Advent Season · The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary · Year C
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
December 8, 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
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre connects Paul's language of being chosen and holy before the foundation of the world to Mary's preservation from sin.
Commentary on Ephesians 1:3-14 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reading of Paul's opening blessing on election and adoption in Christ (the RCL covers these verses on a different Sunday).
Ephesians 1:3-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the great doxology of blessing to the praise of God's glory.
Ephesians 1 Commentary: God's Ultimate Plan Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse notes on the spiritual blessings and predestination in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators compiled on the blessing that opens Ephesians.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians 1:3 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text of Paul's blessing word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.
Ephesians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the setting and themes of Ephesians.
Book of Ephesians Summary BibleProject
Animated overview of the structure and message of Ephesians.
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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