Ephesians 1:1-2 – God’s new community

The Epistle to the Ephesians was believed to be written about the same time as the Epistles to the Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Collectively, these epistles were called the Prison Epistles. Paul wrote them in prison around AD 60-62. In Ephesians 1:1 and 3:1 he referred to himself as the author of this epistle and there is no reason not to believe that he wrote it.  

Although Paul had labored among the Ephesians for three years, he did not mention any personal name in this Epistle. That’s because this was a circular letter that was being circulated to other churches as well. It was probably written primarily to the Ephesians but was also circulated to churches in other places such as Colossae and Laodicea.

Ephesus was the leading city of the Roman Empire. During his second missionary journey, Paul spent a short while there (Acts 18:19-22). However, when he went on his third missionary journey, he spent three years with them (Acts 20:31). Paul did not raise any particular problem in this letter. However, reading Acts 19-20 and particularly his farewell speech would show us some of Paul’s concerns. Foremost on his mind would be the false teachers. That was why he warned them in Acts 20:29-30 of the false teachers and the questionable doctrines. He admonished the leaders to watch out for themselves as well as the flock entrusted to their care.

A careful reading of Christ’s message to the Church in Ephesus in Revelation 2 indicates that they were actually successful in keeping out the false teachings although, sadly, they had lost their spiritual vibrancy. Paul also wanted both the Gentile and Jewish believers to see their commonality in Christ. He, according to Paul, had abolished the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14). Clearly, Paul’s message in this Epistle are neatly divided into: the new life in Christ, the new community of Christ, the new standards in Christ and the new relationship in Christ.

In keeping with the norm of a letter in his days, Paul identified himself as the author calling himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. The title apostle was what the Lord Jesus Christ gave to the Twelve whom he called to be with Him so that He might sent them out to preach. Paul now claimed to be chosen and sent to teach with authority just like the Twelve. This calling was in keeping with God’s will for the church. Thus, it is necessary that the message be carefully studied, digested and applied.

In verse 1, Paul mentioned several things about the people he was writing to. Firstly, they were saints at Ephesus. The term “saints” is not merely referring to some holy people but to all the people of God. Saints, in its simplest definition, means people set apart for God. Those saints whom Paul was addressing dwelt in Ephesus.  Secondly, they were referred to as the faithful in Christ Jesus. They were people who had believed in Christ and faithfully followed Him as their Master and Lord. Being in Christ suggests that they were vitally connected to God through Christ.

The grace of God is that constant and steadfast love He shows toward men. The word “peace” defines the state that men would be in as a result of their relationship with God. It is impossible to experience God’s peace without experiencing His grace. The grace of God always precedes the peace of God and one can never experience the peace of God outside of the grace of God for He is the source of this twin blessing. Jesus Christ is the channel through whom we receive this blessing.

What a blessing! We are God’s saints called to Himself through the grace He had poured out through Christ Jesus. This is where a life of peace with God, with ourselves and our fellowmen begins. Let us live for the Lord and tell of His goodness everywhere we go!