EPHESIANS

Greetings For Believers
Galatians 1:1-2

“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: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:1-2)

Paul was an apostle, a special messenger, delegate or ambassador of Jesus Christ. We send out various embassy employees representing the country. All have official duties as representatives of our country, and as such each is an ambassador. One man in each country, however is the official Ambassador. He is delegated by Congress and the President as their official spokesperson. He has authority to enter into treaties and agreements, with the expectation that they will be honored, although they are still subject to approval by Congress. The other ambassadorial staff does not have that authority.

As an apostle, Paul occupied a similar position. Peter described the qualifications for an apostle in Acts 1:21-21. “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” Only one who had been personally taught of Christ was qualified for the office.

Paul describes his selection and training in Galatians 1:15-19. “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.” Paul’s calling was not by man’s choice, but by God’s.

Paul is writing to Christians at Ephesus, and to all who are faithful believers in Christ Jesus. As such, the letter is to all Christians, including us.

Grace is often defined as “the unmerited favor of God.” That just means something better than we earned, a gift. Paul is wishing that the people experience blessings and peace in their lives. Those miraculous gifts and that wonderful peace come only from God himself, through Jesus Christ. They are intended to be the norm for Christians, enabling us to obey I Thessalonians 5:18. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”