Ephesians – Chapter 1

New Testament23 Verses

Chapter Summary

Ephesians 1 opens with the words: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." Paul stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 23 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and faith and trust in God. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.

2Grace be to you and peace, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:

4As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity.

5Who hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto himself: according to the purpose of his will:

6Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath graced us, in his beloved son.

7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of his, grace,

8Which hath superabounded in us, in all wisdom and prudence,

9That he might make known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in him,

10In the dispensation of the fulness of times, to re-establish all things in Christ, that are in heaven and on earth, in him.

11In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his will.

12That we may be unto the praise of his glory: we who before hoped in Christ:

13In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation), in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise.

14Who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.

15Wherefore, I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus and of your love towards all the saints,

16Cease not to give thanks for you, making commemoration of you in my prayers,

17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:

18The eyes of your heart enlightened that you may know what the hope is of his calling and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,

20Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.

21Above all principality and power and virtue and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

22And he hath subjected all things under his feet and hath made him head over all the church,

23Which is his body and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.

Important Verses in Ephesians 1

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:

Ephesians 1:3

Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath graced us, in his beloved son.

Ephesians 1:6

In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation), in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise.

Ephesians 1:13

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:

Ephesians 1:17

Historical Context

Ephesians addresses the churches of Asia Minor, lifted to see God's cosmic plan in Christ within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 1 of 6 opens the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Paul, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in…" The chapter ends with: "Which is his body and the fulness of him who is filled all in all. " Read against its original backdrop, A majestic meditation on God's eternal plan 'to unite all things in Christ. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 60-62, from Roman captivity.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison

When It Was Written

About AD 60-62, from Roman captivity

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Ephesians 1 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Ephesians grounds Catholic ecclesiology (CIC 772-776). St. Athanasius and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 385).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Ephesians 1 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

People in This Chapter

Paul1 mention

Reflection for Today

Ephesians Chapter 1, containing 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2578). Here the emphasis falls on hope in the resurrection, which shapes how the Church understands the Church as Christ's body and bride.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of hope in the resurrection bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ephesians Chapter 1 about?

Ephesians 1 contains 23 verses. It opens with "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in…" and closes with "Which is his body and the fulness of him who is filled all in all. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Ephesians 1?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Ephesians Chapter 1?

This chapter mentions Paul.

Who wrote Ephesians and when?

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison. About AD 60-62, from Roman captivity.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles