DOCTRINAL INTERPRETATION
Book of Ephesians
CHAPTER 1
Verses 1
Place: Apostle Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison in Rome. He was arrested by the
Roman soldiers for preaching the Gospel and for believing that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” The Apostle Paul opens his epistle by
proclaiming that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ, not by the Roman soldiers or anyone else, but
only through Jesus Christ.
“to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Jesus Christ:” In this introduction,
Paul clearly indicates that the purpose of this epistle is to be sent specifically to the believers in
Ephesus. By addressing them directly, Paul establishes the letter’s intended audience those who
have placed their faith in Christ and are part of the church in Ephesus.
Verse 2
“Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Despite
being in prison, Paul, while writing this epistle to the believers in Ephesus, remains joyful and
maintains a positive outlook. Even in his difficult circumstances, Paul’s letter is filled with
encouragement and hope. He concludes his salutation with a blessing, demonstrating that,
regardless of his own trials, he desires peace and grace for the people of Ephesus.
Verse 3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all
spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” Paul praises God for blessing believers with
every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. This passage highlights that the blessings
Christians receive are not temporary or earthly, but rather eternal and rooted in our relationship
with Christ. One of the greatest eternal blessings that believers receive is the gift of salvation.
The salvation we receive from Christ is not temporary, but eternal.
Verse 4-5
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of
children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” Paul highlights
both the doctrines of election and adoption, assuring the believers in Ephesus that their salvation
isn’t just some random event but it’s part of God’s eternal plan for them. They were chosen to be
blameless and holy before God, not because of anything they did, but solely because of God's
sovereign will. And as a result of this election, they are now adopted as God's children through
Jesus Christ."
Verse 6
“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
The people in Ephesus recognize that it’s God’s grace that makes them accepted, not anything
they've done, but solely because of the work of Jesus Christ.
Verse 7-8
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;”
Apostle Paul emphasizes that through the blood of Christ, we have redemption and the
forgiveness of sins, all according to the riches of His grace. Through Christ's sacrificial death, we
are not only redeemed from the power of sin but also reconciled to God. This powerful act of
grace restores our relationship with God and offers us a new life in Him.
Verse 9
“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he
hath purposed in himself:” Apostle Paul understands that God has revealed the mystery of His
will through Christ. The gospel, once hidden, has now been made known to all. He
acknowledges that this revelation is part of God’s eternal plan, and it was His good pleasure to
make it known to us.
Verse 10
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in
Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Apostle Paul teaches
that God’s ultimate plan is to bring everything together under the authority of Christ. He wants
the believers in Ephesus to understand that Jesus Christ is the central figure in God’s redemptive
plan. In the fullness of time, all things both in heaven and on earth will be united in Christ."
Verse 11
“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose
of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” In this verse, apostle Paul is
telling the believers in Ephesus that they’ve received an inheritance. This inheritance is not about
money or land, but about becoming children of God through Jesus Christ and it was part of
God’s plan all along. God had already decided beforehand that people who trust in Jesus would
be part of His family, and that’s what Paul is reminding them of here.
Verse 12
“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” This highlights that
the purpose of the salvation the believers in Ephesus received is to bring glory to God. Those
who first trusted in Christ are meant to live their lives in a way that shows praise and honor to
God’s glory.
Verse 13
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in
whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Apostle Paul
talks about the promise of the Holy Spirit, meaning that the believers in Ephesus are marked and
secured by the Holy Spirit, who guarantees their future with God. This is about the believers'
security and assurance through Jesus Christ.
Verse 14
“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession,
unto the praise of his glory.” Apostle Paul tells the people of Ephesus that the Holy Spirit is a
guarantee of the blessings they will receive in the future. The Holy Spirit living in them assures
their salvation, and the ultimate goal is to honor and glorify God.
Verse 15-16
“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” Apostle Paul
commend the believers for their love in Him and to the saints. He also mentions those people in
his prayer.
Verse 17
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of
wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” Paul prayed for the Ephesians to have
wisdom and understanding so they could know God better in their everyday lives.
Verse 18
“
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” Paul wrote to the
believers in Ephesus, praying that God would give them wisdom and understanding so they
could know Him better. He wanted them to see the hope they had in Christ and the amazing
future God had promised.
Verse 19-20
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the
working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,
and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,” Paul told the believers in Ephesus
that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in those who believe. He prayed
they would understand just how great that power is.
Verse 21-23
“Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under
his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the
fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Paul told the Ephesians that Christ is greater than all rulers
and powers and has authority over everything. He is the head of the Church, which is His body,
and He is working through it to carry out God’s plan.
