Those of you who studied Romans with me have experienced the directness of Paul. He is not one who carefully talks all around a subject, but one who goes straight to the heart of the matter. That was true in Romans as well as in this letter to the Ephesians.

I want to give us an opportunity to understand a little more clearly who the Ephesians were at the time that they received this letter. To do that, I will share research historical information that will come from a lot of “—ologies:” geology, archaeology, theology, chronology, and more. I will usually include this on the Monday blogs.

Paul was writing letters to fledgling congregations, and as new believers were joining them every day, they didn’t all know him personally. In this formal letter style, Paul introduces himself to start the letter and gives a blessing on all those who read or listen to his letter.

I, Paul, am under God’s plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:1-2, MSG

Here is my chart of the information I pulled from verses 1-2 and historical material.

Topics	Paul	Ephesians
Credentials	chosen apostle of God to spread Gospel	Faithful believers in Ephesus, close ties to Paul
Relationships	Established a church, served 3 years, continued contact through letters and word of mouth	Had a 3-year history with Paul, He was their teacher
Message	God pours grace & peace into our lives	as believers, they also feel the grace and peace of God

Like Paul, I am a special agent of Christ Jesus in this world, introducing others to the Kingdom of God by my words and actions that reflect God’s nature. God pours grace and peace into all our lives, every day, in every situation.