Ephesians 1:1–2

The opening two verses form a greeting or salutation in a somewhat typical ancient style: an identification of the sender and recipient and then a greeting. Paul normally expands each of these components so that his introductory greetings are lengthier than what was typical. In this case, he identifies the divine source of his authority (“the will of God”; v. 1), further describes his readers (“the saints . . . faithful in Christ Jesus”; v. 1), and offers the divine source of his prayer of blessing (“from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”; v. 2).

1. I. Introductory Address and Greeting (1:1–2)
   1. A. Author (1:1a)
   2. B. Recipients (1:1b)
   3. C. Greetings (1:2)

Paul writes this letter in accordance with the authority he received as an apostle of Christ Jesus. His apostleship signifies not only that he belongs to Christ but also that he is fully authorized as Christ’s messenger to proclaim the good news of the one who sent him. Paul’s calling to reach the Gentiles with the gospel is not something he gave himself but is something to which he was called by the sovereign plan of God. In fact, prior to his call, Paul was striving to find and arrest Christians proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah. It was “by the will of God” that Paul received his apostleship. This phrase reminds us that it was God’s unmerited favor and grace that saved Paul and called him to serve. He received his position not through his own personal accomplishments or good works but through God’s gracious plan (cf. 1 Tim. 1:15–16), and the same is true for us. Thus, although Paul received a unique calling as an apostle, the mercy he received is an example for us as we remember that God chose us not because of something desirable in us but because of his love and grace found in Christ Jesus.