epistles, Paul usually begins with a salutation, a note of thanksgiving, or a prayer. Here all three are beau tifully combined, each one rich in its spiritual meaning. That the letter was written by Paul there should never be any seri ous doubt. Its great concept, tone, and the very manner of teaching are all characteristic of the great Apos tle. It may differ in temper from other epistles, such as Galatians, yet changes of time and circumstances will alter anyone’s thinking. Paul’s unmatched sufferings and ceaseless toil had made him old before his time. He called himself, “Paul the aged.” He was not certain whether his confinement would issue in his being released or whether death would follow. He was ready in either case. The introduction here shows us that Paul was an apostle through the will of God. In some of his let ters he omits this phrase. The state ment shows both authority and hu mility. As an apostle, he placed stress upon his divine vocation. His readers would do well to heed the words spoken by one on such an important mission. That he admitted that he had such a high calling “through the will of God” shows his lack of hu man pride and an expression of sub lime humility. This should be our same situation today as born-again servants of the Lord. We have a sacred calling, while at the same time we must realize our own im perfection and weakness. The letter is addressed to “the saints that are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.” Saint is a term usually employed by Paul to designate any believer in Christ. All members of the body of Christ are so referred to. The word means separation, and is the same as the term holy. Anything set apart for a special purpose could be called holy, such as the implements in the taber nacle worship. For that reason, saints 22
describe people who are set apart for the ministry of Jesus Christ. This should be a description of each of us who, by faith, have received Jesus Christ as Saviour. It is my earnest prayer, as well as our staff in the radio outreach, that these studies will be particularly meaning ful to you as we seek to glorify the Lord together. C hapter O ne F ollowing his introduction and salutation, the Apostle Paul be gins in verse 3 to show all of the spiritual blessings we enjoy because of our position by faith in Jesus Christ. If you ever feel depressed or discouraged, just read this section down through verse 23 to see how really wealthy you a re! It’s the pur pose of this wonderful epistle to point to God as the only Being who is worthy of worship. It shows us His Church, as a Body, to which it’s well-worth be l ongi ng . Christians, who have placed their faith and trust in the Saviour, bless God through the Holy Spirit. An understanding of this passage will do much to revive the worship of the Triune God when it is rightly understood. There is a vital basis for praise in all our lives for that which God has done on our behalf. In the original language, this en tire section is one long sentence, forming the thrilling account of man’s spiritual biogenesis. There is an interesting similarity to I Peter 1 :3-12. The work of the Father is seen in verses 3-6. The first part of this great doxology is focused upon God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is the uniqueness of the Trinity, in a divine relationship no human being can fully explain or fathom. There is only one way to salvation and eternal life. As verse 3 teaches us, we have been blessed in Christ with every spirit ual blessing in heavenly places. A philosopher might approach the idea
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