Eph 1 | MHM | STEP | Introduction This section introduces Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus. Paul begins with a greeting, mentioning his role as an apostle and giving a blessing to the believers. He reminds them that both ministers and ordinary Christians are called by God’s will, and that all true believers should be faithful and holy in Christ Jesus. v. 1 : Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God . Being an apostle was a special honor, as it meant being personally chosen and sent by Christ to spread the gospel and help lead the early church. Paul did not choose this role for himself, nor was it given to him by other people—it came directly from God’s will. Every faithful minister, even if not called in such an extraordinary way, can find comfort knowing they serve by God’s will. Paul writes to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus . These words are for the Christians living in Ephesus, a major city in Asia. He calls them “saints” because all Christians are called to live holy lives. Only those who are faithful to Christ, truly believing and sticking to Him and His teachings, can be called saints. It is a great honor for any Christian to be called faithful in Christ Jesus, because all their strength and acceptance come from Him.

‏ Ephesians 1

Introduction

This section introduces Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus. Paul begins with a greeting, mentioning his role as an apostle and giving a blessing to the believers. He reminds them that both ministers and ordinary Christians are called by God’s will, and that all true believers should be faithful and holy in Christ Jesus.

v. 1: Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Being an apostle was a special honor, as it meant being personally chosen and sent by Christ to spread the gospel and help lead the early church. Paul did not choose this role for himself, nor was it given to him by other people—it came directly from God’s will. Every faithful minister, even if not called in such an extraordinary way, can find comfort knowing they serve by God’s will.

Paul writes to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus. These words are for the Christians living in Ephesus, a major city in Asia. He calls them “saints” because all Christians are called to live holy lives. Only those who are faithful to Christ, truly believing and sticking to Him and His teachings, can be called saints. It is a great honor for any Christian to be called faithful in Christ Jesus, because all their strength and acceptance come from Him.

v. 2: Paul gives his usual blessing: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. “Grace” means God’s free and undeserved love, and all the good gifts from the Holy Spirit. “Peace” means every other blessing, both spiritual and physical, that comes from God’s grace. True peace only comes from God as our Father and from Jesus Christ, who earned these blessings for believers. Even faithful Christians need to keep growing in grace and peace, so it is good to pray for more of these blessings for ourselves and for others.

After this introduction, Paul moves to the main message of his letter. He often starts with prayers and praises to God, showing us that prayer and praise can also teach important lessons to others.

Praise for Spiritual Blessings

Paul begins this section with heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to God for the many wonderful spiritual blessings that believers receive through Jesus Christ. He wants Christians to remember that the most important gifts we have are not physical things, but spiritual blessings that come from God and are meant to help us live for Him and prepare us for heaven.

v. 3: Paul blesses God, calling Him the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3 ^a). All our spiritual blessings come from God through Jesus. These blessings are the best gifts we can receive, and we should thank God for them. Unlike earthly blessings, which differ for each person, spiritual blessings are given in full to all who are in Christ. These blessings come from heaven and prepare us for life with God. We receive every spiritual blessing only through Jesus, who is the Mediator between God and us.

v. 4–5, 11: Paul explains that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4 ^b). This means God decided, even before the world began, to make us His children and to give us all the blessings of adoption. He did this not because of anything He saw in us, but because of His own loving plan. God’s purpose is that we would be holy and blameless before Him, living lives that please Him. Being chosen by God is a great honor and should lead us to live holy lives out of love for Him (Ephesians 1:5, 11 ^c).

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v. 6: God’s grace is shown in making us accepted in the beloved—Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:6 ^d). God loves and accepts us because we are joined to Jesus, who is His beloved Son (Matthew 3:17 ^e). This is a wonderful privilege for every Christian.

v. 7–8: Paul says we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7 ^f). Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying for us, so we can be forgiven. This blessing comes only because of God’s rich grace. God’s wisdom and understanding are shown in how He planned our salvation, showing both justice and mercy (Ephesians 1:8 ^g).

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v. 9–10: God has revealed to us the mystery of his will—His hidden plan to save people through Christ (Ephesians 1:9 ^h). God decided to bring everything together in Christ—both things in heaven and things on earth—so that all believers are united in Him (Ephesians 1:10 ⁱ).

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v. 11–12: In Christ, we have obtained an inheritance—the promise of eternal life with God (Ephesians 1:11 ^j). All these blessings are planned by God for His own glory. Christians, especially those who first believed, should live in a way that brings praise to God (Ephesians 1:12 ^k).

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v. 13–14: When we hear the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and believe in Jesus, God gives us the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13 ^l). The Holy Spirit marks us as God’s own people and is like a down payment, showing that God will give us everything He promised. The Spirit’s work in our lives now is just the beginning of the perfect joy we will have forever (Ephesians 1:14 ^m).

Paul ends this section by reminding us that all these spiritual blessings are given so that our lives will be to the praise of his glory. God wants His grace and power to be seen clearly in us, so we should always live in a way that honors Him.

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The Apostle's Prayer

In this part of the chapter, Paul offers a heartfelt prayer for the believers in Ephesus. He gives thanks for their faith and love, but also prays that God would give them even greater spiritual understanding. Paul believes that God wants us to keep asking for spiritual blessings, especially wisdom and knowledge, so that we can continue to grow as Christians.

v. 15–16: Paul says he is thankful for the Ephesians because of their faith in the Lord Jesus and love to all the saints (Ephesians 1:15 ⁿ). He continues to mention them in his prayers, not because they have everything already, but because even the best Christians need more spiritual blessings. Paul shows us that we should pray for others, especially when we see their faith and love growing.

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v. 17: Paul’s main request is that God would give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17 ^o). This wisdom comes from God, who is the Father of glory and the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit teaches believers the truth and helps them know God better. Paul prays for more than knowledge in the mind; he prays for a deep, practical understanding that leads to obedience and real change.

v. 18: He asks that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18 ^p). Christians should want their understanding of God to grow clearer and deeper. Paul prays that they will truly know the hope of his calling—the great privileges and future God has promised to those He has called. This hope should motivate believers to be patient and diligent in their Christian lives.

Paul also prays that they will know the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. God gives a wonderful inheritance to His people, not just in heaven, but also through the grace and holiness He gives now. This inheritance is rich and glorious, and knowing more about it should fill believers with joy and desire for heaven.

v. 19–20: Paul wants them to understand the exceeding greatness of God's power toward us who believe . This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:20 ^q). Believing in Jesus and living for Him is only possible because of God’s amazing power working in us. This power will also raise believers to eternal life one day.

v. 20–21: Paul says that Christ is now seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rulers, authorities, and powers (Ephesians 1:20-21 ^r). Jesus is greater than any other being, and everything is under His control.

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v. 22: God has put all things under his feet and made Him head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22 ^s). Jesus rules over everything for the sake of His church. This is a gift both to Christ as Mediator and to the church itself, which benefits from His power and care.

v. 23: The church is called his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:23 ^t). Christ fills the church with His Spirit and blessings, and the church is His body on earth. Just as a king is not complete without his kingdom, Christ as Mediator is not complete without the church. This truth shows the special relationship between Jesus and His people.