ACC ~ Ephesians 1 v1 - 2

OVERVIEW:

Paul is called by Christ as an apostle (CASSIODORUS) and elected through the Spirit. To recall the Ephesians to their allegiance Paul calls them saints and faithful (MARIUS VICTORINUS), thus showing that faith sanctifies (AMBROSIASTER). Only faith in Christ can save (JEROME). Paul hopes to quell strife with a blessing (MARIUS VICTORINUs). Grace and peace come from the Father and the Son (AMBROSIASTER).

1a | Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus

CALLED BY GOD. CASSIODORUS: Paul frequently declares that he was directly called as an apostle by the will of the Lord, so as to circumvent those who desired this honor with human presumptions. He writes to the saints and the faithful at Ephesus, adding his blessing as with the love of a father. SUMMARY OF EPHESIANS 1.1.1.

THE WILL OF GOD IS THE WORD OF GOD IN CHRIST THROUGH THE SPIRIT. MARIUS VICTORINUS: When Jesus Christ elected Paul and made him an apostle, he elected him through the Spirit by the will of God or the power through whom God works his will. Let us therefore understand, as I often say, that the will of God is the very power, greatness and substance of the whole divine plenitude. Christ—that is, God’s Word which was in Christ—is the will of God. Those who consider this more closely will find that God and his will are inseparable. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 1.1.1.

1b | To the Saints

LOYAL TO THE NAME. MARIUS VICTORINUS: In other letters when he writes to a church and its people he does not add “to the saints and the faithful.” But now, because he desires to keep them loyal to the holy Name, so that being sanctified they will not add anything superficially in excess of the Name, he calls them simply by this name: they are the faithful “in Christ.” EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 1.1.1.

TO THE SAINTS. AMBROSIASTER: He writes not only to the faithful but to the saints to show that they are truly faithful insofar as they have been sanctified in Christ. For a good life is worthwhile and is called saintly if it is lived in the name of Jesus. Otherwise it is polluted, because it injures the Creator. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 1.1.

THE FAITHFUL IN CHRIST JESUS. JEROME: Those whom he has called saintly he also calls faithful, because faith derives from the choice of our own minds, but sanctification we receive meanwhile from the abundance of the Sanctifier, not from our own will. As for his saying “faithful in Jesus Christ,” this is aimed at drawing a distinction that should be carefully noted. For there are those who have genuine faith but not faith in Jesus Christ. Someone who returns a deposit and does not deny another’s trust shows himself a faithful friend. … This person is indeed faithful but not “in Christ.” EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 1.1.1.

1:2 | Grace and Peace from God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

GRACE AND PEACE. MARIUS VICTORINUS: Both grace and peace remove contention. They convey the will of God. Since therefore they were in the grip of error, grace was first sought on their behalf, in order that they should know God and fully obey God and Christ, putting all trust in Christ and nothing else. … Then he also adds “peace from God.” The one who wills ungraciously creates severe discord. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 1.1.2.

FATHER AND LORD. AMBROSIASTER: He calls God our Father because all things are created and restored in him. He calls Christ Lord because he redeems us, offering himself on our behalf. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 1.2.

WHETHER GRACE IS FROM THE FATHER AND PEACE FROM THE SON. JEROME: It could be argued that both should be referred to both, that is, both grace and peace apply no less to God the Father than to our Lord Jesus Christ. Or it could be argued that each should be referred to each, so that grace is referred to God the Father and peace to Christ. It is more likely the latter, since the words immediately following are to the praise of the glory of God’s grace. Thus the “grace” of the Father lies in his willingness to send the Son for our salvation, while the “peace” of the Son lies in the fact that we are reconciled to the Father through him. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 1.1.2.