A Greeting Of Grace

A Greeting of Grace

Ephesians 1: 1-2

Today I want to begin a series of messages that will lead us through the first chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Ephesian church. While the letter to the Roman believers is considered Paul’s “magnum opus,” Ephesians has been referred to as the “Queen of the Epistles.” One cannot doubt the significant doctrinal truths Paul presents within this great epistle. The major theme of Ephesians is Reconciliation achieved through God’s Redemptive plan for humanity.

As one studies the life and ministry of Paul, his love and devotion for the church are quickly apparent. His ministry in Ephesus was certainly no exception. In fact, Paul’s ministry there lasted longer than any other. While scholars cannot agree on an exact time, we can be certain he ministered there at least two and a half years, with some suggesting he may have been in Ephesus for as long as three and a half years.

What began with twelve Jewish believers, became a strong and vibrant church in Ephesus. We know the church remained at the time of the Revelation because Jesus sent a specific word to the Ephesian church. Even though the Lord commended much that was healthy in the church, He did admonish them for leaving their first love.

Having some basic insight to the culture and social environment of Ephesus at the time of Paul’s writing will help us better understand this powerful epistle, and even shed some light on their diminished love for the Lord in the Revelation. There were 230 cities along the coastline of Asia Minor in that day, and Ephesus was the most important. She boasted a natural harbor that accommodated great commerce and travel. Along with the booming commerce, Ephesus was also one of the greatest cultural and religious sites of that time. The temple of Diana was located in Ephesus, bringing in untold visitors annually for the cult-worship rituals.

Unfortunately for Ephesus, the great natural harbor filled with silt and became less desirable than the port in neighboring Smyrna. Ephesus became a dying city but refused to accept the reality of her condition. She depended on her past reputation, the city she had formerly been, rather than striving to renew life and sustainability. Eventually she succumbed to the disease of sensual pleasure. The church eventually died as well, failing to return to her first love.

This serves as the backdrop for Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. Like the culture around them, humanity stood in need of new life and vitality. Simply relying on one’s prior works or accomplishments would not provide reconciliation to God or redemption from sin. Paul knew the city of Ephesus was a clear representation of the dreadful condition of sinful humanity. As we begin to examine the insights of Paul’s opening words, I want to consider: A Greeting of Grace.

I. The Greeting Revealed (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. In these simple words of greeting, Paul reveals much about himself and his desire for the church. We discover:

A. Paul’s Authority (1a) – Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Paul introduced himself in the opening statement, letting the church know this letter was from the beloved apostle who had planted the church there and cared so deeply for them and their well-being. In regard to Paul’s authority, he revealed two significant insights. This introduction revealed:

1. His Position – Paul was quick to remind the reader that he was in fact an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. While this is not uncommon in Paul’s writings, I am convinced the reference to his apostleship was done with purpose. In some settings, like his work in the region of Galatia, Paul’s apostolic authority was challenged. Some refused to submit to the authority he carried as an apostle of the Lord. This reference was not made in arrogance or to inflate his ego, but rather to remind them of the call he had received of the Lord to serve in the capacity in which he did. The Lord had separated Paul unto a special work, and the church would do well to heed his instruction and receive this letter as it truly was – the Word of God.

It is also evident that Paul desired to relate to the church through the mention of his apostleship. He had received a work of ministry to benefit the church, and yet he was a servant of the Lord as they were. While he enjoyed a special calling and work, he too was nothing more than a sinner saved by grace whom God chose to use. By identifying with the Lord, in essence he also identified with the church. (We are all part of the same body. Each has different gifts and abilities, but we all serve the same Lord and should strive for a common goal. Regardless of our position within the body, like Paul, we too are nothing more than sinners saved by grace being graciously used of the Lord for His glory.)