Spiritual Blessings in Christ: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Ephesians 1

Executive Summary

Ephesians 1, a cornerstone of Pauline theology, unveils the profound spiritual blessings in Christ that God has lavished upon believers. This chapter is a tapestry woven with threads of predestination, adoption, redemption through Christ’s blood, the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and the ultimate inheritance we have in Him. St. Paul’s prayer for spiritual wisdom and revelation underscores the importance of understanding and experiencing these divine gifts. Through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition, we explore the depth of these blessings, connecting them to the Old Testament types, Patristic interpretations, and their practical implications for our daily walk with Christ. The chapter highlights God’s eternal plan, established before the foundation of the world, to bring all things in heaven and on earth under Christ’s headship. This understanding empowers believers to live lives worthy of the calling they have received, filled with thanksgiving and unwavering faith.

Ephesians 1 opens with St. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, addressing the saints in Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus. This opening salutation sets the stage for a powerful exposition of the spiritual blessings in Christ, a message that resonates across time and cultures, calling believers to deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s unfathomable love.

Commentary Sections

Ephesians 1:1-2 – Salutation

Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς οὖσιν [ἐν Ἐφέσῳ] καὶ πιστοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ· χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. (Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. – KJV)

Commentary: St. Paul identifies himself as an apostle, emphasizing his divinely appointed authority. The term “saints” (ἁγίοις) indicates those set apart for God, consecrated and sanctified through their faith in Christ. The greeting “Grace and peace” is a standard Pauline benediction, combining the Greek greeting of grace (χάρις) with the Hebrew concept of peace (שָׁלוֹם – shalom), encompassing wholeness, well-being, and reconciliation with God.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius emphasizes that the title “saints” is not self-proclaimed but is a divine designation bestowed upon those who are united with Christ: “οὐκ ἐξ ἑαυτῶν τὴν ἁγιωσύνην ἔχουσιν, ἀλλ’ ἐκ τῆς μετοχῆς τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος” (They do not have holiness from themselves, but from the partaking of the Holy Spirit. – *Contra Arianos*).

Spiritual Application: Recognize that your identity as a believer is rooted in God’s grace and sanctification. Seek to live a life worthy of this calling, reflecting Christ’s holiness in your thoughts, words, and actions. Embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that it comes from God’s presence in your life. Consider exploring the power of grace that’s available through one of our hosting plans.

Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father

Εὐλογητὸς ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ εὐλογήσας ἡμᾶς ἐν πάσῃ εὐλογίᾳ πνευματικῇ ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις ἐν Χριστῷ. (Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: – KJV)

Commentary: St. Paul breaks forth in a hymn of praise, acknowledging God as the source of all blessings. He emphasizes that these blessings are “spiritual” (πνευματικῇ), pertaining to the realm of the Spirit and affecting our inner being. They are located “in heavenly places” (ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις), signifying their transcendent and eternal nature, accessible through our union with Christ.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “τὰ πνευματικὰ δωρήματα, οὐ τὰ ἐπίγεια καὶ φθαρτὰ, ἀλλὰ τὰ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν” (The spiritual gifts are not earthly and perishable, but those in Christ Jesus our Lord. – *Commentary on Ephesians*).

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the abundance of spiritual blessings He has bestowed upon you. Seek to understand and experience these blessings more fully through prayer, Scripture study, and participation in the sacraments. Remember that these blessings are not limited to this earthly life but extend into eternity.

