This Epistle is regarded as one of Paul's jewels of all his writings. Paul elaborates that it is not we who chose God first, but God chose us even before He created the world (Ephesians 1:4). As chosen people of God we have been blessed with every spiritual blessings that are in heaven (Ephesians 1:3). Paul says this is the mystery of God’s plan to bring the whole world (Jews & Gentiles) under the rule and authority of Jesus (Ephesians 1:9-10). Do we think of ourselves as a chosen people? Do we see ourselves as Ambassadors for Christ to bring people all over the world into his Kingdom?
Paul writes this letter in prison towards the end of his ministry before he is probably martyred. He says he is a prisoner of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:1). He calls himself an ambassador in chains as he writes this letter (Ephesians 6:1). Being in Prison he has time to slowly write and contemplate deeply on his work. As he writes he gives tremendous insight into how Jesus Christ, the Savior is reconciling the world with God. Paul’s letter full of hope and promise to the Ephesians to remain united as the Body of Christ.
Paul goes on to say that since we believe in the Good News, Christ has left us with the Holy Spirit as a seal of His claim over our lives (Ephesians 1:13-14). It is our faith in Christ that reconciles us with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all being built together into a Holy Temple where the Spirit of Christ dwells (Ephesians 2:19-22). It is the Spirit of Christ who will guide and lead us in our daily lives until we are finally united fully with Christ.
In the letter to Ephesians Paul speaks, of a tension that exists in this world and within us as well. We are being torn apart by our desires and thoughts that drive us to follow the ways of the world. We want to do good but end up doing evil. It is Christ who comes into this life of ours and brings us to a state of unity. It is in Christ we find peace and solace when the rest of our world is falling apart (Ephesians 1:2).
Paul warns us that we will face opposition from different sides, we defend ourselves by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 4:14-1. but be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1).He says our battles is not always against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that are unseen. So to stand firm in our convictions we need to be strengthened by the Lord and his vast sources of strength (Ephesians 6:10).
As Christ’s followers are the Body of Christ ie the Church through whom the world is reconciled to Christ. This reminds me of the prayer of St. Francis of Assissi. Paul encourages the Ephesians to stay united through love, faithfulness and spiritual warfare as Ambassadors for Christ speak boldly the message of reconciliation and love. In the words of Isaiah the prophet, one day All the Nations will come to your light (Isaiah 60:3).
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