Talking Points 1-A

Ephesians 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians begins by declaring that Paul is "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God." It is very important to understand that Paul’s anointing as an Apostle did not come as the result of any human choice, or ego. It was strictly by the will of God as verse 1 tells us. Each of us has a place in the Kingdom of God, the New Heaven and the New Jerusalem and that place or position has been determined by God.

Please notice that this letter is addressed to the “saints” at Ephesus. Some people clamor for great titles. However, within the Church the greatest title is “saint!” Pastors and Deacons in the Church during this age are “hired help’ they are not kings and rulers.

To us the reference by Paul that he is an Apostle would seem strange even unnecessary. The fact that such an obviously called and anointed leader would need to declare that he is an Apostle seems odd.

At the time of the writing of this letter, Paul was not universally accepted. Unfortunately that is still the case in some Churches. The vast majority of Jewish Christians during that period viewed Paul’s message of salvation by grace through faith was subject to suspicion. Even during our day many Church attendees do not understand the simplicity or power of God's grace.

Verse 2 should be changed slightly to give a better understanding. That verse says in the KJV, “Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” That verse should say, “Grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is yours.” The grace and peace of the Father and the Son now belong to all who have been elected to follow Christ Jesus.

Our salvation and service are by grace through faith. No works come attached to God’s grace. Christ Jesus has already done all the "work" required for our salvation. But, some still struggle in an effort to self-justify.

Stop struggling and rest in Christ Jesus!