Ephesians 1:11-23 - The Gifts of the Household of God
Ephesians 1:11) In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12) so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.13) In him you also when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14) this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory. 15) I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints and for this reason 16) I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, 17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18) so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19) and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe according to the working of his great power. 20) God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 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 age to come. 22) And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23) which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.
Background to Ephesians: William Barclay has called this book “The Queen of the Epistles.” Taylor Coleridge, the English poet, said it was the divinest composition of man.” Ephesians is a beautiful literary work that proclaims the reconciling work of God in Christ to make all the peoples of earth one family. There is no scholarly agreement as to whether the letter was written by Paul, or comes from one of the slightly later Pauline schools. Clearly the letter is closely related to Colossians. Seventy-five of the 155 verses in Ephesians are found in parallel form in Colossians. Some see Ephesians as a commentary upon the earlier Colossians. It is likely that Ephesians was a general letter that was circulated widely in the region. A best guess at a date would be around 80 CE.
The opening section is a kind of hymn of thanksgiving to God for God’s great blessings to humankind. Today’s passage picks up in the midst of that hymn and includes a beautiful prayer for those who hear the letter read to them. The language is packed with both emotion and content. Almost every phrase contains one of the classic doctrines of the church. Verses 3-14 are one long sentence in Greek and have a distinctly liturgical feel.
The household of God. Verse 11 introduces the household of God as an organizing image that guides this passage. The imagery of inheritance in our passage comes from understanding of God running the world as God’s own home with all of the people and creatures as part of the family. This is an image of both intimacy and order. God has authority on the one hand, and on the other all creatures share in God’s presence and provision.
Word Study
Vs. 11 - in Christ….inheritance – this probably refers specifically to the inheritance of the covenant and the blessing of the promise given to the Jews. In Christ, believers also have a share in that covenant and its promises. This is the greatest of blessings.
Vs. 13 – seal – this word refers to a kind of tattoo that was put on livestock, packages and even slaves. Often different cults put a mark on their adherents so that they would be readily identifiable. As Christians our “seal” is the Holy Spirit. It is in this sense that we talk of baptism as a sign and a seal of God’s covenant.
Promised Holy Spirit – the author is probably thinking of Ezekiel 36:27 and Joel 2:28 which speak of an outpouring of God’s spirit upon the people.
Vs. 14 – pledge – a guarantee. In modern Greek this is the word used for an engagement ring. In the ancient world it meant something like a down payment, or a first installment. This first installment secures a legal claim.
Vs. 15 – I have heard – This begins a new section of the text. It is a poetic reworking of Colossians 1 and begins a passionate prayer for the hearers. This phrase indicates that the author does not know the hearers personally.
Vs. 16 – give thanks – profound thankfulness. This is a very strong phrase, full of joy and a sense of blessing beyond all reason.
Vs. 17 – wisdom and revelation – this kind of wisdom is an inner work of God within the human being.
Come to know him – this does not mean simple knowledge of God, or about God. It means real, deep and full knowledge as distinct from first awareness or superficial acquaintance.
Vs. 18- heart – the center of the personality. The author wants our enlightenment to reach into the depths of our personality.
Vs. 19 – according to the working of his great power – lit. “the power is like the energy of the might of his strength” This phrase strings together four Greek words we often translate as power. 1)dunamis – the power to accomplish what is begun, 2) energeia – brute strength or muscle, 3) kratos – ability to face obstacles and overcome and 4) ischus- actual use of power. What he is trying to say is that God’s power is like every conception of power you ever had all rolled into one. There is nothing beyond or outside of it.
Questions for Personal Reflection
- What do you consider to be the most important blessings of living in God’s household? What are some of the qualities of God’s household? What are the house rules?
- In this passage we are urged to come to know God deeply. What are some steps you might take this week to deepen your relationship with God?
- How do you understand God’s power? What ways do you see God’s power at work in the world? How have you experienced God’s power in your life? How is it different from worldly power?
- What are the implications that come to your mind when you hear that Jesus is head of the church? How do you experience Jesus as your head?