Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Ephesians Chapter 1 mean?

Chapter 1 includes a brief introduction (Ephesians 1:1–2) followed by two key sections. First, Paul describes the spiritual blessings which believers have in Christ (Ephesians 1:3–14). Second, he focuses on thanksgiving and prayer for his readers (Ephesians 1:15–23).

The introduction (Ephesians 1:1–2) offers Paul’s standard greeting, beginning with the author and information about him. It also mentions his audience: the Ephesians and perhaps other churches in the area. This is followed by a greeting: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2).

The first section (Ephesians 1:3–14) begins with a word of blessing to God, beginning a long sentence in the original Greek which continues for several verses. Paul emphasizes predestination (Ephesians 1:5), which is the idea that God knew before creating that He would choose certain people to be His followers (Ephesians 1:4). Paul also highlights the importance of grace (Ephesians 1:6). Further, Paul reminds his readers of the redemption through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7), noting the revelation of God’s mystery through Jesus as a fulfillment of the plan of God (Ephesians 1:9–10).

Paul further describes the inheritance of believers (Ephesians 1:11) which results in the glory of God (Ephesians 1:12). Paul’s readers shared in this inheritance when they heard and believed in the gospel (Ephesians 1:13) and were sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the guarantee of the believer’s future heavenly hope (Ephesians 1:14).

Predestination is a clear theme in this section, noted directly twice (Ephesians 1:5, 11). God chose “us”—Paul’s readers specifically, and Christian believers in general—for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5). He also “predestined” believers for certain purposes (Ephesians 1:11). The salvation believers receive is “sealed” by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) as a guarantee of the believer’s future heavenly home. These words strongly support the teaching of eternal security. This is the doctrine that a person who truly believes in Jesus for salvation can never be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:37–39).

The second section (Ephesians 1:15–23) highlights Paul’s thanks and prayers. He thanks God for his readers in his prayers (Ephesians 1:16), asking the Lord to give them wisdom and knowledge (Ephesians 1:17). His words extend into praise of God for His great might (Ephesians 1:19), a description of the resurrection (Ephesians 1:20), Christ’s exalted status (Ephesians 1:21), Christ’s authority (Ephesians 1:22), and the significance of the church (Ephesians 1:22–23).

Chapter Context
The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. Chapter 1 establishes Paul’s view on the value of our salvation in Christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. He does this in the form of praise, directed at God, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. Later chapters will build on these ideas as Paul connects who we are in Christ to how we should live as Christians.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

This letter begins by distinguishing its author and audience. Its first word, “Paul,” clearly identifies the writer as the apostle who had lived among the Ephesian believers for a significant amount of time. They knew him well and required little introduction. Instead, he simply noted himself as an apostle “of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” Both the specific name “Christ Jesus” and God’s will are important themes throughout the letter. “Christ Jesus” is used eleven times in this book. Paul heavily favored this title for Jesus, with the title being used only once outside of Paul’s writings, by Luke (Acts 24:24), a close associate of Paul.

Paul writes to the saints in Ephesus, though some early manuscripts omit “in Ephesus.” As a result, many believe this letter was intended for more than one church. While it may have been directly penned to the believers in Ephesus, Paul probably intended this letter to be shared and read among other churches in the area. These believers are called “faithful in Christ Jesus.” Paul starts his letter with an affirming, positive note for this church that certainly included many of Paul’s personal friends.

Context Summary
Ephesians 1:1–2 introduces Paul’s letter to the believers of the church at Ephesus. This includes Paul’s claim to the title of ”apostle.” The greeting features many of Paul’s common expressions, including ”Christ Jesus,” and ”grace to you.” While the letter is clearly directed to the Ephesian Christians, it seems that Paul intended it to be read among the other churches in the area.

Verse 2. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This verse concludes the introduction and consists of a brief greeting to Paul’s readers. This “Grace to you” greeting is found in the opening of all of Paul’s letters except for the Pastoral Epistles. The phrase “peace from God our Father” is also familiar, found in the introductions of nine of Paul’s letters. Peace is mentioned more than ninety times in the New Testament, yet only twelve times as “peace from God.” Paul focused his greeting on peace being from the Lord, a word he would mention seven other times in this brief letter (Ephesians 2:14, 15, 17; 4:3; 6:15, 23).

The title “Lord Jesus Christ” is not found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, or Luke, nor in John’s writings. However, it is commonly used in Acts, Paul’s writings, and is mentioned in James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude. Reasons for this pattern are uncertain, especially since early manuscripts often write the name of Jesus as a symbol rather than in letter format. However, it is clear Paul desired to note both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ together and as equals in his opening greeting to his friends.

