Deep Dive into Ephesians: #1
July 10, 2021      |     By: Sam McVay, Jr.      |      Category: Sermons      |      Location: Wichita
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Ephesians 1:1-2 (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians is called the crown jewel of Paul’s letters alone with Colossians because of their high Christology and Ecclesiology.

Paul write 13 letters: 9 to churches, 4 to individuals.

Ephesians is unique:
1. no local people or occasions mentioned
2. not about a theological or pastoral crisis
3. was probably a circular letter in that 5-6 early manuscripts do not mention Ephesus
4. was most likely the letter to Laodicea referenced in Colossians 4:16
Colossians 4:16 (ESV)
16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
5. it is a "superlative letter" exploding with the highest of revelation in Christ
6. two primary parts: chapters 1-3 speak of heavenly revelations; chapters 4-6 focus on earthly manifestations
7. some have called this a "prayer book" of Paul

The first two verses reveal three primary realities that set the stage for what is about to unfold in the whole letter.

1. The Identity of Paul
Ephesians 1:1a (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, …

2. The Identity of the Church
Ephesians 1:1b (ESV)
1 . . . To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

3. The root and fruit of these Identities
Ephesians 1:2 (ESV)
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.