Christmas Season · Second Sunday after Christmas Day · Year B
Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
January 3, 2027
Overview & Insights
“He chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4)
The Opening Greeting 1:1 Except for the omission of Timothy, the opening of this greeting is quite similar to Colossians 1:1. The letter claims to be from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus . This term was one that Paul used frequently to indicate that he was “one who was sent” ( apostellō , “to send”) as a missionary or special envoy of God. It is used of the twelve disciples as well as for others who fulfill an apostolic function, such as Andronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7). At times, it is applied to Christians who have a very vivid experience of Christ (Acts 1:21, 22; 1 Cor. 9:1). By the time Ephesians was written, it was used primarily for those who were the founders of the Christian church (2:20).
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Commentary
Commentary on Ephesians 1:3-14 Working Preacher
The RCL Second Sunday of Christmas commentary on every spiritual blessing and adoption in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed commentary on blessing, election, and taking possession of what is already given.
Ephesians 1 Commentary: God's Ultimate Plan Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the blessing and Paul's prayer.
Ephesians 1:3-4 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse study notes on being blessed with every spiritual blessing and chosen in Christ.
Ephesians - Chapters 1 and 2 Agape Bible Study
A Catholic study of Ephesians 1 covering the blessing and Paul's prayer for wisdom and revelation.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the setting and argument of Ephesians.
Book of Ephesians Summary | Watch an Overview Video BibleProject
An animated overview of Paul's vision of unity in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word interlinear of the opening blessing.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What are the spiritual blessings of Ephesians 1?
Paul's great blessing praises the Father who chose us, the Son who redeemed us by his blood, and the Spirit who seals us, all to the praise of God's glorious grace.
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