Verse 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Verse 3 begins the first major section of Paul’s letter, extending through verse 14. Paul opens with “Blessed be” in order to establish a clear emphasis on God. In the next few verses he will address predestination, adoption, God’s will, grace, redemption, and God’s glory, all themes connected to God Himself and worthy of blessing.

After blessing the Father and Son, Paul notes God has “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” This all-encompassing statement indicates that every blessing we could possibly need has been given in Christ. Christ came from heaven to earth from the Father to bring us every blessing we need. Paul will go on to describe these blessings in detail in this section. Here, he emphasizes the fact that “every” spiritual blessing has been given, followed by a list of specific areas that will further define what he has in mind.

Context Summary
Ephesians 1:3–14 praises God for the blessings He has provided. Paul ties together the ideas of predestination, God’s glory, the salvation of His people, and the rights we have as children of God. In particular, believers are blessed because God chose, before creation, to save us. That salvation came at a great cost: the death of Jesus Christ. As children of God, we can be confident that God will give us what He has promised: namely, an eternity with Him in heaven.

Verse 4. even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Paul continues his thought from verse 3. God chose every person who would believe in Him before He created. These words have tremendous implications regarding the wisdom and plan of God. His wisdom and power are so great that He knew the present, even from the beginning. Likewise, He knew the end before the start. God exists outside of time, and created time. He is the only being able to know all things because He created all things.

Paul also notes a few important applications of God choosing us to be His children. Because of God’s wisdom, power, and love, our proper response as His children is to live in obedience to Him. We are to be “holy,” a word meaning “set apart.” We are also to live in a way which is without blame, an important characteristic for all believers, especially church leaders (1 Timothy 3:2).

The reference to “love” is typically considered to be part of a new sentence, not the end of the previous one. The concept is better connected with the thought which continues in verse 5.

Verse 5. he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

The apostle Paul continues to discuss the theme of predestination, connecting it to the themes of love and adoption. Because of His love, God chose in advance for us to become His children. Jesus came at just the right time for Paul’s readers to hear the gospel message and believe. When they did, they became members in God’s family. Though they were not Jews, they were adopted as sons through Jesus. Paul speaks of salvation elsewhere as adoption (Romans 8:15, 23; 9:4; Galatians 4:5).

Paul also teaches why God chose believers to be His children. It was “according to the purpose of his will.” In an act of love and as part of His divine plan, God designed a way for all men, even those not part of the Jewish people, to come into the family of God. These Gentile believers would have especially appreciated this note from Paul, a devout Jew turned Gentile missionary. This “Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3:4–7) considered his Gentile readers as equals, as brothers and sisters in the family of God.

Verse 6. to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

This act of choosing believers in advance to become part of God’s family contributes “to the praise of [God’s] glorious grace.” God does all things for His own glory. This includes His advance planning of those who will become His children. That should cause every believer a moment of pause. Consider that God, who created all things, specifically chose before the creation of the world that we would be created, live, become a child of God, and one day stay with God for eternity.

This grace is a powerful gift, a blessing given to us from God. Paul will develop grace much more in this letter, mentioning it specifically twelve times in six chapters. In addition, much of chapter 2 and part of chapter 4 specifically focus on grace. Paul begins with grace (Ephesians 1:2), continues with grace, and ends with grace (Ephesians 6:24). His life and letters were clearly influenced by the grace of God at work in him and his desire and calling to communicate it to others.

Verse 7. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

This verse transitions to payment Jesus made for us “through his blood.” Paul is referring to Christ’s death on the cross as the sufficient payment for the sins of all who believe. What did this redemption cover? It paid to release us from the eternal penalty and the earthly power of our own sins. This freedom was not “free,” since it is paid for by Christ’s death; it cost Him everything. As a result, for the believer, the ultimate price has already been paid. This is grace: the ability to become a child of God, because God provided a free way to know Him by faith.

God’s grace is mentioned in reference to money with the idea being that grace is of tremendous value. Grace is what is required to make people sons and daughters of God. All have sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). It is only through Jesus that we have a way (John 14:6) to have salvation (Acts 4:12). Paul will explain this truth in greater detail in Ephesians 2:8–9, adding that the same grace of God, which gives salvation, is designed to also lead believers to works God has designed for us (Ephesians 2:10).

Verse 8. which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

The grace God has given us is explained as something poured on in generous amounts. God did not give us the bare minimum amount of grace needed to have access to God. Instead, He piled it abundantly on us. We have more than enough (Ephesians 3:20). In 1 Corinthians 2:9 Paul says, “As it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.’”

