Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
INSCRIPTION: ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH IN THE FATHER'S ETERNAL COUNSEL, AND THE SON'S BLOODSHEDDING: THE SEALING OF IT BY THE SPIRIT. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER THAT THEY MAY FULLY KNOW GOD'S GRACIOUS POWER IN CHRIST TOWARDS THE SAINTS. (Eph. 1:1-23)
by—rather, "through the will of God": called to the apostleship through that same "will" which originated the Church (Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 1:11; compare Galatians 1:4).
which are at Ephesus—(See Introduction.)
to the saints . . . and to the faithful—The same persons are referred to by both designations, as the Greek proves: "to those who are saints, and faithful in Christ Jesus." The sanctification by God is here put before man's faith. The twofold aspect of salvation is thus presented, God's grace in the first instance sanctifying us, (that is, setting us apart in His eternal purposes as holy unto Himself); and our faith, by God's gift, laying hold of salvation (II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Ephesians 1:1:
Ephesians 1:5
Ephesians 1:15
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