Sermons on Ephesians 1:1-2

Ephesians 1:1-2 Interpretation:

Living in Grace: Unity, Holiness, and Discipleship (emerge317.church) offers a detailed interpretation of Ephesians 1:1-2 by focusing on the Greek terms and their implications. The sermon highlights that "apostle" means "sent one," emphasizing Paul’s unique calling and transformation from persecutor to proclaimer. It unpacks the Greek word "hagios" (Saints/holy ones), stressing that sainthood is not about personal achievement but about being set apart by God for His purposes. The preacher uses vivid analogies—such as the root in the soil, the branch in the vine, the fish in the sea, and the bird in the air—to illustrate the believer’s life "in Christ," showing that spiritual identity transcends physical location. The sermon also notes that Paul’s greeting of "grace and peace" adapts a standard Greco-Roman letter opening but infuses it with Christian meaning, where "grace" (charis) and "peace" (eirene) together encapsulate the gospel’s core. The preacher draws out the connection between the Greek "eirene" and the Hebrew "shalom," emphasizing wholeness and completeness as the result of God’s grace.

Understanding God's Will: Grace and Transformation in Ephesians (Desiring God) provides a unique linguistic and theological analysis of the phrase "by the will of God." The sermon distinguishes between God’s "will of decree" (what God sovereignly ordains and always brings to pass) and "will of command" (what God commands but may not always occur due to human disobedience). The preacher argues that in Ephesians 1:1, "will of God" refers to the will of decree, supporting this with cross-references and a careful reading of Paul’s calling. Additionally, the sermon explores the consistent Pauline pattern of opening letters with "grace to you" and closing with "grace with you," proposing that the initial greeting conveys grace through the act of reading/hearing the letter, while the closing sends grace with the hearers as they depart.

Transformative Grace and Peace in Christ (Desiring God) closely echoes the previous Desiring God sermon regarding the structure of "grace to you" at the beginning and "grace with you" at the end of Paul’s letters, but adds a nuanced focus on the flow of grace and peace from God the Father through Christ as mediator. The sermon interprets "grace" as God’s action to treat us infinitely better than we deserve, raising us from spiritual death, and "peace" as both vertical (with God) and horizontal (between people) reconciliation, rooted in Christ’s work.

Embodying Faithfulness: Trusting in God's Promises (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation of the phrase "faithful in Christ Jesus." The sermon explores whether "faithful" means simply "believing" or "dependable/trustworthy," ultimately defining Christian faithfulness as the capacity to be relied upon to trust and depend on God in Christ, even unto death. The preacher traces the concept of faithfulness from God’s own character, through His word, to the believer’s response, emphasizing that our faithfulness is rooted in God’s unchanging faithfulness.

Embracing Grace and Unity in Ephesians (Connection Church Spearfish) interprets Ephesians 1:1-2 as a foundational greeting that should not be skipped, emphasizing that Paul’s self-identification as “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” is not a boast but an assertion of divinely granted authority. The sermon uniquely unpacks the requirements and responsibilities of apostleship, arguing that Paul’s authority is rooted in his direct encounter with the resurrected Christ and his appointment by Jesus, not by human agency. The sermon also clarifies that “saints” refers to all believers, not a special class, and that the greeting’s prayer for “grace and peace” is not just a formality but a deep, ongoing need for both new and mature believers. The analogy of the ancient letter format is used to highlight the intentionality and authority behind Paul’s words, contrasting it with modern letter-writing conventions.

Understanding the Names of Jesus in Ephesians (Desiring God) offers a linguistic and theological analysis of the titles “Christ,” “Jesus,” and “Lord” as used in Ephesians 1:1-2 and throughout the letter. The sermon provides a detailed exploration of the Greek and Hebrew origins of “Christ” (Christos/Mashiach), emphasizing its messianic and kingly overtones, and “Jesus” (Yeshua/Joshua), highlighting its meaning as “Savior.” It notes Paul’s preference for “Christ” as a personal name and the rarity of “Jesus” used alone, suggesting that “Christ” had become an endearing, almost personal designation for Paul. The sermon’s unique insight is the statistical and contextual breakdown of how these names are clustered and the possible reasons for Paul’s choices, such as the commonality of the name “Jesus” and the need for distinction and dignity.

