Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1 is a profound opening chapter in Paul's letter to the believers in Ephesus. It emphasizes the blessings believers have in Christ, focusing on God's eternal plan of salvation, redemption through Christ, and the Holy Spirit's role in sealing the faithful. The chapter highlights the spiritual riches and grace that God has poured out on those who trust in Christ, stressing both the sovereignty of God and the assurance of believers' inheritance.

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 identifies himself as an apostle, chosen by God's will to deliver the message of the gospel. His greeting is addressed to the saints, or holy ones, in Ephesus who have remained faithful in Christ. His prayer is that they would experience both grace and peace, which come from both God the Father and Jesus Christ. This is a common Pauline greeting, emphasizing the divine favor and well-being that flow from a relationship with God through Christ.

Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

Paul praises God for blessing believers with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm. These blessings are not material but spiritual and are secured in Christ. The phrase "in Christ" is significant because it highlights the union between believers and Jesus, through whom all divine blessings flow. The blessings Paul refers to include salvation, redemption, and adoption into God's family, all made available through Jesus.

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV)
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.

Before the world was created, God chose believers to be set apart and made holy, blameless in His sight through love. This choice was not based on human merit but on God's sovereign plan. God's predestination includes adopting believers as His children through Jesus Christ. This adoption reflects the Father's deep love and the fulfillment of His will. The emphasis here is on God’s initiative in salvation, which is grounded in His grace and love.

Ephesians 1:6 (NKJV)
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

All the spiritual blessings believers receive in Christ result in praise to God's glorious grace. It is through this grace that God has made believers accepted and beloved in Christ. "The Beloved" refers to Jesus, and it is in Him that believers find favor and acceptance before God. This acceptance is not earned but is a gift of God’s grace, bringing Him the glory.

Ephesians 1:7-8 (NKJV)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.

Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers have been redeemed, meaning their sins have been forgiven. This redemption is made possible by His blood, symbolizing His death on the cross. It reflects God’s abundant grace, which He has lavished upon us. God’s grace is not given recklessly but with all wisdom and understanding, highlighting the thoughtfulness of His plan of salvation.

Ephesians 1:9-10 (NKJV)
Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.

God has revealed the mystery of His will, which centers on Christ and His redemptive plan for humanity. This mystery, once hidden, has now been made known, showing God’s intention to bring everything together under Christ at the right time. God’s purpose is to unite all things—both in heaven and on earth—through Christ, signaling the ultimate reconciliation of creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12 (NKJV)
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

Believers are predestined to receive an inheritance through their union with Christ. This inheritance is part of God’s eternal plan, shaped by His will and purpose. Those who first trusted in Christ, including the early Jewish believers, are called to live in a way that brings glory to God. Their lives and faith serve as a testimony to the greatness of God's grace.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

After hearing the gospel message, the Gentile believers also trusted in Christ. Upon believing, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who serves as a guarantee or down payment of their future inheritance. The Holy Spirit assures believers that they belong to God and that their ultimate redemption—when they fully receive what Christ has purchased for them—is yet to come. This sealing of the Spirit highlights God's faithfulness and brings Him glory.

Ephesians 1:15-16 (NKJV)
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian believers, which he has heard about. Their faith in Jesus and love for others are clear evidence of their transformation in Christ. Paul’s response is continual thanksgiving and prayer for them, showing the depth of his concern and spiritual support for the church.

Ephesians 1:17-18 (NKJV)
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

Paul prays for the Ephesian believers to receive deeper spiritual insight and wisdom from God. He desires that their understanding be enlightened so they may grasp the hope to which they have been called and comprehend the immense riches of their inheritance in Christ. This prayer reflects Paul’s desire for believers to fully know the glorious blessings they have received through salvation.

Ephesians 1:19-20 (NKJV)
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.

Paul continues his prayer by asking that believers understand the incredible power of God that is at work in them. This power is the same as that which raised Christ from the dead and exalted Him to the highest place in heaven, at God’s right hand. This emphasizes the transformative power available to believers through their faith in Christ.

Ephesians 1:21-23 (NKJV)
Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Christ is exalted above all spiritual and earthly powers, both in the present age and in the age to come. God has placed all things under Christ's authority, making Him the head of the church, which is described as His body. The church is the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way. This passage underscores Christ’s supreme authority and the church’s vital role in manifesting His presence and power in the world.