Ephesians 1:1-14
Q.1. In what sense was Paul an apostle? How did Paul view the Ephesians? How great are the blessings that we have been granted? – (Eph.1:1-3)
There were and are the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Mk.13-19 c.f. Rev.21:14). They were required to be eyewitnesses of Christ’s earthly ministry and His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Matthias replaced Judas as one of the twelve apostles (Acts 2:23-26). The word ‘apostle’ means ‘sent one’. In that sense, Paul was an apostle – a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel (Acts 9:15). He was in no way inferior to the twelve apostles and was commissioned to take the Gospel to the nations (2 Cor.12:11-12 c.f. Gal.2:7-9). At the time of writing, Paul addressed the Ephesians as the – faithful in Christ Jesus (Eph.1:1 c.f. Rev.2:4). He sent a benediction of grace and peace from the Father and His Son. Whatever we may have or not have in terms of this world, our blessings are surpassed by – every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ … in this life and also in the one to come (Eph.1:3 & 20).
Q.2. Why did God choose believers? What price was paid to redeem sinners? How should we respond to such kindness? – (Eph.1:4-8)
Not only has God chosen to bless the believer, but – He chose us in Him from the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4). This shows that we are no after-thought. God planned for us to be in His forever family, long before any other human being thought about us. God’s plan is for the believer to be holy and blameless before Him, to be His adopted children, and to magnify the glory of God’s grace (Eph.1:4-6). Each redeemed sinner has a unique way of revealing God’s amazing saving and keeping grace … and of giving Him glory. Paul explained that our standing in Christ came at great personal cost to Him – In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Eph.1:7). From God’s side there is love, kind intention, unmerited grace lavished, and forgiveness extended. Such unfathomable grace calls for our highest gratitude and praise, and a life of devotion.
Q.3. What was God’s long-range plan? How is our inheritance secured? What mark of ownership has He provided? Why? – (Eph.1:9-14)
Paul unveiled more of the Father’s Master plan in Chapter 3. Here he shared God’s mind-boggling purpose as – a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth (Eph.1:10). Even though it is all about Him, God also planned to secure our inheritance – after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory (Eph.1:12). Every story of the redeemed will be a tribute to our God’s wisdom and kindness. There can be confusion about who the real children of God may be. God will have no such problem, because He placed His own mark of ownership on every blood bought child, by planting His Holy Spirit in them– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession … (Eph.1:13-14). When we repented of sin and placed our trust in Jesus Christ, our salvation was sealed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given as a Pledge or ‘down-payment’ as an indwelling guarantee that we belong, and that the Lord will recognize us when we pass from this life. Then He will claim all those who have been ‘born again’ and have the seal of His ownership. When we were saved, He first declared us not guilty of offending Him. He then placed His Spirit in us as His children, and proceeded to transform us into whom He declared us to be at conversion. When we die, He will claim all those whom He purchased with His precious blood, and will complete what He began, by making us perfect for Heaven.