Understanding God's Will: Decree vs. Command (Desiring God) interprets “by the will of God” in Ephesians 1:1 as referring specifically to God’s sovereign, decretive will rather than merely his will of command. The sermon distinguishes between God’s will of decree (what God sovereignly brings to pass) and his will of command (what God commands but may not always be fulfilled by humans), arguing that Paul’s apostleship is the result of God’s irresistible, sovereign action, not just a command that Paul could have chosen to obey or disobey. This distinction is presented as crucial for understanding both the authority of Paul’s message and the nature of God’s sovereignty.

The Divine Authority and Role of Apostleship (Desiring God) interprets Ephesians 1:1-2 by focusing on the unique office of apostle, emphasizing that apostles are “sent ones” with Christ’s authority, distinguished by having seen the risen Lord and being directly commissioned by him. The sermon traces the biblical and historical process of apostolic appointment, including Paul’s unique case, and argues that apostolic authority is foundational for the church. The analogy of a “foundation” is used to describe the apostles’ role, with their writings (including Ephesians) forming the authoritative basis for Christian faith and practice.

Ephesians 1:1-2 Theological Themes:

Living in Grace: Unity, Holiness, and Discipleship (emerge317.church) introduces the theme that sainthood is not an elite status but a calling for all believers to live set apart, rooted in both privilege and responsibility. The sermon also weaves together the themes of unity and love, arguing that true unity in the church is only possible when it is grounded in love, and that both are central to the Christian identity as described in Ephesians.

Understanding God's Will: Grace and Transformation in Ephesians (Desiring God) presents the theological theme of God’s sovereignty in calling and commissioning, using Paul’s apostleship as a case study for the distinction between God’s sovereign will and His moral commands. The sermon also highlights the paradox that God can command what He does not decree, using the crucifixion as a prime example, and applies this to the Christian’s understanding of suffering and obedience.

Transformative Grace and Peace in Christ (Desiring God) adds a fresh angle by emphasizing the cosmic and eternal scope of grace and peace in Ephesians, showing that all of redemption history is aimed at the praise of God’s glorious grace, and that peace is both a present reality and an eschatological hope, reconciling both Jew and Gentile and all believers to God and each other.

Embodying Faithfulness: Trusting in God's Promises (Desiring God) develops the theme that Christian faithfulness is not self-generated but is a response to God’s own faithfulness, which is rooted in His very nature. The sermon stresses that believers are called "faithful" because they can be depended upon to trust God, even in the face of suffering or death, and that this faithfulness is the distinguishing mark of the Christian community.

Embracing Grace and Unity in Ephesians (Connection Church Spearfish) introduces the theme that grace is not only God’s unmerited favor for salvation but also his ongoing provision enabling believers to live out the Christian life, especially in a context of religious pluralism and spiritual warfare. The sermon also presents the democratization of sainthood, arguing that all believers are saints by virtue of faith, not by exceptional works, which challenges both Catholic and popular misconceptions.

Understanding the Names of Jesus in Ephesians (Desiring God) presents the theme that the titles “Christ,” “Jesus,” and “Lord” are not interchangeable but carry distinct theological weight and personal resonance for Paul. The sermon’s fresh angle is the observation that “Christ” functions as both a title and a personal name, reflecting the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic expectations and the intimate relationship Paul has with the risen Lord.

Understanding God's Will: Decree vs. Command (Desiring God) introduces the theological distinction between God’s will of decree (sovereign, always accomplished) and will of command (what God desires from humans, which can be resisted), applying this to Paul’s apostleship as an act of God’s sovereign will. This distinction is presented as essential for understanding divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

The Divine Authority and Role of Apostleship (Desiring God) highlights the theme that apostolic authority is unique, foundational, and non-repeatable, with apostles serving as the authoritative representatives of Christ whose writings are to be received as Scripture. The sermon also emphasizes the unity and continuity between Paul and the original twelve apostles, reinforcing the legitimacy and universality of Paul’s message.

