The Beginning And End Of Ephesians. Series

THE BEGINNING AND END OF EPHESIANS.

Ephesians 1:1-2, Ephesians 6:21-24.

In my studies around the book of Ephesians, I have occasionally come across the attitude that this book could not have been written by Paul, because it is too impersonal. Yet, if we take the time to read the beginning (EPHESIANS 1:1-2), and the end (EPHESIANS 6:21-24), we will find that supposition to be completely untrue.

As was customary in his day, Paul introduces both himself and his credentials at the opening of the letter, and states to whom he is writing (EPHESIANS 1:1). As to the end, Paul explains the lack of his usual long list of personal greetings by the fact that the bearer of the letter, Tychicus, “shall make known to you all things” (EPHESIANS 6:21).

EPHESIANS 1:1. There are many people who might sign their letters, “Paul” - but only one can say, “an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.”

It is important to recognise the foundational nature of Apostleship. The twelve were chosen and commissioned by Christ, walked in and out with him from the baptism of John to the ascension, and had a personal post-resurrection encounter with Him. They were promised, and received, the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Paul's Apostleship was similar. Paul also had a personal encounter with the resurrected Lord, and was chosen, called, commissioned and sent by Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. However, as the Apostle ‘born out of time,’ his three years’ training happened in Arabia rather than in the holy land.

The recipients are identified as “the saints which are at Ephesus” [‘saint’ is a generic term for all who are called out and set apart (made holy) by God for the service of God.] They are described as “faithful” (i.e. having put their trust in Jesus). But they are also said to be “IN Christ Jesus” (cf. Ephesians 2:6).

EPHESIANS 6:21-22. Tychicus was probably Paul’s amanuensis, but also the bearer of the letter to the Ephesians. This man had been a companion of Paul in the Apostle’s voyages and adventures. Paul calls him “a beloved brother” and “a faithful servant (minister) IN the Lord.” Paul entrusted Tychicus not only to deliver the letter, but to share the news, and to give “comfort” (encouragement) to their hearts.

EPHESIANS 1:2. As with all his letters, Paul’s opening greeting is “Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Significantly on this occasion, ‘grace’ and ‘peace’ are pretty much what Ephesians is all about.

“Grace” is free unmerited favour, or ‘God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense’ (cf. Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:8). Furthermore, it is by grace that we are equipped for service (cf. Ephesians 4:7).

"Peace." Christ Jesus ‘IS our peace,’ ‘making peace,’ and ‘preaching peace’ (cf. Ephesians 2:14-17). We are instructed to ‘keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (cf. Ephesians 4:3). And to shod our feet with the preparation of the ‘gospel of peace’ (cf. Ephesians 6:15).

EPHESIANS 6:23. “Peace to the brethren.” We already have ‘peace WITH God through the Lord Jesus Christ’ (cf. Romans 5:1). To this we might add ‘the peace OF God which passes all understanding’ (cf. Philippians 4:7; John 14:27). But part of the burden of Ephesians has been to demonstrate that Jesus has also broken down ‘the middle wall of partition’ BETWEEN Jew and Gentile, ‘so making peace’ (cf. Ephesians 2:14-15).

“And love with faith.” We love Jesus ‘BECAUSE He first loved us’ (cf. 1 John 4:19). We ‘love one another AS’ He has loved us (cf. John 13:34). “Faith” is an unswerving confidence in God.

It may seem surprising that Paul should wish to invoke upon the Ephesians a blessing which they already evidently had (cf. Ephesians 1:15-16). However, we must not take these things for granted. There would come a time when Jesus Himself would dictate a letter to the church at Ephesus saying, ‘thou hast lost thy first love’ (cf. Revelation 2:4).

EPHESIANS 6:24. So the final “Grace” is for “all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity” - purely, constantly, and unfailingly. At all times and in all places. Amen.

Benediction: Jude 1:24-25.