Ephesians 1-3

There were a handful of churches that were especially dear to the apostle Paul, and Ephesus was certainly one of them.  Paul had been a huge influence in the beginning of this church, and he eventually even sent Timothy to be the pastor there.  This epistle was written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome, and it is thought to have been sent to them some 4-5 years after he had last visited them.

This epistle is divided into two main sections - doctrine and application.  Chapters 1-3 focus primarily on what Jesus has accomplished, and 4-6 on Christian application.

There is a significant focus in these chapters on all that was accomplished by Jesus Christ, and how we played no role in His work of redemption, which was planned and initiated by God alone as a consequence of His infinite grace.  Key verses include…

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

- Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV

Through the finished work of Jesus Christ every person has been given access to God, but only those who believe in that work of Christ, and accept Him unto salvation will be accepted by God.