Ephesians 1:1-2

[NOTE: I'm not very pleased with the layout of this page. The original has it in a grid with the verse references to the left and the comments to myself in the right-hand column using a hanging indent to differentiate Bible words from my musings. PLEASE, let me know how I might improve the readability of this format.

And thank you for any and all feedback.]--gec

Chapter 1
1:1

Paul – somewhere sometime years ago, I heard that this assumed name means “little”, whereas "Saul" meant something like "great one". Don't know how accurate that is. Elsewhere calls himself “least of all”. When I humble myself, God raises the humble. How can I humble myself without self-abasement? Rom 12:3, not to think more highly of ourselves than I/we ought, but to think soberly (realistically)

an apostle – sent, missionary, cross boundaries

of – belonging to, from, carrying his message; commissioned by

Christ Jesus – whole books and libraries; more on these terms later

by the will – authority, delegated authority, God decided, determined that Paul would do this mission

of God – holy, holy, holy

To the saints – holy ones, made holy by God’s act, holy by God not self; but called to grow into his holy likeness

in Ephesus – not in original, letter easily intended for all the church of all time

the faithful [NLT: consistent followers] - steady, reliable, trustworthy. Whether I am with others or alone, I am called to be faithful to Christ, because he is always faithful with me

in [NLT: of] – which is it? “in” puts more responsibility on Christ; “of” puts more responsibility on me.

Christ – Promised, Anointed One

Jesus – earthly name for God the Son, Yeshua, Joshua, God saves

1:2

Grace – Unmerited favor, empowerment to do, Paul's letter to Titus says that grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and yes to God

and – these come together

peace – right relations with God and people

to you – to the holy and faithful in Christ

from – source, origin; perhaps obvious that grace comes from God; less obvious that peace must come from Him. I tend to think/feel that I can create right relations. But I definitely cannot do that with [toward] God. And only rarely and incompletely w/ other people.

NLT: “give” – this makes it clearer, not only that God is the source, but also that these (grace & peace) are gifts. I know salvation is a gift. And that it is a gift of grace. But I need to look to God—and then do my part—to create peace with others. With whom?

God our Father and – Mystery of Godhead, listed separately, acting as one. Both together as one is/are the source of grace & peace

Father & Lord – Both are terms of authority. “Father” clearly portrayed in Bible as a caring figure, tender authority, but still authority. “Lord” is so colored by life of Christ that it affects all references in Bible. Clearly shown as tender, caring, yet passionate. Still, the very term Lord signifies authority. As I bow to One, I bow to the total Godhead.

Jesus Christ – not sure the significance of Christ Jesus in v 1 and then switching to Jesus Christ here.