Ephesians 1:1-3
Amplified Bible
The Blessings of Redemption
1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), by the will of God [that is, by His purpose and choice],
To the [a]saints (God’s people) [b]who are at Ephesus and are faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 [c]Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ,
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Ephesians 1:1 “Saints” refers to born-again believers. All believers are holy, that is, set apart or sanctified for God’s purpose.
- Ephesians 1:1 Three early mss do not contain “at Ephesus.” Some scholars suggest that this was intended as a circular letter for various churches of Asia Minor (modern Turkey), sent first to Ephesus and then to the other churches. See Paul’s instruction to the Colossians in 4:16. Others believe the letter was directed only to the Ephesians because of its many personal references. The books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are believed to have been written by Paul while he was a prisoner under house arrest in Rome (a.d. 60-62) (cf 6:20).
- Ephesians 1:3 In Greek this passage (vv 3-14), also referred to as a doxology, is one sentence.
Ephesians 1:1-3
New International Version
1 Paul, an apostle(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,(B)
To God’s holy people(C) in Ephesus,[a](D) the faithful(E) in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(F)
Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,(G) who has blessed us in the heavenly realms(H) with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Footnotes
- Ephesians 1:1 Some early manuscripts do not have in Ephesus.
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