Ephesians 1:1-2 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Living in Grace: Unity, Holiness, and Discipleship (emerge317.church) provides extensive historical context about Paul’s background as a Pharisee, his transformation, and his missionary strategy. The sermon details the city of Ephesus as a major Greco-Roman hub, notorious for its embrace of magic, idolatry (notably the Temple of Artemis/Diana), and spiritual darkness, making it a challenging environment for the early church. The preacher notes that Paul’s letters were often circulated among multiple churches, and that his use of greetings like "grace and peace" adapted common letter-writing conventions to communicate Christian distinctiveness. The sermon also describes the social and economic dynamics of Ephesus, including the impact of the gospel on local trades (e.g., silversmiths losing business due to conversions).

Unity in Christ: Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship (Alistair Begg) offers a detailed look at the social and religious chasm between Jews and Gentiles in the first-century world, explaining that Jews considered Gentiles unclean and would not associate with them. The sermon highlights the radical nature of Paul’s message that Christ has broken down the wall of hostility, creating a new, multi-ethnic people and a new spiritual temple. The preacher also references the Roman imprisonment of Paul and the broader context of Christian suffering under Roman authority, drawing parallels to contemporary persecution.

Embracing Grace and Unity in Ephesians (Connection Church Spearfish) provides extensive historical context about Ephesus as a major, multi-ethnic, religiously pluralistic city in the Roman Empire, dominated by the cult of Artemis and magical practices. The sermon details the economic, social, and religious pressures faced by early Christians, including the temptation to revert to old pagan practices during hardship. It also explains the structure of early Christian communities as house churches and the significance of Paul’s message in such a diverse and spiritually contested environment.

The Divine Authority and Role of Apostleship (Desiring God) offers historical context regarding the process of apostolic appointment, referencing the replacement of Judas with Matthias and the criteria for apostleship (having been with Jesus and witnessed the resurrection). The sermon also discusses the early church’s recognition of Paul’s authority and the critical moment of unity between Paul and the Jerusalem apostles, which prevented a split in church authority and established the apostolic foundation for the universal church.

Ephesians 1:1-2 Cross-References in the Bible:

Living in Grace: Unity, Holiness, and Discipleship (emerge317.church) references Acts 5:27-42 (Peter’s defense before the Sanhedrin), Acts 19:18-19 (Ephesian converts burning magic books), and other passages about Paul’s background and ministry, using these to illustrate the transformation of Paul and the spiritual climate of Ephesus. The sermon also alludes to the frequent Pauline use of "in Christ" throughout Ephesians 1, and the connection between "peace" (eirene) and the Hebrew "shalom."

Unity in Christ: Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship (Alistair Begg) draws on Acts 21-22 to recount Paul’s arrest and the uproar over his ministry to Gentiles, using this to illustrate the radical inclusivity of the gospel. The sermon also references Galatians 3 ("neither Jew nor Greek...") and Revelation 21 (the New Jerusalem), connecting these to the theme of unity in Christ and the eschatological hope of the church.

Understanding God's Will: Grace and Transformation in Ephesians (Desiring God) cites Isaiah 46:9-10 to define God’s sovereign will, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to illustrate God’s will of command, Galatians 1:15 and Acts 9 (Paul’s conversion) to support the idea of God’s sovereign choice of Paul, and Acts 4:27 to show God’s sovereignty in the crucifixion. The sermon also references Ephesians 6:24 to discuss the structure of Paul’s greetings.

Transformative Grace and Peace in Christ (Desiring God) references Ephesians 2:4-7 (grace and resurrection), Ephesians 1:3-6 (spiritual blessings and predestination), Ephesians 2:14-18 (Christ as our peace, breaking down the wall between Jew and Gentile), and Romans 10:9 and 1 Corinthians 12:3 (confessing Jesus as Lord). The sermon uses these passages to show the depth and breadth of grace and peace in the believer’s life.

Embodying Faithfulness: Trusting in God's Promises (Desiring God) references 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (God’s faithfulness), 2 Timothy 2:12-13 (God cannot deny Himself), Titus 1:2 (God never lies), Hebrews 10:23 (God’s promises), 1 Timothy 1:15 (faithful sayings), Hebrews 11:11 (Sarah’s faith in God’s faithfulness), and Revelation 2:10, 13 (faithfulness unto death). These references are used to trace the theme of faithfulness from God’s character to the believer’s response.

