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:
Read it in contextThe opening salutation and doxology
Start reading at Ephesians 1:1 (Ephesians 1:1 to Ephesians 1:23).
This verse begins the epistle, which immediately launches into a profound theological blessing and prayer that extends through the entire first chapter.
1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
1:2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
1:4According 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:
1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
1:8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
1:10That 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:
1:11In 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:
1:12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
1:13In 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,
1:14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
1:15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
1:16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
1:17That 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:
1:18The 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,
1:19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
1:20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
1:21Far 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:
1:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
1:23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 1:1–3:21): Paul addresses the saints and faithful in Christ, explicitly recalling his Gentile readers' former separation and their inclusion with Jewish believers in one body. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the primary content of this verse? This verse serves as the salutation of the epistle, identifying the author as Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and the recipients as the saints and faithful in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
What is God revealing through this verse and its immediate context? God is revealing His will in appointing Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ, and identifying the recipients as His saints and faithful ones in Christ Jesus. The broader context reveals God's spiritual blessings, His choice of believers before the world's foundation, their predestination unto adoption, and redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ.
What is the literary style of this book? Epistle, or letter.
When
When was this epistle written? Circa A.D. 60 to 62.
When do the events surrounding the writing of this epistle occur? The events surrounding the writing of this epistle occur during Paul's imprisonment.
Where
Where was this epistle written? This epistle was written in Rome.
Where was the author located when he wrote this epistle? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, in prison, when he wrote this epistle.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The opening salutation and doxology (Ephesians 1:1 to Ephesians 1:23).
Start reading at Ephesians 1:1. This verse begins the epistle, which immediately launches into a profound theological blessing and prayer that extends through the entire first chapter.
How
How does this verse fit into the broader context of the epistle? This verse serves as the formal opening of the epistle, establishing the author's identity and apostolic authority, and clearly stating the intended recipients. It sets the stage for the profound theological truths and practical exhortations that follow throughout the letter. interpretation
How does this passage point to Christ? This verse immediately points to Christ by identifying Paul as an 'apostle of Jesus Christ' and stating that his apostleship is 'by the will of God.' It also identifies the recipients as 'the faithful in Christ Jesus,' establishing Christ as central to their identity and faith. The subsequent verses further emphasize that all spiritual blessings, election, adoption, and redemption are found 'in Christ' or 'by Jesus Christ.' stated in the text
How can believers apply the truths of this verse today? Believers today can recognize their identity as 'saints' and 'faithful in Christ Jesus,' called by God's will, just as the Ephesians were. This verse encourages an understanding of one's position and calling in Christ, and a reliance on God's grace and peace, which are extended to all who believe. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 1
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Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul speaks of God's purpose and spiritual blessings in Christ, including redemption and the Spirit's sealing; the repeated setting in Christ governs the promises.
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving leads to prayer that the readers know what God has given, with Christ's resurrection and exaltation displaying the power toward believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.