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 1:1: "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:"
Paul introduces this letter with his apostolic authority rooted in God’s will, not human appointment alone. He writes to “the saints” and “the faithful in Christ Jesus,” highlighting both corporate identity and personal faith. The audience includes both Jewish and Gentile believers in Ephesus—the early church as a diverse, interconnected community. The phrase “by the will of God” emphasizes divine sovereignty in the sending of the gospel messenger and, by extension, in the sending of the church into the world. Ephesus was a cultural hub, known for its temple of Artemis and bustling commerce, making the church’s witness in that city both strategic and contested. Paul’s opening sets a tone of blessing, authority, and unity, inviting readers to see themselves as belonging to a larger story of God’s redemptive work.
The verse anchors identity in being “saints” and “the faithful in Christ Jesus,” underlining the inaugurated eschatological reality that believers are holy and called. It foregrounds the concept of divine initiative—God’s will, not human choice, initiates salvation and mission. This also hints at union with Christ as the organizing principle of the Christian life. The address to a geographically situated church (Ephesus) and to believers “in Christ” foreshadows Paul’s later themes of the church as the body, reconciled by grace, and empowered for mission.
Today, this opens a practical invitation: recognize your identity as someone set apart by God for a purpose. In a culture emphasizing individual achievement, resist reducing faith to private belief; see it as part of a larger community formation. In your church or small group, cultivate a sense of belonging—saints and faithful in Christ—through shared practices, accountability, and ministry. When you write emails, lead teams, or teach, remember you’re part of a divine mission, not merely a human project. This awareness can reshape your priorities, encouraging generosity, integrity, and courage in witness.
Cross-References: Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:2.