Embracing Grace and Unity in Ephesians (Connection Church Spearfish) references Acts 1:21-26 to explain the qualifications for apostleship, Acts 9 and 26 for Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ, 1 Timothy 1:12, 1 Timothy 2:7, and 2 Timothy 1:8-11 for Paul’s self-understanding of his apostolic appointment, Ephesians 2:19-20 for the foundational role of apostles, Acts 2:42 for the early church’s devotion to apostolic teaching, 2 Peter 3:15-16 for Peter’s recognition of Paul’s writings as Scripture, Acts 19 for the context of spiritual warfare and conversion in Ephesus, and Philippians 1:1 for the use of “saints.” Each reference is used to support the authority, qualifications, and responsibilities of apostles, the identity of believers as saints, and the cultural-religious context of Ephesus.

Understanding the Names of Jesus in Ephesians (Desiring God) references John 1:41 and John 4:25 to explain the meaning of “Christ” as “Messiah,” Matthew 1:21 for the meaning of “Jesus” as “Savior,” Ephesians 3:11, 4:21, 1:5, and other passages in Ephesians to illustrate the various combinations of “Christ,” “Jesus,” and “Lord,” and Galatians 2:20 to show the personal resonance of “Christ” for Paul. These references are used to demonstrate the linguistic and theological nuances of Paul’s naming conventions.

Understanding God's Will: Decree vs. Command (Desiring God) references Ephesians 1:5, 1:11, Romans 9:19, Acts 18:21, James 4:13-15, Isaiah 46:9-10, John 7:17, John 9:31, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:18, Ephesians 6:5-6, and Galatians 1:15-16 to distinguish between God’s will of decree and will of command, and to show that Paul’s apostleship is the result of God’s sovereign, decretive will. Each passage is used to illustrate either the irresistible nature of God’s decree or the resistible nature of his commands.

The Divine Authority and Role of Apostleship (Desiring God) references Mark 3:13-15 for the original appointment of the twelve apostles, Acts 1:21-26 for the replacement of Judas, Galatians 1 and 2 for Paul’s apostolic calling and acceptance by the Jerusalem apostles, 1 Corinthians 15 for Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ, 1 Corinthians 9 for the qualifications of apostleship, 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7 and 1 Corinthians 14:37 for apostolic authority, 2 Peter 3:15-16 for Peter’s recognition of Paul’s writings as Scripture, and Ephesians 2:19-20 and Revelation 22 for the foundational role of apostles in the church. These references collectively establish the legitimacy, authority, and foundational role of apostleship.

Ephesians 1:1-2 Christian References outside the Bible:

Unity in Christ: Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship (Alistair Begg) explicitly references Andrew Murray, quoting his reflection on suffering and providence: "I am here by God's appointment, in his keeping, under his training, for his time." This quote is used to encourage believers to view their circumstances, even suffering, as under God’s sovereign care and purpose.

Embracing Grace and Unity in Ephesians (Connection Church Spearfish) explicitly references unnamed pastors and “one man” (likely a scholar or commentator) to support the idea that Ephesians summarizes the Christian faith and that sainthood is a benefit of grace for all believers, not an earned status. These references are used to reinforce the sermon's interpretation and application, though no direct quotes or detailed attributions are provided.

Ephesians 1:1-2 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Living in Grace: Unity, Holiness, and Discipleship (emerge317.church) uses several detailed secular analogies to illustrate the application of Ephesians 1:1-2. The preacher describes his own experience as a makeup salesman, explaining how he seeks to embody grace and peace in a secular workplace, including building relationships with colleagues who may not share his beliefs or lifestyle. He recounts a specific story of a coworker who identifies as female asking for his help in a vulnerable situation, using this as an example of showing Christ’s love in action. The preacher also references various professions—nurses, engineers, truck drivers, teachers—emphasizing that every believer’s vocation is a mission field where grace and peace can be lived out, even in environments that seem far from "ministry." The analogy of singing in the sanitary sewers is used humorously to reinforce the idea that God can be glorified in any context.

Embracing Grace and Unity in Ephesians (Connection Church Spearfish) uses the analogy of modern economic migration to large cities (referencing a city in South Asia with 34 million people growing by 750,000 per year) to help the audience relate to the multi-ethnic, economically vibrant, and religiously pluralistic context of ancient Ephesus. The sermon also draws a parallel between the economic impact of conversions in Ephesus (loss of business for idol-makers) and modern economic disruptions caused by religious or cultural shifts, making the ancient context more tangible for contemporary listeners.