Ephesians 1:4-6 – Chosen Before the Foundation of the World

καθὼς ἐξελέξατο ἡμᾶς ἐν αὐτῷ πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου, εἶναι ἡμᾶς ἁγίους καὶ ἀμώμους κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, προορίσας ἡμᾶς εἰς υἱοθεσίαν διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς αὐτόν, κατὰ τὴν εὐδοκίαν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ, εἰς ἔπαινον δόξης τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, ἧς ἐχαρίτωσεν ἡμᾶς ἐν τῷ ἠγαπημένῳ. (According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. – KJV)

Commentary: This section delves into the profound doctrine of predestination (προορίσας). God’s choice of believers “before the foundation of the world” (πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου) highlights the eternal nature of His plan. This choice is not arbitrary but is rooted in His foreknowledge and love. The purpose of this election is that we should be “holy and without blame” (ἁγίους καὶ ἀμώμους) before Him. He predestined us “to the adoption of children” (εἰς υἱοθεσίαν), signifying our inclusion into His family through Christ. All of this is “according to the good pleasure of His will” (κατὰ τὴν εὐδοκίαν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ) and to the praise of His glorious grace.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine addresses the seeming paradox of predestination and free will: “Non enim electi sunt, quia futuri erant sancti, sed ut sancti essent, ideo electi sunt” (For they were not chosen because they were going to be holy, but in order that they might be holy, therefore they were chosen. – *De Praedestinatione Sanctorum*).

Spiritual Application: Embrace the security and assurance that come from knowing you are chosen by God. Strive to live a life that reflects the holiness and blamelessness He has called you to. Recognize that your adoption as a child of God is a gift of grace, and let it inspire you to live in gratitude and obedience.

Ephesians 1:7-8 – Redemption Through His Blood

ἐν ᾧ ἔχομεν τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν διὰ τοῦ αἵματος αὐτοῦ, τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν παραπτωμάτων, κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, ἧς ἐπερίσσευσεν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ φρονήσει. (In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; – KJV)

Commentary: “In whom” (ἐν ᾧ), referring to Christ, we have “redemption through His blood” (τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν διὰ τοῦ αἵματος αὐτοῦ). Redemption signifies liberation from slavery, in this case, the slavery of sin and death. The “forgiveness of sins” (τὴν ἄφεσιν τῶν παραπτωμάτων) is the direct result of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This redemption is “according to the riches of His grace” (κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ), demonstrating the boundless generosity of God’s love. He has lavished this grace upon us “in all wisdom and prudence” (ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ καὶ φρονήσει), suggesting that our redemption is not only an act of love but also of profound wisdom and understanding.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the costliness of our redemption: “Τί γὰρ ἰσότιμον τῇ ψυχῇ; ὁ οὖν τὴν ψυχὴν αὑτοῦ δοὺς ἀντὶ ἡμῶν, πῶς οὐ πάντα δώσει;” (For what is equal to the soul? Therefore, He who gave His soul for us, how will He not give everything? – *Homilies on Ephesians*).

Spiritual Application: Meditate on the sacrifice of Christ and the immeasurable cost of your redemption. Live in the freedom that comes from forgiveness, and extend that same grace to others. Seek wisdom and understanding from God, recognizing that your redemption is an act of divine love and wisdom. Always remember the importance of redemption when looking for a reliable hosting solution.

Ephesians 1:9-10 – The Mystery of His Will

γνωρίσας ἡμῖν τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ, κατὰ τὴν εὐδοκίαν αὐτοῦ ἣν προέθετο ἐν αὐτῷ, εἰς οἰκονομίαν τοῦ πληρώματος τῶν καιρῶν, ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι τὰ πάντα ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ, τά τε ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. (Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: – KJV)

Commentary: St. Paul speaks of God revealing “the mystery of His will” (τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ). A mystery, in biblical terms, is not something unknowable, but something previously hidden that has now been revealed through Christ. This mystery pertains to God’s plan “in the dispensation of the fullness of times” (εἰς οἰκονομίαν τοῦ πληρώματος τῶν καιρῶν), that is, at the appointed time, to “gather together in one all things in Christ” (ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι τὰ πάντα ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ). This signifies the ultimate reconciliation and unification of all creation under Christ’s headship, both “which are in heaven and which are on earth.”

