Ephesians 1:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-2

Here is, 1. The title St. Paul takes to himself, as belonging to him?Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, etc. He reckoned it a great honour to be employed by Christ, as one of his messengers to the sons of men. The apostles were prime officers in the Christian church, being extraordinary ministers appointed for a time only. They were furnished by their great Lord with extraordinary gifts and the immediate assistance of the Spirit, that they might be fitted for publishing and spreading the gospel... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 1:1-14

1:1-14 This is a letter from Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, to God's consecrated people who live in Ephesus and who are faithful in Jesus Christ. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings which are only to be found in heaven, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we might be holy and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ephesians 1:2

Grace be to you, and peace from God ,.... See Gill on Romans 1:7 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 1:2

Grace be to you - See the note on Romans 1:7 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-2

ADDRESS AND SALUTATION . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-2

Address and salutation. Character and scope of the Epistle as a whole (see Introduction); circumstances of the writer; jubilant tone of the Epistle; cordiality of the Ephesian Church. I. The writer speaks with authority. He is an "apostle," sent and commissioned directly by Christ, and acting in his name—a real ambassador of the Lord of glory. II. He holds this office "by the will of God;" pursues neither an irregular nor a merely volunteer course unsanctioned by the supreme Ruler,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-2

The salutation. The apostle introduces his Epistle by a duplicate order of ideas: a double blessing—"grace and peace;" a double source of blessing—"God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ;" a double designation of the Christian people—"saints and faithful in Christ Jesus;" and a double source of authority—"an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God." I. THE AUTHOR . "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God." As one standing outside the circle of the twelve, who... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-2

The salutation of the saints. In the present case Paul, without associating any brethren with himself, proceeds to state his apostleship, and to transmit his salutation to the saints at Ephesus. These saints had been gathered for the most part out of paganism, and this will account for the introduction, as well as many of the contents, of this magnificent Epistle. We note the following lessons as here suggested:— I. THE APOSTLESHIP OF PAUL HAD BEEN RECEIVED DIRECTLY ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-2

Address and salutation. The great verity of which the Epistle to the Ephesians treats is the Church of Christ . It has its place along with other everlasting verities in the twelfth chapter of the Hebrews. It exists in no visible community as it exists in the mind of God. This letter is addressed to the Ephesian Church; but there is nothing peculiarly Ephesian about it. There are no Ephesian errors which are combated. There are no salutations sent to particular members of the Church of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-2

The highest things in the world. "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: grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." The words set before us three of the greatest things in human life. I. THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE WORLD . "Can apostle of Jesus Christ." 1. He was a messenger of the greatest Person . How great was his Master! Messengers of... read more

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