By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]
1:1 Paul made known what God accomplished for us in Christ Jesus.
“Saints” is the Greek word hagios that occurs 15 times in Ephesians (1:1, 4, 13, 15, 18; 2:19, 21; 3:5, 8, 18; 4:12, 30; 5:3, 27; 6:18). “Saint” means holy one.
2 The Epistle begins with “grace and peace,” and in 6:23 and 24 ends with “peace and grace.” “Grace” is God’s divine favor and is used 12 times (1:2, 6, 7; 2:5, 7, 8; 3:2, 7, 8; 4:7, 29; 6:24). “Peace” which is similar to the Hebrew shalom means completeness, wholeness, well-being. It occurs 8 times (1:2; 2:14, 15, 17 20; 4:3;
6:15, 23).
3 “Blessed” is the Greek word eulogetos and means well-spoken of. We get the English “eulogize” from this word (1:6, 12, and 14).
Verse 2 states the relationship we have with God and Jesus; verse 3 states the relationship God has with Jesus.
“Heavenly places” is the invisible spiritual environment or realm, as contrasted with the visible, tangible environment we call earth.
4-5 God loves you, called you, and wants you. God desires a love relationship with you that is real, personal, and everlasting.
The “us” is those to whom the Epistle is addressed: 1:1 to the saints, the faithful in Christ Jesus, those who have already responded to the call. Our freewill choice is not predetermined by God; (2 Chronicles 15:2, 4, 15; Matthew 7:7-11; Deuteronomy 4:29; Proverbs 8:17). The point is by God’s grace, not your work, you are called and made to be His child.
7 Israel’s freedom from the slavery of Egypt is a type for our redemption (Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 7:8; Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:14).
8 Lavished his grace upon us – the Greek verb used expresses the superabundance of God’s giving, the overflow as of a fountain from a deep and abundant source.
9 The great mystery is a major topic of the Epistle that will be revealed. We are reminded over and over the blessings we have are according to God’s kindness.
10 When all the times and seasons which the Father has determined are full, the age-long purpose which He planned in Christ will attain its fullness.
Further review – Acts 19:1-20:1; 20:16-38; Revelation 2:1-11
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