Ephesians 1

Authorized King James Version

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Chapter Overview

Ephesians 1 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, discipleship, creation. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship, particularly of the goddess Artemis.

The chapter can be divided into several sections:

  1. Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
  2. Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
  3. Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
  4. Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application

This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ephesians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: References Jesus: Romans 1:1, Galatians 1:1. Faith: Ephesians 6:21, Luke 16:10, 1 Corinthians 4:17, Colossians 1:2. Holy: Romans 1:7, 2 Corinthians 1:1 +3

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus Christ. Grace: Romans 1:7, Galatians 1:3, Titus 1:4

Spiritual Blessings in 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: References Jesus: Ephesians 2:6. References Christ: Ephesians 1:20. References God: Ephesians 3:10. Blessing: Genesis 22:18, 1 Chronicles 4:10, Psalms 72:19, 2 Corinthians 1:3, Galatians 3:9, 1 Peter 1:3. Spirit: Ephesians 6:12 +5

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 loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate.: Holy: 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 2:9. Love: Colossians 3:12, James 2:5. Parallel theme: Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 25:34, John 15:16, 1 Peter 1:2, 1:20, Revelation 13:8 +5

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoptionAdoption: υἱοθεσία (Huiothesia). The Greek huiothesia (υἱοθεσία) means adoption as sons—full legal standing as heirs. Believers receive 'the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father' (Romans 8:15), becoming co-heirs with Christ. of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, References Jesus: Galatians 3:26. Good: Ephesians 1:9, Jeremiah 3:19. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:11, Hosea 1:10, John 1:12, Romans 8:23, 2 Corinthians 6:18, 1 John 3:1, Revelation 21:7 +5

6 To the praise of the glory of his graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit., wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Resurrection: Isaiah 43:21, 1 Peter 2:9. Glory: Ephesians 1:12, 1:14, Philippians 1:11, 4:19, 1 Peter 4:11. Love: Matthew 3:17. Parallel theme: Isaiah 42:1, Colossians 1:13 +5

7 In whom we have redemption through his bloodBlood: αἷμα (Haima). The Greek haima (αἷμα) denotes blood. Christ's blood 'cleanseth us from all sin' (1 John 1:7), securing 'eternal redemption' (Hebrews 9:12) through His once-for-all sacrifice. Believers have been 'purchased with his own blood' (Acts 20:28)., the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Grace: Ephesians 2:7, Psalms 130:7, Romans 3:24. Sin: Matthew 26:28, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:12. Redemption: Colossians 1:14, Revelation 5:9. Blood: Hebrews 9:22. Parallel theme: Philippians 4:19 +5

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Parallel theme: Ephesians 3:10, Romans 5:15, Jude 1:25, Revelation 5:12

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Good: Romans 8:28. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:11, 3:11, Matthew 13:11, Acts 13:48, Galatians 1:12, 1:16, 1 Timothy 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:9 +4

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heavenHeaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos). The Greek ouranos (οὐρανός) denotes heaven—God's throne and the believer's eternal home. Jesus taught His disciples to pray 'Our Father which art in heaven' (Matthew 6:9) and promised to prepare a place there (John 14:2)., and which are on earth; even in him: Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:22, 3:15, Daniel 2:44, Mark 1:15, Galatians 4:4, Colossians 1:16, 1:20, Hebrews 1:2, 1 Peter 1:20, Revelation 5:9 +5

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: Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:5, 1:14, 3:11, Romans 8:17, 8:28, Galatians 3:18, Colossians 1:12, Titus 3:7, Hebrews 6:17, 1 Peter 1:4 +5

12 That we should be to the praise of his gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14)., who first trusted in Christ. Faith: Psalms 2:12, Isaiah 12:2. Glory: Ephesians 1:6, 3:21, Isaiah 11:10, 45:25. Parallel theme: Isaiah 45:23, Jeremiah 23:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, James 1:18 +5

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 SpiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers. of promise, Covenant: Acts 2:33. Salvation: Romans 1:16, Titus 2:11. Faith: Romans 4:11, Galatians 3:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:13. Spirit: Joel 2:28, 2 Corinthians 1:22. Holy: Ephesians 4:30. Parallel theme: 2 Timothy 2:19 +5

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Redemption: Ephesians 4:30, Psalms 74:2, Romans 8:23. Glory: Ephesians 1:12. Parallel theme: Psalms 78:54, Acts 20:32, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5, Galatians 4:6 +4

Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. unto all the saints, Faith: 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Philemon 1:5. Love: Hebrews 6:10

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; Kingdom: 1 Thessalonians 1:2. Prayer: 1 Samuel 12:23, Colossians 1:3, 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 7:8, Isaiah 62:6, 2 Thessalonians 1:3 +3

17 That the GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: References Jesus: John 17:3. References God: Proverbs 2:5, Jeremiah 24:7. Spirit: Ephesians 1:3, 3:5, Isaiah 11:2, 1 Corinthians 2:10. Glory: 2 Peter 1:3, 3:18. Parallel theme: Matthew 11:27 +5

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hopeHope: ἐλπίς (Elpis). The Greek elpis (ἐλπίς) denotes hope—confident expectation of good. This hope is 'an anchor of the soul' (Hebrews 6:19), grounded in Christ's resurrection and the believer's future inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4). of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Holy: Acts 26:18. Glory: Ephesians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 4:6. Light: Ephesians 5:8. Hope: Ephesians 4:4, Titus 3:7. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:7, Psalms 119:18, Isaiah 42:7, Luke 24:45 +5

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believeBelieve: πιστεύω (Pisteuo). The Greek pisteuo (πιστεύω) means to believe or trust—active reliance upon Christ. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish' (John 3:16)., according to the working of his mighty power, Faith: Romans 1:16, Colossians 2:12, 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Kingdom: Ephesians 3:7, Colossians 1:29. Parallel theme: Ephesians 2:10, 3:20, 6:10, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Philippians 2:13 +5

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, Resurrection: Philippians 3:10. Parallel theme: Psalms 110:1, Matthew 28:18, Mark 16:19, Hebrews 1:3, 10:12

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: Parallel theme: Ephesians 3:10, 6:12, Daniel 7:27, Acts 4:12, Colossians 2:10, 2:15, Hebrews 1:4, 4:14, 1 Peter 3:22 +4

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Parallel theme: Ephesians 5:23, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Colossians 1:18, 2:10, 2:19, Hebrews 2:8 +2

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Parallel theme: Ephesians 2:16, 3:19, 4:10, 4:12, John 1:16, Romans 13:5, 1 Corinthians 15:28, Colossians 1:24, 3:11, 3:15 +5