Ephesians Chapter 1

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, &c.] (See Gill on “ <450101>Romans 1:1”). (See Gill on “<460101>1 Corinthians 1:1”). (See Gill on “<470101>2 Corinthians 1:1”). (See Gill on “<480101>Galatians 1:1”). To the saints which are at Ephesus; of this place, see the note above upon the title of the epistle, and (See Gill on “<441819>Acts 18:19”). The persons residing there, to whom the epistle is written, are described by their character, as “saints”; being separated by the grace of God the Father in eternal election; whose sins were expiated by the blood and sacrifice of Christ; and to whom he…”

“INSCRIPTION: ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH IN THE FATHER'S ETERNAL COUNSEL, AND THE SON'S BLOODSHEDDING: THE SEALING OF IT BY THE SPIRIT. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER THAT THEY MAY FULLY KNOW GOD'S GRACIOUS POWER IN CHRIST TOWARDS THE SAINTS. (Eph. 1:1-23) by--rather, "through the will of God": called to the apostleship through that same "will" which originated the Church (Eph 1:5, Eph 1:9, Eph 1:11; compare Gal 1:4). which are at Ephesus--(See Introduction.) to the saints . . . and to the faithful--The same persons are referred to by both designations, as the Greek proves: "to those who are saints, and faithful in Christ…”

“Paul, an apostle; - see the notes at Romans 1:1. By the will of God - see the notes at 1 Corinthians 1:1. To the saints - A name often given to Christians because they are holy; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 1:2. In Ephesus - see the introduction, sections 1 and 5. And to the faithful in Christ Jesus - This evidently refers to others than to those who were in Ephesus, and it is clear that Paul expected that this Epistle would be read by others. He gives it a general character, as if he supposed that it might be transcribed, and become the property of the church at large. It was not uncommon for him thus to give…”

“By the will of God - Not by any merit of my own. To the saints who are at Ephesus - And in all the adjacent places. For this epistle is not directed to the Ephesians only, but likewise to all the other churches of Asia. Ephesians 1:3”

“1:1-2 Paul follows the normal pattern of ancient Greek letters: He begins with a few words about himself followed by greetings. He expands this pattern in a Christian way by referring to his divine calling as an apostle, by describing his recipients as God’s holy people and as faithful followers of Christ, and by his invocation of grace and peace. 1:1 The frequent emphasis on the will of God (see 1:5, 9, 11; 5:17; 6:6) underscores God’s sovereignty in fulfilling his plan. • God’s holy people: Literally the holy ones, who are dedicated to God (see also 1:15, 18; 2:19; 3:8, 18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18). • The most ancient…”

“an: Rom 1:1; Co1 1:1; Gal 1:1 to the saints: Rom 1:7; Co1 1:2; Co2 1:1 which: Eph 6:21; Num 12:7; Luk 16:10; Act 16:15; Co1 4:12, Co1 4:17; Gal 3:9; Col 1:2; Rev 2:10, Rev 2:13, Rev 17:14 faithful: Acts 19:1-20:38 Ephesians 1:2”