以 弗 所 书 1 章
Introduction
The Book of Ephesians, also known as 以 弗 所 书 in Chinese, is one of the letters written by the apostle Paul. It is considered one of the most important and influential books in the New Testament. Ephesians 1 is the opening chapter of this book, and it sets the stage for the themes and messages that will be explored throughout the rest of the letter. In this article, we will dive into the key points and teachings found in Ephesians 1.
Verse 1: Greeting
The chapter begins with a standard greeting, in which Paul identifies himself as the author of the letter and addresses the recipients of the letter as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus." This sets the tone for the letter, emphasizing the spiritual nature of the message and the importance of faith in Jesus.
Verse 2: Grace and Peace
In verse 2, Paul extends a blessing of grace and peace to the recipients of the letter. This reflects the central theme of Ephesians, which is the reconciling work of Christ and the resulting peace and unity that believers can experience in Him.
Verse 3: Spiritual Blessings
Paul follows the greeting with a powerful declaration of praise to God for the spiritual blessings that believers have received in Christ. These blessings include being chosen, predestined, adopted as sons and daughters, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the richness and depth of the spiritual inheritance that believers have in Christ.
Verse 4-6: Chosen and Predestined
These verses expand on the concept of being chosen and predestined by God. Paul explains that believers were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in God's sight. This emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation and underscores the eternal purpose and plan that God has for His people.
Verse 7-8: Redemption and Forgiveness
In verses 7 and 8, Paul focuses on the themes of redemption and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. He emphasizes that it is in Christ that believers have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, and the lavish grace of God. This highlights the central role of Jesus' sacrificial death in reconciling humanity to God.
Verse 9-10: God's Mystery and Plan
Paul then reveals a profound truth in verses 9 and 10: God has made known to us the mystery of His will, which is to unite all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. This speaks to the cosmic scope of God's plan of redemption and His desire to bring unity and reconciliation to all of creation.
Verse 11-12: Inheritance and Purpose
These verses highlight the believers' inheritance and purpose in Christ. Paul explains that believers have been predestined according to God's purpose, in order that they might be for the praise of His glory. This underscores the significance of believers' lives and the role they play in reflecting God's glory to the world.
Verse 13-14: Sealed with the Holy Spirit
In verses 13 and 14, Paul introduces the concept of believers being sealed with the Holy Spirit. This seal serves as a guarantee of their future inheritance and as a mark of ownership by God. It signifies the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, empowering and guiding them in their journey of faith.
Verse 15-16: Thanksgiving and Prayer
Paul concludes the chapter with a prayer of thanksgiving for the faith and love of the Ephesian believers. He expresses his gratitude for their testimony and their partnership in the gospel. This serves as a reminder for believers to continually give thanks for one another and to lift each other up in prayer.
Verse 17-19: Knowledge and Enlightenment
In these verses, Paul prays for the Ephesian believers to be filled with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they may have a deep knowledge and understanding of God. He desires for them to have their eyes opened to the hope of their calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of God's power.
Verse 20-23: Christ's Authority and Headship
Paul concludes the chapter by exalting the authority and headship of Christ. He proclaims that God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority. This emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and His role as the head of the Church, which is His body.
Conclusion
Ephesians 1 is a rich chapter that lays the foundation for the themes and teachings found throughout the rest of the book. It highlights the spiritual blessings, redemption, and unity that believers have in Christ. It also emphasizes the sovereignty and power of God in His plan of salvation. As we reflect on Ephesians 1, may we be reminded of the incredible richness of our inheritance in Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.