Patristic Insight: St. Irenaeus uses the term “recapitulation” (ἀνακεφαλαίωσις) to describe Christ’s role in restoring humanity to its original state: “Omnia recapitulavit in se ipso” (He recapitulated all things in Himself – *Against Heresies*).

Spiritual Application: Seek to understand God’s will for your life, recognizing that it is part of His larger plan to unite all things in Christ. Live in anticipation of the ultimate fulfillment of this plan, when all creation will be reconciled to God. Let the hope of this future glory motivate you to live a life of faith and obedience.

Ephesians 1:11-14 – Inheritance and the Holy Spirit

ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἐκληρώθημεν προορισθέντες κατὰ πρόθεσιν τοῦ τὰ πάντα ἐνεργοῦντος κατὰ τὴν βουλὴν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἡμᾶς εἰς ἔπαινον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ τοὺς προηλπικότας ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ· ἐν ᾧ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς σωτηρίας ὑμῶν, ἐν ᾧ καὶ πιστεύσαντες ἐσφραγίσθητε τῷ πνεύματι τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τῷ ἁγίῳ, ὅς ἐστιν ἀρραβὼν τῆς κληρονομίας ἡμῶν, εἰς ἀπολύτρωσιν τῆς περιποιήσεως, εἰς ἔπαινον τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ. (In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. – KJV)

Commentary: Believers have “obtained an inheritance” (ἐκληρώθημεν) in Christ, being predestined according to God’s purpose. This inheritance is not something we earn but something we receive by grace. St. Paul emphasizes the sealing of the Holy Spirit (ἐσφραγίσθητε τῷ πνεύματι τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τῷ ἁγίῳ), which serves as “the earnest of our inheritance” (ἀρραβὼν τῆς κληρονομίας ἡμῶν). The earnest (ἀρραβὼν) is a down payment or pledge, guaranteeing the full inheritance to come. The Holy Spirit is the seal, marking us as belonging to God and guaranteeing our future redemption.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great describes the Holy Spirit as the one who perfects our adoption: “τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον τὸ τελειοῦν τὴν υἱοθεσίαν ἡμῶν” (The Holy Spirit, the one who perfects our adoption – *On the Holy Spirit*).

Spiritual Application: Live in the assurance of your inheritance in Christ, knowing that the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of your future redemption. Seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to empower you to live a life that glorifies God. Recognize that the Holy Spirit is not merely a force but a person, co-equal with the Father and the Son.

Ephesians 1:15-23 – Paul’s Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation

Διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ ἀκούσας τὴν καθ’ ὑμᾶς πίστιν ἐν τῷ κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους, οὐ παύομαι εὐχαριστῶν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν μνείαν ποιούμενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου, ἵνα ὁ θεὸς τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ πατὴρ τῆς δόξης, δῴη ὑμῖν πνεῦμα σοφίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως ἐν ἐπιγνώσει αὐτοῦ, πεφωτισμένους τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τῆς καρδίας ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εἰδέναι ὑμᾶς τίς ἐστιν ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς κλήσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ τίς ὁ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης τῆς κληρονομίας αὐτοῦ ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις, καὶ τί τὸ ὑπερβάλλον μέγεθος τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ εἰς ἡμᾶς τοὺς πιστεύοντας κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ κράτους τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ, ἣν ἐνήργησεν ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐγείρας αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν καὶ καθίσας ἐν δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις ὑπεράνω πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας καὶ δυνάμεως καὶ κυριότητος καὶ παντὸς ὀνόματος ὀνομαζομένου οὐ μόνον ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν τῷ μέλλοντι, καὶ πάντα ὑπέταξεν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ καὶ αὐτὸν ἔδωκεν κεφαλὴν ὑπὲρ πάντα τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἥτις ἐστὶν τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ, τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν πληρουμένου. (Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. – KJV)

Commentary: St. Paul expresses his gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith and love. He prays that God would grant them “a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (πνεῦμα σοφίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως ἐν ἐπιγνώσει αὐτοῦ). He desires that “the eyes of their understanding being enlightened” (πεφωτισμένους τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τῆς καρδίας ὑμῶν) so that they may know the hope of their calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of God’s power. This power is demonstrated in Christ’s resurrection and ascension, placing Him above all authority and giving Him as head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa speaks of the importance of spiritual illumination: “Φῶς δὲ ἐστὶν ἡ γνῶσις τῆς ἀληθείας” (Light is the knowledge of the truth – *Homilies on the Song of Songs*).

