Ephesians 1:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Paul {G3972}, an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} by {G1223} the will {G2307} of God {G2316}, to the saints {G40} which are {G5607} at {G1722} Ephesus {G2181}, and {G2532} to the faithful {G4103} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}:

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Sha’ul, by God’s will an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua

To: God’s people living in Ephesus, that is, those who are trusting in the Messiah Yeshua:

Berean Standard Bible

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

American Standard Version

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:1 serves as the foundational salutation of Paul's profound epistle, immediately establishing the author's divinely appointed authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ, whose ministry is entirely by the sovereign will of God. It then precisely identifies the recipients as both the "saints" residing in Ephesus and, more broadly, all "faithful" believers who are intimately united "in Christ Jesus," thereby setting the stage for the letter's rich exploration of God's eternal purposes and the believer's exalted position in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The opening verse of Ephesians functions as a standard Pauline epistolary greeting, yet it is pregnant with theological significance that anticipates the entire letter's themes. Unlike some of Paul's other letters (e.g., Galatians) which immediately launch into a defense of his apostleship, Ephesians 1:1 states his authority as a given, setting a tone of established truth and profound theological exposition. This salutation immediately precedes a majestic doxology found in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"), which unpacks the spiritual blessings believers have "in Christ," directly linking back to the identity of the "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus" established in this inaugural verse. The detailed exposition of God's plan for salvation and the church's role within it flows directly from this foundational statement of divine authority and recipient identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent and strategic city in Asia Minor, serving as a major port and a hub for trade, culture, and religion. It was home to the colossal Temple of Artemis (Diana), a center for pagan worship and occult practices, making the Christian message of monotheism and Christ's supremacy a radical counter-cultural force. Paul himself had a significant and impactful ministry in Ephesus, spending over two years teaching and discipling, leading to widespread conversion and the establishment of a vibrant Christian community (see [Acts 19:8-10](/acts/19-8-10 "Acts 19:8-10 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). This letter, likely penned during Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. AD 60-62), reflects a mature theological reflection intended to strengthen believers in their identity and purpose amidst a challenging pagan environment, and potentially to be circulated among other churches in the Lycus Valley.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 1:1 introduces several overarching themes that permeate the entire epistle. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Will** is immediately evident in Paul's assertion that his apostleship is "by the will of God," underscoring that all spiritual realities and human callings originate from God's purposeful design. Secondly, the theme of **Identity in Christ** is central, as the recipients are identified as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus." This highlights the believer's new status as consecrated and set apart, and their profound union with Christ, which is the wellspring of all spiritual blessings, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ"). Thirdly, the theme of **Apostolic Authority** is established, validating the profound theological truths Paul is about to unfold. His commission is not humanly derived but divinely ordained, making his message authoritative for the church, a concept also emphasized in other Pauline epistles like [Galatians 1:1](/galatians/1-1 "Galatians 1:1 - Paul's Divine Apostleship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** From G652, meaning "a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ." Paul uses this title to assert his unique, divinely appointed authority and commission directly from Christ, distinguishing his message as originating from God Himself, not human wisdom or tradition.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** From G2307, denoting "a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition)." This word emphasizes that Paul's apostleship is not a self-appointed role or a human ambition, but a direct result of God's sovereign, deliberate purpose and choosing. It underscores the divine initiative behind his entire ministry.
* **saints (Greek, _hágios'_):** From G40, meaning "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)." In the New Testament, this term refers to all believers, not just a select few. It signifies their new spiritual status as those who have been set apart and consecrated by God through Christ's work, emphasizing their positional holiness rather than their moral perfection, and their calling to live a life consistent with this new identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ":** This clause immediately identifies the author as Paul, a figure well-known to the early church. His self-designation as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" is crucial, asserting his unique office as one directly commissioned and sent by Christ Himself. This claim establishes the divine authority and authenticity of the letter's content, placing it on par with the inspired word of God.
* **"by the will of God":** This phrase further legitimizes Paul's apostleship, clarifying that his commission is not of human origin or choice, but a direct, sovereign act of God's deliberate purpose. It highlights the divine initiative behind his calling and ministry, reinforcing that the message he delivers is God's message.
* **"to the saints which are at Ephesus":** This specifies the primary geographical recipients of the letter: the Christian community in Ephesus. The term "saints" (Greek: _hagioi_) is a common New Testament designation for all believers, signifying their new spiritual status as those who have been set apart and consecrated by God through Christ, emphasizing their positional holiness and belonging to God.
* **"and to the faithful in Christ Jesus":** This second designation broadens the scope of the recipients. "Faithful" (Greek: _pistós_) refers to those who are trustworthy or, more commonly in this context, those who are trusting—i.e., believers. The crucial phrase "in Christ Jesus" defines the very essence of their identity and relationship. It denotes a profound spiritual union with Christ, indicating that their faith, identity, and standing before God are entirely derived from and established within Him. This phrase is a central theological motif throughout Ephesians.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of Ephesians employs several key literary devices that contribute to its profound impact. **Epistolary Salutation** is the overarching form, immediately establishing the sender and recipients, a standard convention of ancient letter writing, yet imbued here with deep theological meaning. The phrase "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God" functions as an **Assertion of Authority**, lending immense weight to the subsequent teachings. This assertion is a form of **Divine Mandate**, emphasizing that Paul's ministry is not self-initiated but divinely ordained. Furthermore, the dual address to "the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus" utilizes **Appositive Description**, where the second phrase ("the faithful in Christ Jesus") clarifies and expands upon the first ("the saints"), enriching the understanding of the recipients' identity. This also serves as a form of **Inclusive Language**, suggesting that while addressed to Ephesus, the truths apply to all believers who share this "in Christ" identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:1 lays the theological groundwork for the entire epistle by establishing the divine authority of the messenger and the divinely-ordained identity of the recipients. Paul's apostleship, rooted "by the will of God," underscores the sovereignty of God in initiating salvation and calling individuals to ministry. The designation of believers as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus" highlights their new, consecrated status and their profound spiritual union with Christ, which is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of their new life. This union "in Christ" is not merely a theological concept but the very essence of Christian identity, signifying a complete transformation and belonging to God's eternal purposes.

* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant and Apostle")
* [1 Corinthians 1:2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1:2 - To the Saints in Corinth")
* [Colossians 1:2](/colossians/1-2 "Colossians 1:2 - To the Saints and Faithful Brethren")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:1 offers profound truths for personal reflection and practical application in the life of every believer. Understanding that Paul's authority derived "by the will of God" encourages us to approach this letter, and indeed all Scripture, not as mere human words, but as the authoritative, inspired revelation of God's truth for our lives. This perspective fosters a spirit of humility and receptivity to divine instruction. Furthermore, recognizing ourselves as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus" is transformative. It reminds us that our primary identity is not found in our accomplishments, social status, or even our struggles, but in our consecrated position in Christ. We are set apart by God, made holy through His work, and called to live a life of faithfulness, not out of obligation, but out of the overflow of our union with Him. This divine identity provides an unshakeable foundation for our self-worth and purpose, empowering us to live authentically as God's beloved children, trusting in His sovereign will for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Paul's apostleship as "by the will of God" impact your view of the authority and truthfulness of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does identifying yourself as a "saint" and "faithful in Christ Jesus" redefine your self-perception and purpose?**
* **How can the concept of being "in Christ Jesus" practically shape your daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Paul to be "an apostle... by the will of God"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes that Paul's call to apostleship was not a human decision or aspiration, but a direct, sovereign appointment by God Himself. It signifies that his authority to preach the Gospel and write Scripture was divinely ordained, making his message authoritative and binding for believers. This is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, underscoring the divine origin of his ministry, as seen in [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel Not from Man").

**Who are the "saints" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the New Testament, the term "saints" (Greek: _hagioi_) refers to all believers in Jesus Christ, not just a select, morally perfect few or canonized individuals. It signifies that they are "holy ones" or "set-apart ones," consecrated by God through their faith in Christ and His atoning work. This designation speaks to their new spiritual status and positional holiness in God's eyes, rather than their achieved moral perfection. It is a common address used by Paul to the churches, such as in [Philippians 1:1](/philippians/1-1 "Philippians 1:1 - To All the Saints in Christ Jesus").

**What is the significance of the phrase "in Christ Jesus"?**

Answer: The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, appearing over 160 times in his letters. It denotes a profound spiritual union and identification that believers have with Jesus Christ. It implies that through faith, believers are spiritually united with Christ in His death, resurrection, and ascension, sharing in all the benefits of His saving work. This union is the source of their new identity, spiritual blessings, and power for living the Christian life, as further elaborated throughout Ephesians, especially in passages like [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:1, though a salutation, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications, setting the stage for the profound truths about Christ that follow. Paul's apostleship is explicitly "of Jesus Christ," establishing Him as the ultimate authority and sender of the Gospel message. More profoundly, the recipients are identified as "saints" and "faithful *in Christ Jesus*." This pivotal phrase encapsulates the believer's entire identity and standing. It points to the reality that all who believe are not merely followers of a teaching, but are intimately united with the resurrected Christ. This union is the fulfillment of God's eternal redemptive plan, foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament, where God's people were set apart for Him. Now, through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, believers are truly consecrated and made righteous, not by their own merit but by virtue of their being "in Him." This union with Christ means that all the spiritual blessings detailed in the subsequent verses of Ephesians 1, such as election, adoption, redemption, and inheritance, are found exclusively "in Him" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Christ is the axis upon which the entire universe revolves, and it is through Him that God's will is perfectly executed, both in Paul's calling and in the believer's new, holy identity, ultimately culminating in the summation of all things in Christ ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Summing Up All Things in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

1 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother,

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Galatians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Romans 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.