“This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”
Ephesians 1:1-2 NLT
Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, starts off his letter of admonishment with the idea that he wishes all who are faithful to have the grace and peace of the Father and the son. This may seem like a fairly innocuous and benign greeting, but it carries with it a profound weight. Firstly, there is the acknowledgment that Christian living is active struggle against sin nature. Paul knows that, even the faithful believers, are not perfect believers. They will need personal grace in their lives. Alongside this, he knows they will need a covering of grace as they navigate the consequences of a sin filled world. His wish is that God would pour out blessings that are undeserved on the faithful. Secondly, in navigating such a world, he prays for peace. He acknowledges that the world which that the faithful live in will be a difficult one. It will be fraught with temptation, crime, and malice at every turn. Christian’s will need healings of both blessings to function properly. We should all pray for such things.
JOSH McGARY. COM 