Lesson 1
Ephesians 1: 1-2
Introduction:
Ephesians is one of the 4 prison epistles of Paul, viz. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Paul wrote these 4 epistles between 60-62 AD under house arrest in Rome. Ephesians is believed to be a circular letter for the churches in the regions of Ephesus.
Ephesus was a flourishing commercial center in Asia Minor, which is present-day Turkey. This was home to the temple of the Roman goddess Diana or Artemis and the 25,000 seats Roman amphitheater. Paul founded the Ephesian Church on his second missionary journey recorded in Acts 18:18-21. He returned to Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey and stayed on for 3 years, teaching, preaching, and building up the church, Acts 20:31.
VV 1-2, 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul, the author of Ephesians, was an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, the Father. Greek for apostle is “apostolos”, which means a messenger or an ambassador. Paul was chosen to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, the Father. Ephesians is addressed to the faithful Christians or saints in Ephesus. Greek for saints is “hagios” which means sanctified, consecrated, or set apart. Christians are sanctified, consecrated, and set apart for the work of God. Paul proclaimed grace and peace to his audience. Greek for grace is “charis”, which means God’s unmerited favor. Greek for peace is “eirene”, which means a state of tranquility. Grace always comes before peace. Salvation and justification by God’s grace result in peace with God, peace from God, and peace of God.
Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God”.
Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.
