Introduction

Ephesians 1 contains one of the most theologically rich passages in Scripture. Paul begins not with problems to address but with praise for God's incredible plan of salvation. In a single sentence spanning verses 3-14, Paul unpacks the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in securing our redemption and sealing our eternal inheritance.

Greeting

(v. 1-2) Paul identifies himself and his audience while pronouncing his customary blessing.

• Apostle by God's will (v. 1): Paul's authority comes not from human appointment but from God's sovereign will
• Saints and faithful (v. 1): Believers are called "saints" (holy ones) and described as faithful—set apart by God and responding in trust
• Grace and peace (v. 2): The greeting combines Greek and Hebrew concepts—grace (charis) and peace (shalom)—both flowing from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

The Father's Election

(v. 3-6) Paul praises God the Father for His eternal plan to choose and adopt believers in Christ.

• Every spiritual blessing (v. 3): Believers possess every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms—not some blessings, but every blessing that matters eternally
• Chosen before creation (v. 4): God chose us "before the foundation of the world"—our salvation was planned before time began
• To be holy and blameless (v. 4): The purpose of election is not just rescue but transformation—that we should be holy and blameless in love
• Predestined for adoption (v. 5): In love, God predestined us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ, according to His good pleasure
• To the praise of His glory (v. 6): The ultimate goal is God's glory—that we would praise His glorious grace freely given in the Beloved

The Son's Redemption

(v. 7-12) Paul turns to the work of Christ in accomplishing our redemption and revealing God's mystery.

• Redemption through His blood (v. 7): In Christ we have redemption—release from slavery to sin—through the price of His blood
• Forgiveness of sins (v. 7): This redemption includes the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of His grace
• Lavished upon us (v. 8): God's grace is not measured sparingly but lavished abundantly with all wisdom and insight
• The mystery revealed (v. 9-10): God has made known the mystery of His will—to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and on earth
• Inheritance in Christ (v. 11): In Christ we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to God's purpose
• For His glory (v. 12): Jewish believers who first hoped in Christ exist "to the praise of his glory"

The Spirit's Seal

(v. 13-14) Paul describes how the Holy Spirit secures believers as God's possession.

• Hearing and believing (v. 13): Gentile believers also heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, and believed
• Sealed with the Spirit (v. 13): Upon believing, they were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit—marked as God's possession
• Guarantee of inheritance (v. 14): The Spirit is the "guarantee" (down payment) of our inheritance until we acquire full possession
• To the praise of His glory (v. 14): Again the refrain—all this is to the praise of God's glory

Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians

(v. 15-23) Having praised God for salvation, Paul prays that believers would understand what they have received.

• Faith and love (v. 15): Paul has heard of their faith in Christ and love for all the saints—the two essential marks of genuine Christianity
• Spirit of wisdom and revelation (v. 17): Paul prays that God would give them the Spirit of wisdom to know Him better
• Enlightened hearts (v. 18): He prays for enlightened hearts to understand the hope, inheritance, and power available to them
• Incomparably great power (v. 19-20): This power is the same that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand
• Above all rule and authority (v. 21): Christ is exalted above every power and name, not only in this age but in the one to come
• All things under His feet (v. 22): God has put all things under Christ's feet and made Him head over everything for the church
• The church as His body (v. 23): The church is Christ's body, "the fullness of him who fills everything in every way"

Key Takeaways

• Every blessing is ours in Christ (v. 3): Believers lack nothing spiritually—every blessing is already theirs in union with Christ
• The Trinity works together in salvation (v. 3-14): Father, Son, and Spirit each play distinct roles in accomplishing and applying redemption
• God's glory is the ultimate purpose (v. 6, 12, 14): Three times Paul emphasizes that salvation is "to the praise of his glory"
• We need prayer to grasp these truths (v. 17-18): Even redeemed people need the Spirit's help to understand what they have received

Reflection Questions

• How does knowing you were chosen "before the foundation of the world" affect your sense of security in God's love?
• What does it mean for your daily life that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in you?
• If all things are being united under Christ's headship, how should that shape your view of history and current events?