Spiritual Application: Pray for spiritual wisdom and revelation, that God would open the eyes of your heart to understand His truth. Seek to know the hope of your calling, the riches of your inheritance, and the power of God that is at work in you. Recognize that the Church is the body of Christ, and strive to be a vital member of that body, filled with His fullness.

Subtopic Sections

Here are some key reflections and teachings from Ephesians 1:

• God’s Sovereignty: Emphasizes God’s sovereign plan and purpose in salvation, highlighting His initiative and control over all things.
• Union with Christ: Underscores the believer’s union with Christ as the foundation for all spiritual blessings and privileges.
• Spiritual Warfare: While not explicitly mentioned, the reference to “heavenly places” hints at the spiritual battle we face, requiring us to rely on God’s power.
• The Holy Spirit’s Role: Clarifies the Holy Spirit’s role as the seal and guarantee of our inheritance, providing assurance and empowering us for service.
• The Church as Christ’s Body: Affirms the Church’s vital role as Christ’s body, called to manifest His presence and fulfill His purposes on earth.
• Living in Gratitude: Encourages believers to live lives of gratitude and thanksgiving, acknowledging God as the source of all blessings and provision.

FAQ ❓

• Q: What does it mean to be “chosen before the foundation of the world”?

  A: It means God had a plan for your life before you were even born. This isn’t about fatalism, but about the immensity of God’s love and foreknowledge. He knew you and desired you to be part of His family.

• Q: How can I practically experience these spiritual blessings in my daily life?

  A: Through prayer, studying Scripture, participating in the sacraments, and serving others. The more you immerse yourself in God’s presence and actively live out your faith, the more you’ll experience the reality of these blessings.

• Q: What is the significance of the Holy Spirit being called the “earnest of our inheritance”?

  A: The earnest is like a down payment, guaranteeing the full inheritance to come. The Holy Spirit is a tangible presence of God in our lives, a foretaste of the glory that awaits us in heaven. His presence assures us that God will fulfill His promises.

• Q: How does Ephesians 1 challenge me to live differently today?

  A: It challenges you to live with a sense of purpose, knowing that you are chosen, redeemed, and sealed by God. It calls you to live a life worthy of your calling, reflecting Christ’s love and grace to the world around you. To do all of this, and to manage all the digital tasks you have, consider using one of our hosting plans.

Conclusion

Ephesians 1 is a breathtaking panorama of God’s grace, painting a vivid picture of the spiritual blessings in Christ He has lavished upon believers. From predestination and adoption to redemption and the sealing of the Holy Spirit, this chapter unveils the depth and breadth of God’s love for us. St. Paul’s prayer for wisdom and revelation is a clarion call for us to seek a deeper understanding of these divine gifts. Let us, therefore, live lives worthy of the calling we have received, filled with gratitude, faith, and unwavering devotion to the One who has chosen us, redeemed us, and sealed us with His Holy Spirit. By embracing these truths, we can walk in the fullness of our inheritance as children of God, reflecting His glory to a world in need of His grace.

Tags

Ephesians, Spiritual Blessings, Christ, Predestination, Redemption, Holy Spirit, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Patristic, Bible Commentary

Meta Description

Explore Ephesians 1 through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Uncover profound spiritual blessings in Christ, predestination, redemption, and the power of the Holy Spirit in this verse-by-verse commentary.