Introduction
The Letter to the Ephesians was written during the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment (possibly in Rome, c. 60–62 AD). However, modern biblical scholarship debates the authorship, with some scholars suggesting it might have been penned by a later disciple of Paul, given its style and theological depth.
Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), was a cultural and religious hub, known for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Christian community there likely included both Jewish and Gentile believers, facing the challenge of uniting these groups in Christ amid diverse backgrounds and pressures.
Ephesians reflects a context of both spiritual vitality and challenge. Written to a diverse community in the bustling city of Ephesus or as a circular letter to believers across Asia Minor, it encourages unity in Christ and holy living in a culture often at odds with the gospel. The letter offers a grand theological vision of God’s redemptive plan, rooted in divine grace and culminating in the transformation of believers and creation itself.
Verses 1–2: Greeting
Paul begins with a standard greeting, identifying himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. His address to the “saints” reminds the reader that all Christians, through God’s grace, are set apart for holy purposes. The greeting of “grace and peace” encapsulates the heart of Wesleyan theology: grace that brings salvation and peace that flows from reconciliation with God.
Verses 3–14: Spiritual Blessings in Christ
This section, often called a “doxology,” is a single sentence in Greek, overflowing with praise for God’s redemptive work. It emphasizes the Trinitarian nature of salvation:
God the Father’s Plan (vv. 3–6): Paul blesses God for choosing believers “before the foundation of the world.” This highlights the economy of grace, where God’s initiative precedes human response. From a Wesleyan perspective, this is referred to as God’s prevenient grace, that is before we are aware of it God’s grace is at work in the world to call humanity into relationship with God. Believers are chosen to be holy and blameless, adopted as God’s children through Christ. This adoption underscores both privilege and responsibility in the family of God.
The Son’s Redemption (vv. 7–12): Through Jesus’ blood, we experience redemption and forgiveness of sins. The concept of redemption would have resonated deeply with the letter’s first hearers, evoking images of liberation from slavery. The “mystery” of God’s will—uniting all things in Christ—points to the ultimate goal of grace: not just individual salvation but the cosmic restoration of all creation.
The Spirit’s Seal (vv. 13–14): The Holy Spirit is described as a “seal” and a “guarantee” of believers’ inheritance. The seal signifies ownership and authenticity, while the guarantee serves as a down payment of the eternal inheritance awaiting believers. The sealing of the Holy Spirit begins the process of sanctification. For Wesley, this is the ongoing work of grace or sanctification, transforming believers into the image of Christ. The Spirit’s presence assures believers of their salvation and empowers them to grow in love and holiness. This assurance is vital for the early church, navigating uncertainty and persecution.
Verses 15–23: Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
Paul transitions from praise to prayer, interceding for the Ephesian believers to experience the fullness of God’s grace and power. He expresses gratitude for their faith in Christ and love for one another, key markers of a thriving Christian community.
The Knowledge of God (vv. 17–18): Paul prays for the believers to receive the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation” to know God better. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but deeply experiential, transforming their perception of God’s calling, inheritance, and power.
The Power of God (vv. 19–23): Paul highlights the immeasurable greatness of God’s power, demonstrated in the resurrection of Christ. This power is not only the foundation of salvation but also the source of believers’ ability to live victoriously over sin.
The chapter concludes with a vision of the Church as Christ’s body, with Christ as the head. This imagery underscores the communal aspect of grace enabling the unity and interdependence of believers, as well as their intimate connection with Christ, who fills all in all.
