subjects, the result would be unity among the people. This ideology was presented as the idea of bringing the people together in a new world religion. This religion was not designed to serve God, rather this religion would seek only to serve the state. And, it in the light of these circumstances that Paul writes to the church of Ephesus to commend them for their faithful, steadfast faith.

Grace

Grace can be described as the unmerited favor of God. Although the church at Ephesus had done many things worthy of commendation, Paul recognized that it was only the grace of God that redeems sinners. Furthermore, it is only the grace of God that would strengthen the church as it faced many trials of faith. So, Paul reminds the church of the favor of God, and states his desire to see the continued favor of God upon this church.

Peace

Peace comes from the Greek word “Eirene” and can mean peace, harmony, prosperity, and freedom from worry. The word peace covers the physical, spiritual, financial, and personal aspects of ones life. Paul, in his greeting not only wishes that God wold show favor upon the church, but also that He would allow them to have peace through their many trials.

This idea of peace does not imply that the believer should persevere, rather they should excel and be prosperous, even through the challenges of life. However, Paul recognizes that such a peace is not natural and must come from external forces. Thats why Paul says, “From God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul knew that this level of peace can only come from a higher power. Something that is above the limitations of humanity, something that can both see beyond what we can see and do so with full understanding. However, Paul not only recognizes that there is a need for such a power he also pointed the source of this power. This power is found in the Father and the Son.