Christmas · Second Sunday after Christmas · Year B
Ephesians 1:3-14
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
Luther Seminary exegesis on election, adoption, and the mystery of God's will set forth in Christ, the RCL page for this Sunday.
Ephesians 1:3-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary on the great blessing hymn and being chosen before the foundation of the world.
Ephesians 1 Commentary: Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's evangelical verse-by-verse study of predestination, redemption, and the sealing of the Spirit.
Ephesians 1:3 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators aggregated on the blessing of God with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3-4 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep verse-by-verse resource collating scholars and word studies on election and adoption in Christ.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Ephesians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the letter's cosmic scope and its language of the heavenly places.
Ephesians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview tracing the letter's vision of unity in Christ across heaven and earth.
Ephesians 1:3 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for blessing (eulogia), adoption, and inheritance.
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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