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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/49_Eph_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 1:1 - Paul's Greeting to the Ephesians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/1-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/galatians/6-18.htm" title="Galatians 6:18">◄</a> Ephesians 1:1 <a href="/ephesians/1-2.htm" title="Ephesians 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/1.htm">New International Version</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God&#8217s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/nlt/ephesians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. <a href="/esv/ephesians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/bsb/ephesians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/blb/ephesians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints being in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/kjv/ephesians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/nasb/ephesians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/lsb/ephesians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/amp/ephesians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), by the will of God [that is, by His purpose and choice], To the saints (God’s people) who are at Ephesus and are faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: <a href="/csb/ephesians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God&#8217s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. <a href="/asv/ephesians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/cev/ephesians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> From Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. To God's people who live in Ephesus and are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. <a href="/erv/ephesians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/gwt/ephesians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will. To God's holy and faithful people who are united with Christ in the city of Ephesus. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus--To God's people in Ephesus, who are faithful in their life in union with Christ Jesus: <a href="/isv/ephesians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> From: Paul, an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by God's will. To: His holy and faithful people in Ephesus who are in union with the Messiah Jesus. <a href="/msb/ephesians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/net/ephesians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints [in Ephesus], the faithful in Christ Jesus. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints (in Ephesus) who are faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/wbt/ephesians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/wey/ephesians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God: To God's people who are in Ephesus--believers in Christ Jesus. <a href="/web/ephesians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, to the holy ones who are in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/blb/ephesians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints being in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/ylt/ephesians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/slt/ephesians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Paul, sent of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the holy ones being in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are [in Ephesus] faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to those who are in Eph'e-sus, saints and believers in Jesus Christ: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Paul, an Apostle of Yeshua The Messiah in the will of God, to those who are in Ephesaus, holy and faithful in Yeshua The Messiah.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints that are in Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/godbey/ephesians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> 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: <a href="/mace/ephesians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the divine appointment to the converts which are at Ephesus, who stand firm in the faith of Christ Jesus: <a href="/wey/ephesians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God: To God's people who are in Ephesus--believers in Christ Jesus. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/worsley/ephesians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>Paul</bld> an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to the saints, who are at Ephesus, even the faithful in Christ Jesus; <a href="/parallel/ephesians/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/1.htm">Paul's Greeting to the Ephesians</a> 1<a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolos (N-NMS) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">an apostle</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2307.htm" title="2307: thelēmatos (N-GNS) -- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.">the will</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">To the</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagiois (Adj-DMP) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">saints</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2181.htm" title="2181: Ephesō (N-DFS) -- Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.">Ephesus,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4103.htm" title="4103: pistois (Adj-DMP) -- Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.">the faithful</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus:</a> 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">1 Timothy 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Titus 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead— <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/1_peter/1-1.htm">1 Peter 1:1</a> Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">2 Peter 1:1</a> Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James 1:1</a> James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. <a href="/jude/1-1.htm">Jude 1:1</a> Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ: <a href="/acts/18-19.htm">Acts 18:19-21</a> When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews. / When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined. / But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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:an.<a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,<a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)to the saints.<a href="/romans/1-7.htm">Romans 1:7</a> To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">1 Corinthians 1:2</a> Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:<a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:which.<a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Ephesians 6:21</a> But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:<a href="/numbers/12-7.htm">Numbers 12:7</a> My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.<a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Luke 16:10</a> He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.faithful.<a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Acts 19:1-20:38</a> And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/2-8.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Believers</a> <a href="/galatians/6-18.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-8.htm">Ephesus</a> <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">God's</a> <a href="/galatians/6-18.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/galatians/4-18.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-13.htm">Saints</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Believers</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-2.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Ephesus</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">God's</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-15.htm">Saints</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 1</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">After Paul's salutation,</a> 3. <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">and thanksgiving for the Ephesians,</a> 4. <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">he treats of our election,</a> 6. <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">and adoption by grace;</a> 11. <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation.</a> 13. <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto,</a> 16. <a href="/ephesians/1-16.htm">he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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His apostleship is not self-appointed but is by the will of God, emphasizing divine authority and calling. This aligns with his conversion and commission on the road to Damascus (<a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9:1-19</a>). Paul's role as an apostle is crucial, as he is a foundational figure in the early church, tasked with spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles (<a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15-16</a>). His authority is further affirmed in other letters, such as <a href="/romans/1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a>, where he similarly introduces himself.To the saints in Ephesus The term "saints" refers to those set apart for God, indicating holiness and dedication. Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, known for its temple to Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was a hub of commerce and culture, making it a strategic location for the spread of Christianity. The Ephesian church was established during Paul's missionary journeys (Acts 19), and he spent significant time there, teaching and strengthening the believers. The archaeological remains of Ephesus, such as the theater and library, provide insight into the city's grandeur and the challenges faced by early Christians in a pagan environment.the faithful in Christ Jesus This phrase highlights the believers' steadfastness and loyalty to Christ. Being "in Christ" is a central theme in Paul's writings, signifying a spiritual union with Jesus through faith. This concept is foundational to understanding the believer's identity and position, as seen in passages like <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> and <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a>. The faithfulness of the Ephesian believers is commendable, especially in a city rife with idolatry and immorality. Their faith is not merely a private matter but a public testimony of their commitment to Christ, as evidenced by their love and service to one another (<a href="/ephesians/1-15.htm">Ephesians 1:15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The author of the letter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. Formerly known as Saul, he was a persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. His apostleship is by divine appointment, emphasizing his authority and mission. 2. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> The central figure of Christianity, the Messiah, and the Son of God. Paul serves as His apostle, indicating a direct commission from Christ Himself. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign deity who wills Paul's apostleship. This underscores the divine origin and authority behind Paul's mission and message. 4. <a href="/topical/s/saints_in_ephesus.htm">Saints in Ephesus</a> The recipients of the letter, identified as "saints," meaning those set apart for God. Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, known for its temple to Artemis and as a center of early Christian activity. 5. <a href="/topical/f/faithful_in_christ_jesus.htm">Faithful in Christ Jesus</a> A description of the believers in Ephesus, highlighting their faithfulness and union with Christ. This phrase underscores the spiritual identity and commitment of the recipients.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_calling_and_authority.htm">Divine Calling and Authority</a> Recognize that Paul's apostleship is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. This teaches us about the importance of divine calling and authority in ministry. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> The believers are called "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus," reminding us of our identity and calling as Christians to live set-apart and faithful lives. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a> The letter is addressed to a community, highlighting the importance of unity and collective identity in the church. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_a_secular_world.htm">Faithfulness in a Secular World</a> The Ephesian believers were faithful amidst a pagan culture, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our faith regardless of societal pressures.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) By the will of God.--This phrase, used in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm" title="Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,">1Corinthians 1:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm" title="Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:">2Corinthians 1:1</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm" title=" Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,">Colossians 1:1</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm" title="Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,">2Timothy 1:1</a> (comp. the equivalent expression of <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm" title="Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;">1Timothy 1:1</a>), appears to be St. Paul's ordinary designation of the source of his apostolic mission and authority; used whenever there was nothing peculiar in the occasion of the Epistle, or the circumstances of the Church to which it was addressed. It may be contrasted, on the one hand, with the more formal enunciation of his commission, addressed to the Roman Church (<a href="/context/romans/1-1.htm" title="Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,">Romans 1:1-5</a>), and the indignant and emphatic abruptness of the opening of the Galatian Epistle--"an apostle not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ" (<a href="/galatians/1-1.htm" title="Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)">Galatians 1:1</a>). On the other hand, to the Thessalonian churches, in the Epistles written shortly after their conversion, he uses no description of himself whatever (<a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm" title="Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.">1Thessalonians 1:1</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm" title="Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:">2Thessalonians 1:1</a>); in the Epistles to the Philippians and to Titus he is simply "the servant of Jesus Christ" (<a href="/philippians/1-1.htm" title="Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:">Philippians 1:1</a>; <a href="/titus/1-1.htm" title="Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;">Titus 1:1</a>): to Philemon (for special reasons) "the prisoner of Jesus Christ." The phrase in the text stands midway between the emphasis of the one class of Epistles and the more familiar simplicity of the other. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus. Paul's one but all-sufficient claim on the Ephesians is his relation to Christ: he is Christ's apostle, not only as sent forth by him, but also as belonging to him; elsewhere his servant or bondman. He makes no claim to their attention on the ground of his great experience in the gospel, his profound study of it, or even his gifts, but rests simply on his being Christ's apostle; thus recognizing Christ as the only Head of the Church, and source of authority therein. By the will of God. The First Person of the Trinity, the Fountain of Godhead, has not only devised the whole scheme of mercy, but has likewise planned the subordinate arrangements by which it is carried out; thus it was by his will that Paul held the office of an apostle of Christ (see <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a>; <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Acts 26:7</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">Galatians 1:11, 12</a>). His authority and his dignity as an apostle are thus the highest that can be: "He that heareth you, heareth me." To the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus. This designation is expanded in the verses that immediately follow. "Saints" means set apart for God, and, as the result thereof, persons pure and holy; "faithful" is equivalent to "Believers;" while "in Christ Jesus" denotes the Source of their life, the element in which they lived, the Vine into which they were grafted. Such persons were the heart and nucleus of the Church, though others might belong to it. In the fervor of his salutations here and elsewhere, Paul seems to see only the genuine spiritual members of the Church; though afterwards he may indicate that all are not such (see <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Philippians 3:15</a>). With regard to the clause, "that are at Ephesus," see Introduction. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Paul, Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. an apostle ἀπόστολος (apostolos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. of Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. by διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [the] will θελήματος (thelēmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. To the Τοῖς (Tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. saints ἁγίοις (hagiois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Ephesus, Ἐφέσῳ (Ephesō) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor. [the] faithful πιστοῖς (pistois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4103.htm">Strong's 4103: </a> Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Christ Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus: Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 1:1 Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus through (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/galatians/6-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Galatians 6:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Galatians 6:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>