Class Notes and Questions for April 29, 2008

Study Notes and Questions for April 29, 2008

Who are we accountable to?

Read Ephesians 1:1 to 1:2

Who is writing this letter beyond the name given? What does he mean when we says “an apostle of Christ Jesus”



Who is this letter intended for?



What is vs. 2 talking about? What do these words mean to YOU?



Certainly Paul adopts the conventional form of address used in letters of the period. Usually the writer identified himself, named the perspective recipients, and added some expressions of greeting.

“Apostle” is a comprehensive term for one who bears the NT message. It is applied firs the original disciples and then to other Christian missionaries. Paul claimed that, like that of the Twelve, his commission came directly from Christ (Acts 26:16-18; 1 Cor 9:1)

Who do you think of when you think Apostle?



Note that the title not only stressed the authority of the sender but also the accountability to whom they were sent by. Paul does not allude to God’s will in order to draw attention to his own status but to reflect his awareness that his mission did not arise from any qualification he himself might possess.

To whom are you accountable? Make a list here. After listing that person list WHY you are accountable to them.









“Saints” is the normal NT designation for Christians. It denotes inward, personal consecration to God.

What does it mean to be a Saint? Are you a saint?




“Faithful” is a parallel designation of believers combining the ideas of trust and fidelity.
What does Fidelity mean to you? What does it mean to your spouse?



“Grace and peace” reflect the standard greetings in Greek and Hebrew. The word here is exactly as in Romans 1:7b. Paul prefers to replace the Greek chaire (rejoice) by charis as embodying the essence of the gospel. For “peace” (Heb. Salom) Ezra 4:17; 5:7; 7:12, Daniel 4:1; 6:25, etc.

Where do you see people searching for peace? What practical steps are people taking to create or obtain peace?



Notice how Paul associates “the Lord Jesus Christ” with “God our Father” as the originator of these blessings. These do NOT come from ourselves or “inner peace”
Where has God given you Grace and Peace this week?



Are there any practical applications around today’s study that God has revealed to you? What will you do now?



Who and what will you pray for this week?