This grace was given abundantly, yet also was not wasted. God is always thoughtful in the way He blesses us. He knows what is best and provides accordingly. Paul also notes in this letter that God gives a Spirit of wisdom (Ephesians 1:17) and that He desires the wisdom of God to be known in the heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10). Insight also comes up again in this letter in 3:4 where Paul speaks of perceiving his insight into the mystery of Christ.

Verse 9. making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

Part of God’s wisdom (Ephesians 1:8) was to reveal or “make known” to believers “the mystery of his will.” Paul uses “mystery” more in Ephesians than anywhere else in Scripture (Ephesians 3:3, 4, 6, 9; 5:32; 6:19). This concept is often misunderstood. Paul’s focus is not on some mystical or self-contradictory approach, but simply on something which had been unknown in the past. In this case, a mystery of the past has now been revealed, with Gentiles coming to faith through the coming and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–11).

This revealed mystery is also “according to his purpose.” Paul had already referred to “purpose” in verse 5 and will mention it again in verse 11. In Ephesians 3:11 Paul talks about God’s “eternal purpose,” while in Ephesians 6:22 Paul speaks of his own purpose in sending Tychicus to encourage his readers. God’s purpose referred to in Ephesians 3:9 was “set forth in Christ.” It was not of human creation or wisdom. Only God could design and implement such an amazing, well-orchestrated plan to bring forth His plans and ultimately bring greater glory to Himself.

Verse 10. as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Paul’s mention of “the fullness of time” refers to “just the right time.” Paul used the same phrase in Galatians 4:4, noting, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son.” The emphasis is on God’s perfect timing, which brings all of His plans together.

Unity is yet another important theme in this letter. Church leaders are to equip saints “until we all attain to the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13). Paul was also “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Paul specifically notes that “all things” includes “things in heaven and things on earth.” There was both a spiritual and physical component to Paul’s discussion of unity. Paul will later address these spiritual realities in chapter 6, in his discussion of the armor of God. He notes in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Paul clearly saw the need to discuss both the spiritual and physical, covering all areas in which God operates.

Verse 11. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Paul next transitions to the idea of inheritance. An inheritance was of great importance in ancient society. Most people were in the same trade as their parents, and had little or no upward mobility regarding careers. A wealthy inheritance was greatly desired. What inheritance did Paul have in mind? The believer’s inheritance is two-fold. First, it means becoming a child of God; this gives us the right to expect an inheritance. Second, we gain eternity with the Lord, dwelling in His righteousness for all time.

Paul again links the concepts of predestination and the will of God. Paul took great confidence in knowing that God works out all things for the good of those who believe in Him (Romans 8:28). This was based both upon the overall teaching of Scripture as well as Paul’s personal life experiences. He had endured much hardship as well as joy, knowing God would care for his needs in any and every circumstance (Philippians 4:10–20).

Paul’s intent here is to point out how it was Jews who were the first to accept the gospel, according to the plan of God, and for His glory (Ephesians 1:12). Unfortunately, most of Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah. As a result, the gospel was spread to the Gentiles (Ephesians 1:13), who share in the same inheritance.

Verse 12. so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Paul continues his focus on God’s glory with an interesting reference to being “the first to hope in Christ.” Paul saw his life and the lives of the Ephesian Christians as some of the first of many believers. This was true in two ways. First, Jewish people were the earliest to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. This happened according to the will of God, for His glory (Ephesians 1:11). And, it resulted in the gospel being spread to the Gentiles (Ephesians 1:13). Second, the Ephesians were among the first Gentile believers of Paul’s ministry (Acts 18:18–19). This too was intended to bring praise to God.

Paul will mention glory again in verses 14 and 17, adding references to “glorious” in verse 6 and verse 18. This chapter repeatedly emphasizes the glory of God. God’s glory was the theme of the Old Testament from early times (Exodus 14:4) and remained so even in the New Testament era. Believers exist for God’s glory and to bring Him glory.

Verse 13. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Paul describes three things that took place in the lives of the Ephesian believers. First, they heard the gospel, known as the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:18).

Second, rather than rejecting the message as many Jews had done, these Gentile believers both heard and believed the gospel and were saved as a result (Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8–9).

Third, Paul noted that when they became believers they “were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” This specific description of the Holy Spirit is only used in the book of Ephesians here, and in Ephesians 4:30, among a dozen total references to the Spirit in the letter. A “seal” was a mark indicating a letter or scroll was closed, or completed. When a king or dignitary wanted to show an identifying mark with a letter, he would seal it with a resin imprint of his ring. The Holy Spirit likewise shows that believers belong to the Lord.

Verse 14. who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

The final verse of this first major section calls the Holy Spirit “the guarantee” of those parts of the inheritance which we do not yet have. In verse 13, the Holy Spirit was called a “seal;” here He is also called a guarantee. The ideas are virtually identical. Both are symbolic of a promise, or a validation, made by someone in authority. Here, it invokes the idea of a financial backing for an investment. The believer’s yet-to-be-received inheritance—eternity in heaven with the Lord—is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit.

Again, as in verse 12, verse 14 refers to “the praise of [God’s] glory.” This repeated theme marks the end of this section, and highlights the goal of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life: God’s glory. The same glory mentioned regarding Jesus is also associated with the Holy Spirit. This again indicates Paul’s view of God as triune, with Father, Son, and Spirit each part of the divine Godhead, each eternal, equal, and perfect (Matthew 28:19–20).

Verse 15. For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

Verse 15 begins a new segment of Paul’s letter, extending through the end of the chapter in verse 23. Paul points out two things he had heard about the Ephesian believers. Paul had already lived among the Ephesian believers for three years and knew of their faith. That Paul has also “heard of” their faith likely refers to what others have said about the Ephesian believers. These others are likely those who had visited Paul in Rome.

Beyond faith, Paul had also gotten good reports about the Ephesians’ genuine, well-known concern for one another in the church. Because of this, Paul could give thanks for them in his prayers (Ephesians 1:16). Their congregation was largely united, though Paul taught church leaders were to equip believers toward unity (Ephesians 4:12–13). Paul saw love for one another as a source of strength in the one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1–6). The use of the term “saints” here once again shows that, in Paul’s view, all Christians are “saints.” We are a “set apart” people, meant to live holy lives before the Lord.

Context Summary
Ephesians 1:15–23 celebrates the value of our salvation in Christ. Paul’s prayers for the believers of Ephesus not only include praise for their success, but an appeal for their growth. This passage heavily involves the supremacy of Christ. As believers, we are not only followers of Jesus, but also recipients of His blessings and power. Paul seeks to remind the Ephesian church that a complete understanding of Christ leads to a greater love and a stronger faith.

Verse 16. I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

Paul’s prayers for the believers in Ephesus were unending, included thanksgiving, and involved remembrance. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is similar to his prayers described in other letters. One notable difference here is that this prayer follows an extended note about God’s spiritual blessings toward believers (Ephesians 1:3–14). This may imply that Paul considered the Ephesian church to be more mature than other congregations. In letters such as 1 Corinthians, Paul was obligated to follow his prayers by addressing controversies. Here, instead, he can focus on theology related to God’s glory, proceed to prayer, then address other areas of teaching.

Paul’s prayer in this passage emphasizes thanksgiving and the glory of God. He makes no mention of any severe problems in the congregation. This may indicate the church lacked some of the dysfunction he addresses in letters to other churches. However, it may simply be that this was intended as a letter to more than one church. In that case, Paul would be expected to focus on themes relevant to all churches.

While not mentioned here, at some point the Ephesian church lost some of their enthusiasm (Revelation 2:1–4). Paul would later write to Timothy, in Ephesus, to focus on love (1 Timothy 1:5). So, while the church has been successful in terms of doctrine, Paul’s letter is likely meant to encourage them to maintain their passion, as well.

Verse 17. that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

This verse adds two details to Paul’s prayers. First, Paul specifies exactly to whom he is praying: God the Father. However, Paul again also includes references to all three Persons of the Trinity, God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and then mentions the “Spirit of wisdom.” This Spirit is capitalized in most versions, indicating that translators believe Paul refers here to the Holy Spirit. This is one of a dozen mentions of the Holy Spirit in this letter.

Paul also provides two specific points regarding what he prayed for regarding the Ephesian Christians. Paul has already mentioned the importance of wisdom in Ephesians 1:8. Later, he will refer to the “manifold wisdom of God” in Ephesians 3:10. Here, Paul refers to revelation in a particular sense. The revelation spoken of here is connected with wisdom, and involves knowing God’s plan for their lives. This is distinct from “general revelation,” which is God revealing Himself through nature (Psalm 19). This is also not the same thing as “specific revelation,” which is the written word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).

Verse 18. having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Paul’s prayer moves from wisdom and revelation in 1:17 to add enlightenment and knowledge in this verse. The emphasis in this context is on understanding what God has already done and provided. This is not referring to new insights or predictions of future events. These believers already knew the facts of salvation and the believer’s future hope with God. However, Paul wants them to better understand the importance of these blessings. This is key to maintaining passion for good works, instead of becoming spiritually joyless (Revelation 2:1–4).

