How does Paul address the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:1?
In Ephesians 1:1, Paul addresses the Ephesians as the church of God which is at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. This greeting identifies them as God's church and those faithful in Christ, a designation notably absent in his letter to the Galatians.
Les teaches that in Ephesians 1:1, Paul addresses the Ephesians as 'the church of God which is at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.' This positive identification contrasts with Galatians, where Paul merely writes 'unto the churches of Galatia,' with nothing about them being the church of God, the saints, or those in Christ. Les explains this difference is significant, comparing it to God's attitude toward Israel in Daniel's day, when He called them 'thy people' rather than 'My people' because they had degenerated from their love for Jehovah.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
More Questions
Who are the saints in Ephesians 1:1?
In Ephesians 1:1, Les defines 'the saints' as the believers.
What does 'in Christ' mean in Ephesians?
Les teaches that the repeated phrase 'in Christ' in Ephesians refers to the believer's position in Christ, or in the body of Christ.