Ephesians 1:15

¶ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Wherefore {G1223}{G5124} I also {G2504}, after I heard {G191} of {G2596} your {G5209} faith {G4102} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} love {G26} unto {G1519} all {G3956} the saints {G40},

For this reason, ever since I heard about your trust in the Lord Yeshua and your love for all God’s people,

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints,

Commentary

Ephesians 1:15 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Following his profound theological exposition of the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14), Paul shifts from doxology to heartfelt thanksgiving and prayer for the Ephesian believers. This verse specifically highlights the foundation of his gratitude.

Context

Having just detailed the magnificent spiritual heritage of believers, including divine election, adoption, redemption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit, Paul now expresses how he received news of the Ephesian church's spiritual vitality. His thanksgiving is a direct response to hearing about their practical expression of faith and love, demonstrating that they were indeed living out the glorious truths he had just revealed. This sets the stage for his subsequent prayer for their spiritual enlightenment in Ephesians 1:16-23.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Thanksgiving: Paul's consistent practice of giving thanks for the spiritual growth of the churches he served. This is a common theme in Paul's letters of thanksgiving, demonstrating his deep pastoral care.
  • Genuine Faith in Christ: The verse emphasizes a vibrant, active trust in the Lord Jesus, which is the bedrock of Christian life. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a personal commitment to Christ as Savior and Lord.
  • Love for All Saints: A hallmark of true Christianity is not only vertical faith towards God but also horizontal love towards fellow believers. This love, described by the Greek word agapē, is selfless, sacrificial, and comprehensive, extending to "all the saints" without partiality.
  • Evidence of Spiritual Life: Paul's hearing of their faith and love confirms that the Ephesian church was spiritually alive and bearing fruit, providing strong encouragement to the apostle.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "faith in the Lord Jesus" uses the Greek word pistis (πίστις), which encompasses belief, trust, and faithfulness. It signifies a complete reliance on Christ. The term "love unto all the saints" uses agapē (ἀγάπη) for love, denoting a divine, unconditional love that is distinct from mere affection or friendship. The "saints" (Greek: hagioi, ἅγιοι) refers to all believers, who are set apart and consecrated by God, not just a select few.

Related Scriptures

The combination of faith in Jesus and love for one another is a foundational principle of the Christian life, echoing the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39). This concept is repeatedly emphasized throughout the New Testament, notably when Jesus stated that love among believers would be the mark of His disciples. Paul himself frequently linked faith and love as essential Christian virtues, as seen in Galatians 5:6 where faith works through love, and 1 Thessalonians 1:3.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Examine Your Faith: Is your faith in the Lord Jesus genuine and active, or merely intellectual?
  • Cultivate Love: How are you demonstrating love to "all the saints" in your community and beyond? True Christian love transcends personal preferences and embraces the entire body of Christ.
  • Practice Thanksgiving: Follow Paul's example by regularly giving thanks for the faith and love you observe in other believers. This fosters unity and encouragement within the church.
  • Be a Source of Encouragement: Live in such a way that your faith and love become a testament to others, inspiring thanksgiving and prayer from those who hear of your spiritual growth.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Philemon 1:5

    Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

  • Colossians 1:3

    ¶ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

  • Colossians 1:4

    Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints,

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

  • Hebrews 6:10

    For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

  • 1 John 4:21

    And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:3

    Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
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