Both salvation and eternity with the Lord are tremendous gifts. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9) and came at the cost of Jesus’ death on the cross. Eternity with the Lord is a future gift that each believer can anticipate in this life, yet will not experience until after this life. This future hope is a tremendous motivation for holy living, sharing one’s faith, and for life eternal.

Verse 19. and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

This verse shifts to a discussion of God’s power in the life of the believer. God’s power is so great it cannot be measured or quantified. In this context, God’s power is expressed specifically toward those “who believe.” This power is also “according to the working of his great might.” These words may seem redundant, reading only this verse. However, verses 20 and 21 will connect this phrase with Christ’s resurrection. That event was a demonstration of power available only to God.

God’s power is a theme traced throughout Scripture, starting from the very first words: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). God’s power has been revealed as far beyond anything else in creation. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He used His power to show His greatness. Through a series of plagues, He proved to be superior to the gods of Egypt. He revealed His power to the Israelites by opening the Red Sea for them to walk across on dry land. Similar events took place throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the coming of Christ to reveal His ultimate power over death through His resurrection.

Verse 20. that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

The power Paul mentions in verse 19 “worked in Christ.” This involves two aspects. First, Paul highlights the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. When God brought the Son back from death, it revealed His overwhelming power. Christianity is grounded, ultimately, on that single event (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Second, Jesus now reigns at the “right hand” of God. This theme is mentioned frequently in the New Testament. It was predicted by Jesus in Luke 22:69, preached by Peter in Acts 2:33 and Acts 5:31, and seen by Stephen in Acts 7:55–56. Paul mentioned Jesus at the right hand of God the Father on other occasions (Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1). This concept is also found in the books of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2) and 1 Peter (1 Peter 3:22).

According to ancient thinking, the “right hand” was associated with closeness and power. Placing Jesus at this symbolic location implies Christ’s supremacy, authority, and ability.

Verse 21. far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

According to ancient tradition, the “right hand” was symbolic of power, authority, closeness, and acceptance. Jesus is pictured at the right hand of God in verse 20, as well as several other locations in the New Testament (Romans 8:34; 1 Peter 3:22). Jesus’ status in heaven places Him “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.” Paul uses these words together of Jesus only here in Scripture. In Colossians 2:10 he noted Jesus as the one “who is the head of all rule and authority.” This string of words is clearly used to offer all possible attributes of power to Jesus.

In addition to Christ’s power, His name is so great that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (Luke 24:47). The greatness of His name also extends through all time and ages. Paul gives no room to suggest that Christ’s power and authority might be overtaken by someone else. All figures, prophets, and leaders who come after Jesus are subordinate to Him. Christ reigns now, and will reign forever. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 offer additional details about this eternal reign of Jesus.

Verse 22. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

At the will of God the Father, Jesus rules over everything. Both the Father and the Son reign together over all created things, according to Paul’s words in this verse. This includes the church, the bride of Christ, a theme Paul will develop in detail in chapter 5. Paul elsewhere called the church “the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). The church belongs to Jesus. The church serves as the foundation of God’s truth to the world.

Many Christians believe they can grow spiritually apart from the church. This passage and others speak against this idea. Interaction with the church—the human, living group of fellow believers—is essential to a believer’s spiritual health. Though imperfect, it is the family of believers working together who serve as God’s bride in this world. This requires cooperation and unity. The church is intended to seek God’s goals for our lives both collectively and individually. Those who seek to grow spiritually without church involvement miss out on an important aspect of faith. Being part of a church is part of God’s design, and is foundational to spiritual maturity.

Verse 23. which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Paul concludes this chapter by referring to the church as Christ’s body. This is a common metaphor, and relatively easy to apply. We are the “hands and feet” of Jesus in this world. We are meant to influence the people around us, caring for them and working for good. This means different Christians will have different talents, skills, and roles to fulfill in serving God on earth (1 Corinthians 12).

The second part of this verse, however, is much trickier to interpret: “the fullness of him who fills all in all.” The most reasonable interpretation is that Christ fills, for Himself, the church with all blessings. This coordinates well with Ephesians 4:10–11, which also refers to Christ “fill[ing] all things.” Christ doesn’t need the church to be made complete, but God’s plans do tie together all that the Father wills (Ephesians 1:10). The church, then, is something Christ makes full through His gift of all blessings.

End of Chapter 1.

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