Ephesians

Welcome to Ephesians – a letter by the Apostle Paul to remind believers of their privileges and responsibilities as members of God's family! Although the word 'Ephesus' is missing from the earliest manuscripts we know about, the Early Church leaders certainly agreed that Ephesus was the intended hub-destination. To get orientated into this book of the Bible, do check out the BeaconLight Study Outline (https://beaconlight.co.uk/bible/ephesians).

Today's verse may seem like a familiar greeting. And it was; but there was something different about it. The difference is that this is not just nice sentiments, or even the profound Jewish 'Shalom' greeting – originally meaning 'may everything good from God come to you'. Paul is writing to Christian brothers and sisters who have come into God's family by faith in Jesus Christ. They have already received saving grace, and peace with God; Paul reassures them that God has pledged to continue to give them daily grace and peace along with all that they need (Romans 8:22).

Are you confused about 'blessings'? Are they things or thoughts, words or works?

If you are a Christian, it is no random accident! You are in Christ because that is what Father God wanted.

All of God's blessings (powerfully good words that He will fulfil) stem from His love. He does not bribe us with nice words and then fail to keep His promises. It is wonderful to know that we have been chosen; not just to be part of His 'team' or in his 'business' but to be personally related to Him. It is even more than the privilege of being a distant relative to a famous person: it was always God's plan that Christians should have the full status, rights and affectionate closeness of being sons of God (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

In the days of slavery, it was possible to make a payment to buy freedom for the slave. Jesus did that for us when He died. He bought us back (redeemed us) from our slavery to sin and Satan.

Politicians leak good news in order to keep ahead in the polls. The promise of benefit tomorrow is electoral credit today. However, God has never worked like that.

Life is messy!

Any right-minded Christian should quietly glow with the thought of being 'included in Christ'! This passage pivots on the idea of being marked with a seal.

This is the start of the second of Paul 'long sentences' in Ephesians - from v15-23