Ephesians - Chapter 1

Ephesians 1.1 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: Ephesians 1.2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Ephesians 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1.8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 1.9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Ephesians 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1.11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ephesians 1.12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1.13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1.14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1.15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Ephesians 1.16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; Ephesians 1.17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 1.18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1.19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Ephesians 1.20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1.21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Ephesians 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1.23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians : Chapter 1

God's Eternal Plan for Humanity

Ephesians chapter 1 presents God's eternal plan for humanity. In it, the apostle Paul describes our identity in Christ and outlines the spiritual blessings of believers, such as predestination, adoption, and redemption. This foundational text highlights God's sovereignty, unity in Christ, and the essential role of the Holy Spirit.

A Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation

The chapter concludes with a powerful prayer for wisdom and revelation, emphasizing the importance of these themes for the Christian life. Ephesians 1 sets the tone for the entire epistle, emphasizing the greatness of God's love. We invite you to dive with us into five biblical passages that develop the glorious themes of this opening chapter.

Bible Passages Related to the Themes of Ephesians 1

Colossians 1:12-14

"Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us worthy to share the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins."

This passage echoes the themes of Ephesians 1 concerning spiritual adoption and redemption in Christ.

Romans 8:29-30

"For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified."

These verses address the theme of predestination, also discussed in Ephesians 1:4-5, 11.

1 Peter 1:3-4

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that can never perish, be defiled, or become worthless."

This passage reflects the themes of praise and spiritual inheritance found in Ephesians 1:3, 11, 14.

John 1:16

"Of his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."

This verse refers to the idea of ​​fullness in Christ mentioned in Ephesians 1:23.

Philippians 2:9-11

"Therefore God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

This passage echoes the exaltation of Christ described in Ephesians 1:20-22.