Ephesians 1
Every spiritual blessing
Two things you can tap
- A verse number shows the Bible’s exact words.
- An underlined word shows what it means.
Read
What does it say?
This is a plain-language guide, not a translation. Check it against the Bible text any time.
Tap a verse number, like , to read the Bible’s exact words.
The whole chapter, in shortThe main points of the whole chapter, in a few sentences.
Paul praises God, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. God chose us in love to be his children, forgave our sins through Jesus's blood, and plans to bring all things together in Christ. Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a promise of what is coming, and Paul prays that the eyes of their hearts will be opened to know God's hope and the power that raised Jesus from the dead.
Where it is in the Bible: Ephesians 1
All the sections at a glanceA map of the chapter, with the verses for each section.
Map of the Letter
| Section | Verses | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Grace and Peace | 1:1-2 | Paul greets the church |
| 2. Every Spiritual Blessing | 1:3-6 | God chose us in love |
| 3. Forgiveness and a Plan | 1:7-10 | God forgives us and will bring all things together in Christ |
| 4. Sealed With the Spirit | 1:11-14 | The Holy Spirit is God's promise |
| 5. The Eyes of Your Heart | 1:15-23 | Paul prays they will know God's hope and power |
Before You Read
Who wrote it. Paul, writing to Christians in Ephesus, a large city in what is now Turkey. Paul had lived there for more than two years (Acts 19:10). He wrote this letter from prison.
What this letter is. Ephesians is about who God's people are in Christ, and how to live together. It doesn't argue against a problem. It praises.
What this chapter is. One huge song of praise, then a prayer. In Greek, verses 3 to 14 are one long sentence, as if Paul couldn't stop.
How to read it. Count how many times Paul says "in Him" or "in Christ."
Section by Section
Section 1 of 5Grace and Peace
Paul writes to "the saints in Ephesus" (1:1). Saints means God's holy people, all believers.
"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:2).
Section 2 of 5Every Spiritual Blessing
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms" (1:3).
God chose his people "before the foundation of the world" (1:4). Before anything existed, God had his people in mind.
"In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ" (1:4-5).
It's all "to the praise of His glorious grace" (1:6).
Section 3 of 5Forgiveness and a Plan
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (1:7).
Redemption means being bought back and set free.
God lavished his grace on us. To lavish means to pour out generously.
God's big plan: "to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ" (1:10).
Section 4 of 5Sealed With the Spirit
When they heard the gospel and believed, "you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (1:13).
A seal marked something as belonging to its owner.
The Spirit is "the pledge of our inheritance" (1:14). A pledge is a first payment that guarantees the rest is coming.
Section 5 of 5The Eyes of Your Heart
Paul thanks God for them and keeps praying for them.
"I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling" (1:18).
He wants them to know God's great power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at God's right hand.
Jesus is above every power and every name, now and forever.
God made him "head over everything for the church, which is His body" (1:22-23).
Meaning
What does it mean?
Read It
What Does This Mean?
| The text says | It means |
|---|---|
| "Every spiritual blessing" (1:3) | In Christ, God has given us everything we need. |
| "Before the foundation of the world" (1:4) | God's love for his people started before time. |
| "Adoption as His sons" (1:5) | God makes us his own children. |
| "The forgiveness of our trespasses" (1:7) | Our sins are forgiven through Jesus. |
| "Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (1:13) | The Spirit marks us as God's own. |
| "The eyes of your heart" (1:18) | Understanding that comes from God. |
| "Head over everything for the church" (1:22) | Jesus rules all things for the good of his people. |
Back Then
Ephesus was famous for the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Seals were pressed in wax with a signet ring, to show ownership and protect a letter or package.
Some early copies don't say "in Ephesus." It may have been a letter meant for several churches in the area.
Literal Reader Alert
Does "chosen before the foundation of the world" mean some people are left out? Paul writes to comfort believers: God's love for them didn't start with their choice. It started with his. God wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).
Are "saints" special people? In the Bible, every believer is a saint, a person made holy by God.
Is Jesus the head of a body? This is a comparison. The church is like a body, and Jesus is its head, leading and caring for it.
How People Feel
| Who | Feeling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paul | Overflowing with praise | God has blessed us with every blessing (1:3) |
| Paul | Thankful | He heard about their faith and love (1:15-16) |
| Believers | Secure | They are sealed with the Spirit (1:13) |
For you
What does it mean for me?
Your Turn
Which blessing do you need to hear today? Tap one.
Chosen
God chose you in love, before the world began.
Forgiven
In Christ you have forgiveness, by the riches of his grace.
Belonging
You are sealed with the Spirit. You belong to God.
Hope
Paul prays the eyes of your heart will see God's hope.
You Might Have Heard
"God puts up with us, but he isn't really happy about us."
What's true: God is holy, and our sin is real.
What the passage is mainly about: God chose us in love, adopted us, forgave us, and sealed us with his Spirit, all "to the praise of His glorious grace." God lavishes grace on his people.
Where Jesus is: Raised from the dead, seated at God's right hand, head over everything for his church.
Good News
Paul couldn't stop praising God.
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (1:7).
God chose you, adopted you, forgave you, and sealed you with his Spirit. You belong to him.
God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing: chosen in love, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Big Idea
God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. He chose us in love, forgave us through Jesus's blood, and sealed us with his Spirit.
If this chapter brings up big feelings, talk with someone you trust, like a parent, pastor, or counselor.
For leaders and parentsLuther, church readings, and notes for teaching.
From Luther
Luther warned people not to try to figure out God's choosing by looking into hidden things. He said to look at Christ, and at the promise given in baptism. There you see that God has chosen you.
In Church
Many churches follow the Revised Common Lectionary. It reads Ephesians 1:3-14 on the Second Sunday of Christmas in all three years, and in July of Year B (Lectionary 15). In Year A, it reads Ephesians 1:15-23 on Christ the King Sunday. It is also read on Ascension Day.
We quote Luther for what he got right about grace. He also wrote terrible things about Jewish people. Read our note on that.
Memorize
How do I keep it?
One line from this story to learn by heart. Practice a little now. It will come back later so it sticks.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses
How did that feel?
Using this at church
Read in church on
- Second Sunday of Christmas Year A · Year B · Year CSecond reading, Ephesians 1:3-14
- Lectionary 15 Year BSecond reading, Ephesians 1:3-14
- Christ the King Year ASecond reading, Ephesians 1:15-23
For a newsletter or sermon notes
Ephesians 1, explained in plain words. Paul piles up praise for all God has given: chosen, forgiven, adopted, and sealed with the Spirit. About 8 minutes. https://freescripture.org/stories/ephesians-1/
Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church