Ephesians 1

Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and greets the Ephesian church. He reflects on the election and adoption of the believers in Christ and the riches of God's grace.

image of Ephesians 1

23
verses
2
min

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Election and Adoption

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Commentary

In Ephesians 1, Paul begins by expressing his gratitude to God for the spiritual blessings that have been bestowed upon the Ephesian believers. He praises God for His grace and mercy, and for His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. Paul then goes on to explain the purpose of God's plan, which is to bring all things in heaven and on earth under the authority of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation in the lives of believers. Paul then turns his attention to the Ephesian believers, reminding them of their identity in Christ. He encourages them to live in a manner worthy of their calling, and to be rooted and grounded in love. He also reminds them of the hope that is theirs in Christ, and of the inheritance that awaits them in the heavenly realms. Finally, Paul prays for the Ephesian believers, asking that they may be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit, and that they may be filled with knowledge and understanding of God's will. He also prays that they may be able to comprehend the hope to which they have been called, and the riches of God's glorious inheritance. In Ephesians 1, Paul reminds us of the spiritual blessings that have been bestowed upon us in Christ, and encourages us to live in a manner worthy of our calling. He also reminds us of the hope that is ours in Christ, and of the inheritance that awaits us in the heavenly realms. Through his prayer for the Ephesian believers, Paul reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation in our lives, and of the importance of understanding God's will.

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FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the Ephesians, chapter 1 it would take approximately 2 minutes to finish.

There are 23 verses in Ephesians, chapter 1.