Christmas Season · Second Sunday after Christmas Day · Year A
Ephesians 1:3-14
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
January 4, 2026
Overview & Insights
“He chose us in Christ 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
Ephesians 1:3-14 Working Preacher
A commentary on the blessings hymn of Ephesians 1.
Ephesians 1:3-14 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed commentary with preaching notes on being chosen and blessed in Christ.
Ephesians 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical verse-by-verse study of Ephesians 1.
Classic commentaries on Ephesians 1 BibleHub
Compiled classic commentaries on Ephesians 1 gathered verse by verse.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians 1 Enter the Bible
A scholarly summary and background for Ephesians 1.
Ephesians and Work Theology of Work
Connects Ephesians' vision of God's plan to everyday work and calling.
Overview: Ephesians BibleProject
An animated overview of the structure and themes of Ephesians.
Enter the Bible: Ephesians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the letter's setting and cosmic scope.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why is Ephesians 1:3-14 one sentence in Greek?
Because it is a single act of praise that never pauses for breath. Blessing, election, adoption, redemption, the mystery of God’s will and the seal of the Spirit are strung together as one movement, and the refrain ‘to the praise of his glory’ marks the turns.
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