Ephesians 1:1-2

Introduction

“Paul” - lit.- Small - this reflects the physical appearance of Paul.

A second century writing called the “Acts of Paul” describes Paul as “A man of middling size, and his hair was scanty, and his legs were a little crooked, and his knees were far apart; he had large eyes, and his eyebrows met, and his nose was somewhat long.”

In Ephesus they found this 5th-6th century drawling in Ephesus

Show image of Paul

Even-though he may have appeared small, spiritually he was a giant. Not because he was great but because God is great.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

“apostle by the will of God” - “to send” (apostellō). Jesus chose twelve of His disciples to be with Him in a special sense and called them “Apostles” (cf. ).

The term “apostle” comes from the Greek verb “to send” (apostellō). Jesus chose twelve of His disciples to be with Him in a special sense and called them “Apostles” (cf. ). This term was often used of Jesus being sent from the Father (cf. ; ; ; ; ; , , , , , , 57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3, 8, 18, 21, 23, 25; 20:21). In Jewish sources it was used of someone sent as an official representative of another, similar to “ambassador” (cf. ).

This term was often used of Jesus being sent from the Father (cf. ; ; ; ; ; , , , , , , 57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3, 8, 18, 21, 23, 25; 20:21).

In Jewish sources it was used of someone sent as an official representative of another, similar to “ambassador” (represetative) (cf. ).

Are you a representative of Christ? Are the things that you follow the things Jesus would follow?

Ephesus - in Turkey,

“grace & peace” - (grace was a Greek greeting, and peace was a Hebrews greeting)