We are in the Season of Lent, when our minds are more focused than usual on the atoning work of Jesus Christ. I felt led to pore over Paul's letter to the Ephesians as a way to get even deeper into the mystery, now revealed, of the amazing way God in Christ made it possible for a person like me to enjoy the full benefits of the saving and keeping work of Jesus Christ.
Join me, if you wish, in pondering, word by word, phrase by phrase, the Word of God as revealed in Paul's writing.
Don Jacobs
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Ephesians, Chapter 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Paul. Greek name used as he ministered among Greeks. When ministering among the Jews, he was Saul of Tarsus. Paul is illustrating the parameters of the Kingdom of God that enables him to embrace all cultures for Christ Jesus, so that he might extend the Kingdom on the earth.
Apostle. “One of the Apostles.” He was not unique in that he was an Apostle. Furthermore, even though he was not a disciple of Jesus as were many others, he met Jesus Christ and was instructed by him in things pertaining to salvation.
Of Jesus Christ. The center of Paul’s affection, dedication and hope. Jesus is the human name, common among Jews at the time, actually, Joshua, and Christ, the one from God – come to earth. Paul deliberately reminds us of the dual nature of Jesus, the Christ of God, the Jesus of man. He is indeed God in the flesh. So are we, sons of man and sons of God, by adoption.
By the will of God. Paul did not choose to follow Jesus. He was chosen by God, it was God’s will, not Paul’s, Paul simply said, “Yes, Lord.” Those to whom Paul is writing have that same calling – all servants of the same mighty Lord Jesus.
To the Saints in Ephesus. All who are born again from above are “Saints.”
To the Faithful in Christ Jesus. Some are faithful, others have abandoned their faith. This letter is to those who have not abandoned their faith in the promises of God.
The Ephesian believers are both in Ephesus and in Christ.
Paul, in these couplets, is laying out the context of his letter. How do followers of Jesus Christ announce the dramatic coming of the Kingdom of God right there were they are? And how do they invite people into it?
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace to you. To receive grace is to know peace because when grace does its good work, because of the atoning work of Jesus, peace simply follows. There is no other foundation for peace except to fully receive the completed work of God’s grace in our hearts.
The source of grace and truth are, of course, God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As I unpack this I am impressed with Paul’s clear testimony. God is our Father, He is also Father of Jesus Christ. We are brothers with Christ, co-heirs in fact, of all the promises of God.
Lord – Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of lords. Paul can declare without doubt that God is the source of peace and grace.
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