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The study of ancient manuscripts suggests that Ephesians was a circular letter one written and delivered to many churches. Some early manuscripts omit “in Ephesus” in verse 1, leaving the address as “the saints who are also faithful.” There are few details specific to any one church and no hint of a personal relationship with individuals in a community.

Vocabulary and style variations suggest a disciple may have written it of Paul, based on fragments of Paul’s letters. If so, that unknown author is a worthy reflection of his teacher Paul’s lasting influence and spiritual leadership. The letter to the Ephesians remains a significant foundation for Christian theology and encouragement through the ages.

“I have heard…” A favorable report about the Christians’ faith in Asia Minor provides the basis for the author’s joy, thanks, and prayerful support. Verses 17-19, however, tell us the disciples are still new in the faith. Their thinking is too immature, too limited. They need more wisdom and the revelation of God’s Spirit to journey from intellectual, well-reasoned beliefs to a “heart enlightened.” Only then will they grasp the three things most vital to the faithful: 1) “the hope to which he has called you;” 2) “the riches of his glorious inheritance,” and 3) “the greatness of his power.”

The “hope to which he has called you” is the hope of eternal life, not immortality as the Greeks understood it. Greeks believed the spirit was separate from the body, uncreated, existing before anything and was trapped in the body until released by death. In contrast, Christians believed the body and spirit were inseparable, created, and given by God in a generous act of relationship. Resurrection includes both body and spirit, an act of God’s grace and mercy. Paul taught that all Christ’s followers (“the saints,” both Jew and Gentile) took part in the gift of resurrection modeled by Jesus. They could look forward to eternal life with God. By responding to Christ’s transforming call, Christians inherit that gift of hope. The glorious legacy of life eternal becomes integral to their heart, their mind, and their service.

The remaining verses focus on the nature of the power of God and Christ. God’s power raised Christ from the dead and gave him a form of life never seen before, new life, resurrection life. God’s power gave Christ authority, “seated at [God’s] right hand.” The phrase echoes Psalm 110:1, referring to the coming Messiah. Christ’s power exceeds that of all rulers. His name (meaning identify, character, and being) precedes all other created beings throughout the ages. His power extends to authority over the heavens and the things “under his feet.” Psalm 8:6 describes human dominion over all creation as God placing “all things under their feet.” Here, it also includes authority over the souls of the dead as well as the living.

This passage closes by expanding the image of the church as the body of Christ. In verses 22-23, Christ is the head, with the church being the rest of the body and the fullness of Christ. It echoes Paul’s teaching the mind of Christ must be in his followers. We cannot use our minds, authority, and power to rule the church or others.

1. We limit our understanding about Christ, and only by opening our hearts to the revelation of God’s Spirit can we grasp his true nature.

2. Hope lives in hearts open to the mystery of new life through the transforming nature of the Gospel.

3. We have inherited the God-given gift of life eternal. It is a quality of daily life in this existence and a mystery in the life hereafter.

4. God’s power brings about resurrection, transformation, and new life.

5. Christ’s power transcends time and space and provides the foundation for the church’s power as Christ’s body.

1. How has your understanding of Christ changed with your deepening journey as a disciple?

2. How have you been transformed and found new life in the last three months?

3. How do you express “life eternal” in your everyday existence? How is that different from “normal” living, as most people understand the word?

4. How is your congregation or faith group expressing the power of Christ in its outreach, ministry, and compassionate service? How can it improve?