Reading
Ephesians 1:1–2
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.
Discussion
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.
Discussion
Paul opens this letter the same way he often does, with his authority as “an apostle” — an apostle “by the will of God,” not by personal ambition. That helps his readers verify that what he has to say is by the power of God, because in those days there were false apostles teaching false doctrine (2 Cor. 11:13). What follows is a Spirit‑given message for believers who already know the Lord and want to grow.
Ephesians was written while Paul was in prison. He had spent years with the believers in Ephesus (Acts 20:31), teaching them the gospel and helping them stand firm in a city full of idols and spiritual confusion. Now he writes to strengthen them again. The letter reads like a steady walk through the riches we have in Christ and the new life we’re called to live because of Him.
Paul calls the believers “saints” and “faithful.” That reminds us that our identity comes from God’s grace by faith in Christ, not from our works. We’re set apart because of Christ. We’re faithful because God holds us. This simple greeting carries a warm truth: “grace” and “peace” come “from” God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace meets our weakness. Peace steadies our hearts when life feels loud.
As we begin Ephesians, we’re reminded that we belong to the Lord. Being called “saints” reflects what Christ has done for us. Grace meets us in the moments we fall short (it started with salvation, see Rom. 3:23), and peace helps us respond with calm when the day doesn’t go as planned. These truths give us something steady to hold onto as we step into daily life.
Prayer
Ephesians was written while Paul was in prison. He had spent years with the believers in Ephesus (Acts 20:31), teaching them the gospel and helping them stand firm in a city full of idols and spiritual confusion. Now he writes to strengthen them again. The letter reads like a steady walk through the riches we have in Christ and the new life we’re called to live because of Him.
Paul calls the believers “saints” and “faithful.” That reminds us that our identity comes from God’s grace by faith in Christ, not from our works. We’re set apart because of Christ. We’re faithful because God holds us. This simple greeting carries a warm truth: “grace” and “peace” come “from” God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace meets our weakness. Peace steadies our hearts when life feels loud.
As we begin Ephesians, we’re reminded that we belong to the Lord. Being called “saints” reflects what Christ has done for us. Grace meets us in the moments we fall short (it started with salvation, see Rom. 3:23), and peace helps us respond with calm when the day doesn’t go as planned. These truths give us something steady to hold onto as we step into daily life.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times when we rush into our days without remembering who we are in Christ. Thank You for the grace and peace You give so freely. Help us rest in Your care and walk in a way that shows we belong to You. Keep our hearts steady as we begin this new study in Your Word.
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Created and refined by JerryS on April 24, 2026 using digital tools. All Bible references are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted.
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Created and refined by JerryS on April 24, 2026 using digital tools. All Bible references are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted.
