Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul doesn't just call believers "saints," but also "faithful," and this latter term refers not to their character or perseverance, but simply to their belief in Christ. This highlights that the foundational identity for believers is their faith, which then leads to their calling as saints.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins his letter by introducing himself as an apostle, divinely appointed by God, and addresses those he is writing to as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus." There's scholarly debate about whether the mention of Ephesus is original, with some suggesting it was a circular letter to various churches in Asia Minor. The term "faithful" here primarily refers to those who believe in Christ, rather than those who exhibit perseverance.
Have you ever felt like your job or your calling wasn't really yours, but something God entrusted to you? Paul starts this letter with a powerful declaration about his authority.
Paul doesn't introduce himself as a volunteer or someone who stumbled into his role. He states he is an "apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God." This isn't just a title; it's a foundational statement for the entire letter.
Divine Appointment
Paul addresses the readers as "saints" and "faithful." These aren't just labels; they describe the core identity of believers in Christ.
The recipients are called "saints" and "faithful." While these terms might seem distinct, in this context, they describe the same group from different angles, painting a fuller picture of Christian identity.
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Who Are These Believers?
The specific mention of 'Ephesus' has led to a lot of discussion. Was this letter just for one city, or something much bigger?
The exact destination of this letter has been a point of scholarly debate for centuries. While "in Ephesus" is in many ancient manuscripts, some of the earliest and most significant ones omit it, suggesting a broader audience.
Beyond a Single City
This broader understanding helps explain why the letter feels so universal in its themes, moving from cosmic scope to the deep inner life of the church, without many specific personal greetings or references tied only to Ephesus.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
One who is sent with authority as a messenger or representative, specifically chosen by Christ to establish the church and testify to the resurrection.
Christos · Greek Noun
A title for the Messiah, meaning 'Anointed One,' indicating that Jesus is the long-awaited King and Savior promised in the Old Testament.
hagios · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those set apart as holy to God; believers who have been consecrated and made righteous through faith in Jesus.
While the exact recipients are debated by scholars, the letter's tone and content suggest Paul's deep connection to Ephesus, where he had a foundational ministry. The letter's writing during his Roman imprisonment frames its theological depth and focus on the universal Church.
c. AD 52-55— this verse
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent approximately three years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, establishing a strong Christian community and significantly impacting the region.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote several epistles, including Ephesians, to guide and encourage churches he had ministered to or had a deep concern for.
c. AD 62
Dispatches Tychicus
Paul sent Tychicus to deliver Ephesians and likely other letters (like Colossians) to the churches in Asia Minor, possibly including Ephesus.
Like Ephesians, this verse establishes Paul's apostolic authority as being 'by the will of God,' underscoring that his commission comes directly from Him.
1 Corinthians 1:2This passage parallels the address in Ephesians, calling the recipients 'those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, who are called to be saints,' highlighting the dual identity of believers as both set apart and called to faithfulness.
Colossians 1:2Similar to Ephesians, this greeting addresses 'the saints and faithful brethren in Christ,' emphasizing that both holiness and steadfast belief are core characteristics of those in Christ.
Acts 20:17-35This passage describes Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, revealing his deep pastoral care and long ministry there, which adds a layer of understanding to his later letter to them, even if the exact recipients are debated.
Philippians 1:1This greeting also addresses 'all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,' showing that the concept of saints being 'in Christ' was a common and foundational understanding for Paul's letters to various churches.
vincentEphesians 1:1: "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:"
By the will of GodAs frequently in the introductions of the epistles, to emphasize his divine appointment. In Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1, called is added.To the saintsSee on Romans 1:7; see on Colossians 1:2; see on Philippians 1:1.At EphesusThere is much discussion as to the genuineness of these words. They are bracketed by both Westcott and Hort, an…
gillEphesians 1:1: "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:"
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,.... See Gill on Romans 1:1 . See Gill on 1 Corinthians 1:1 . See Gill on 2 Corinthians 1:1 . See Gill on Galatians 1:1 . To the saints which are at Ephesus; of this place, see the note above upon the title of the epistle, and See Gill on Acts 18:19. The persons residing there, to whom the epistle is wr…
Paul doesn't just call believers "saints," but also "faithful," and this latter term refers not to their character or perseverance, but simply to their belief in Christ. This highlights that the foundational identity for believers is their faith, which then leads to their calling as saints.
Paul begins his letter by introducing himself as an apostle, divinely appointed by God, and addresses those he is writing to as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus." There's scholarly debate about whether the mention of Ephesus is original, with some suggesting it was a circular letter to various churches in Asia Minor. The term "faithful" here primarily refers to those who believe in Christ, rather than those who exhibit perseverance.
Paul begins his letter by introducing himself as an apostle, divinely appointed by God, and addresses those he is writing to as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus." There's scholarly debate about whether the mention of Ephesus is original, with some suggesting it was a circular letter to various churches in Asia Minor. The term "faithful" here primarily refers to those who believe in Christ, rather than those who exhibit perseverance.
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:" — Paul doesn't just call believers "saints," but also "faithful," and this latter term refers not to their character or perseverance, but simply to their belief in Christ. This highlights that the foun…
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Last reviewed October 2026