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| Chapter 1 |
| Bible Text | Notes and thoughts |
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1 ¶ 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: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus 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: 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 love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That 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: 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: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 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 Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 15 ¶ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That 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: 18 The 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, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 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, 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: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. |
v1,2 Greetings to the Church and saints at Ephesus. Paul is an apostle by the Will of God, "God put me here" Paul is saying. "Faithful in Jesus," the position of the saints, identified with Christ. Grace first, then peace, from the Father and Jesus, together as one. God’s Plan - The Believers position in Christ. v3-14 The purposes of God. Paul looks in wonder as he sees God pour out his love for us. From the beginning he planned to share his glory with us when we became "in Christ." Jesus is the center of all his plans, when we believe in Jesus, his death sets us free and we are forgiven. We are also then able to share in his new risen life, we become part of Jesus, John 14:6,7. v3 Praising God to start with. Then we are told we get "All spiritual blessing," no need to look for anything more. Note the "blessing " is in the past tense - the promise is mainly in the future but it is so certain that it is put in the past. We are told to "Bless God" after He has blessed us. The power for our daily life is from heaven, "in Christ." What are some of these blessing? v4 Chosen by the Father. v5 Predestinated to be adopted. v7 Redemption through the Blood of Christ. v4-v6 "Chosen by the Father," The choice took place before the foundations of the earth, before we were born, how come? Because God has always existed and will always existed, time does not mean anything to Him. So he has already seen the past present and future, so He knows who will chose Him. We do not know so we must offer the choice to all who will hear, Rom 8:29,30; Jude 24,25. v5 The choice is eternal, we have become adopted children through Jesus, Rom 8:14-17: Gal 4:5. Christ is the "First Born," Rom 8:29 and believer’s are adopted son’s and daughter’s in His family. Not by our merit but God’s Grace, Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8-10; Rom 5:21. v6 Through His Grace we are acceptable, Col 1:13; unearned, undeserved. Who is the "Beloved " one? Matt 3:17. v7-10 God’s plan through Christ.. v7 We "have redemption," that’s now, "through His blood," the price has been paid. See Acts 20:28; 1 Cor 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Col 1:14. v8 Jesus has made available all His wisdom, which is unlimited. v9 God’s plans are now revealed, exactly as He wanted, showing He has complete control. v10 God will bring, when He is ready, all things together in heaven and earth under Christ. v11 We are chosen to be God’s people, exactly as God planned it. v12 The first to believe, Paul may be referring to the Jewish believers, and bring praise to Him. v13 Paul now includes the Gentiles, "Ye also trusted," and when we believe we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Note "believe" and "seal" happen at same time. v14 Jesus has purchased us and given the Holy Spirit as a confirmation of the future promise. v15-23 Paul’s Prayer. Paul is very happy to hear of the Ephesians faith and love. He prays, giving continual thanks and praise to God, and that they will learn more of their future and the power of God in them. v18-19 That they will reach out for and obtain the wisdom, power and understanding of what God has done for us. v20-22 This power, which is greater than anything else in heaven and earth, which raised Christ from the dead and placed Him in heaven with God the Father. All these are now subject to Christ. Phil 2:8-11. v23 The Church is the Body of Christ, with Him the head. A complete union of believers and Christ. "The fulness." The revelation of this divine life through the physical church. It reminds us that we should pray for those who already know Jesus as Saviour, not just for those who do not know Him. Do you pray to be full of all this knowledge and understanding? It is available to us. |
Easy English Translation
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| Paul’s letter to the Ephesians |
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