“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:” – Ephesians 1:1 (ESV)
✍️ Who Wrote This and Why It Matters
The letter opens with authority: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” Paul identifies himself not merely by name, but by divine assignment. He didn’t climb the ladder of religious influence or apply for a position—he was called and commissioned by the risen Christ Himself (Acts 9:15-16).
The word apostle (Greek: ἀπόστολος, *apostolos*) means “one who is sent with authority.” Paul speaks not as a freelancer or philosopher, but as a messenger of heaven, sent by the will of God—not by human ambition. This divine commissioning sets the tone for the entire letter: every truth he teaches flows from divine origin, not personal opinion.
🏛️ Who Were the Ephesians?
Paul writes “to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.” That one sentence reveals two identities—geographical and spiritual:
- “In Ephesus” – They lived in a pagan, prosperous city known for idolatry, magic, and sexual immorality. To be a Christian here was to be in cultural opposition. They were in Ephesus, but not of it.
- “In Christ Jesus” – This phrase appears more than 20 times in Ephesians. It reveals our true location—not just where we live, but where we belong. These believers were anchored in Christ, their lives hidden in Him, their identity redefined by Him.
Paul calls them saints—not because they were perfect, but because they were set apart. The word means “holy ones,” sanctified not by their own effort, but by God’s grace through Christ. And he calls them faithful—not flawless, but committed, clinging to Christ in a culture full of compromise.
🔎 What Does This Teach Us Today?
1. Your Identity Is Not Tied to Your Zip Code
Just like the Ephesians, modern believers live in spiritually dark places. We may live in bustling cities, rural towns, or suburban communities filled with confusion, compromise, and competing voices. But if we are “in Christ,” we belong to a higher kingdom. Our culture may shape our challenges, but Christ shapes our identity.
2. God’s Calling Defines Our Worth
Paul didn’t define himself by his past (a persecutor), nor his achievements (a church planter), but by his calling. So must we. Your worth isn’t measured by your résumé, reputation, or failures—it’s anchored in the will of God and the call of Christ. You are not self-made; you are God-called.
3. The Church Is Made Up of Saints—Even Broken Ones
Paul’s word “saints” is striking. He could have said “sinners in Ephesus,” but he didn’t. Though they were imperfect people, God saw them through the lens of Christ. That’s true for you too. If you’ve trusted Jesus, your primary identity is no longer “addict,” “failure,” “divorced,” or “outcast”—you are sainted, sealed, and sanctified in Christ.
4. Faithfulness Is God’s Measure of Success
The Ephesians were “faithful in Christ.” They weren’t known for their influence, wealth, or success, but their faithfulness. In a world that prizes fame, God prizes faithfulness. To be consistent, grounded, loyal to Christ—that’s the mark of spiritual maturity.
🧠 Word Study: In Christ
This small phrase—“in Christ”—is the heartbeat of Ephesians. It’s a spiritual reality describing union with Christ. All the blessings that follow in this letter (chosen, adopted, forgiven, empowered) flow from this one truth: we are joined to Christ like a branch to a vine, like a body to a head.
To be in Christ is to be safe, secure, and significant—forever wrapped in the grace and righteousness of Jesus.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 📍 Are you more defined by your location on earth or your position in Christ?
- 🔍 Do you view yourself as a saint in Christ—or do you still see yourself only through your failures?
- 🙏 In what areas is God calling you to greater faithfulness this week?
🛐 Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us saints. Thank You for placing us in You, where our past is covered and our future is secure. Help us live faithfully in this world without being of it. Remind us daily that our true address is “in Christ.”
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 1:2 – What Does It Mean to Have Grace and Peace?
Stay with us as we explore the spiritual blessings that flow from our union with Christ. This next verse is more than a greeting—it’s a gateway into the riches of God’s heart for His people.