“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1:2).
Today we begin a new devotional series from one of my favorite letters in the New Testament. Paul wrote Ephesians from prison. The letter was probably intended for the churches in proconsular Asia. These seven churches mentioned together in the book of Revelation probably were an early form of an “association” of churches which banded together for mutual encouragement. The Ephesian and Colossian letters were written at the same time to encourage these churches as they faced the swirling winds of heresy that later became “Gnosticism.”
All Paul’s letters begin in a similar way—a mention of the writer, then the readers, and a word of greeting. While this was a standard letter writing style, Paul lifts it to another level by describing both reader and hearer in terms of their relationship to God. “Apostle” is the term Paul uses often in reference to himself. It speaks of both privilege and calling. He is what he is by the “will of God.”
The readers are called “saints,” which is a frequent designation for believers. This term reflects the Old Testament concept of items such as the tabernacle, the temple, the Sabbath, and the people who were “consecrated” or “set apart” for God’s service. Did you know that the moment you were saved, you were also set apart for God’s service? Further, Paul describes them as faithful to God, meaning they both have faith and they show faithfulness.
Peace reflects the common Hebrew greeting (shalom). Grace and peace together sum up all the gifts of Christ. You will discover that these two words are the twin themes of this letter.
Prayer: Father, thank you for setting me apart for service. May I be faithful today. Amen