Chosen, Raised, and Revealed: Stepping Into the Riches of God’s Grace
- Be God's Glory
- Dec 3
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 336 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
Chapters 1–3 unveil God’s eternal plan for salvation, revealing how believers are chosen, redeemed, and united in Christ through the power of His grace. Paul begins by lifting the reader into a heavenly perspective, showing that God planned our adoption and inheritance long before creation and seals us with His Spirit. He then contrasts our former spiritual deadness with the new life given through God’s mercy, making clear that salvation is entirely His gift. Finally, Paul unveils the mystery that Gentiles and Jews are brought into one family through Christ, forming a holy temple where God dwells by His Spirit. Together, these chapters establish the believer’s identity, privilege, and purpose in God’s redemptive story.
Ephesians 1
Ephesians 1 opens with Paul praising God for every spiritual blessing given to believers in Christ, emphasizing that God chose His people before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless. Paul explains that God lovingly predestined believers for adoption through Jesus, showing that salvation originates from His gracious will, not human effort. He highlights that redemption comes through the blood of Christ and includes the forgiveness of sins and the revelation of God’s plan to unite all things under Christ’s authority. Paul then teaches that believers have obtained an inheritance and are sealed with the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of God’s promises. The chapter closes with Paul’s powerful prayer, asking God to open the eyes of believers’ hearts so they may grasp the hope, riches, and immeasurable power that belong to them in Christ.
Ephesians 2
Ephesians 2 begins by describing the believer’s past condition—spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, and under the influence of the world and Satan. Paul then reveals God’s intervening mercy, showing that despite humanity’s hopeless state, God made us alive with Christ by grace alone. He emphasizes that salvation is not the result of works but a gift of God, and believers are His workmanship created for good works that He prepared beforehand. The chapter then explains how Christ broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity through His death. Paul ends by describing believers as members of God’s household, built together into a holy temple where God’s Spirit dwells.
Ephesians 3
Ephesians 3 centers on Paul explaining the mystery God revealed to him—that Gentiles are full heirs with Israel through the gospel. He describes his calling to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ and make known God’s plan to unite all peoples in Him. Paul teaches that through the church, God’s wisdom is now displayed to heavenly rulers and authorities, showing His power and sovereignty. He encourages believers not to lose heart over his sufferings, reminding them that his trials serve their glory. The chapter concludes with Paul’s heartfelt prayer that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted in love, and filled with the fullness of God.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name “Ephesians” comes from the ancient city of Ephesus, a major Roman port city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The name Ephesus is believed to come from the Greek word “Ephesos,” which is possibly rooted in the idea of “desirable” or “permitted,” reflecting its reputation as a prosperous and attractive city. Ephesus was known for its commerce, culture, and especially the famous Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Purpose of the Book:
The purpose of Ephesians is to strengthen the church by teaching believers their identity in Christ and how to live out that identity. Paul writes to explain:
The spiritual blessings believers have through Christ
The unity of Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ
God’s eternal plan for salvation
How believers should walk in holiness, love, unity, and spiritual strength
The importance of spiritual warfare and the armor of God
Ephesians does not correct major problems like some of Paul’s other letters. Instead, it serves as a doctrinal foundation and a practical guide for Christian living.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Apostle Paul is recognized as the author of Ephesians by both biblical testimony and early historical writings.
1. Internal Biblical Evidence
Paul identifies himself directly in the letter:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 1:1)
The writing style, themes, and theology align closely with Paul’s other letters such as Colossians and Romans.
Shared phrases, prayers, and doctrinal structures reinforce Pauline authorship (e.g., Ephesians 2:8–9 and Titus 3:5).
2. External Historical Evidence
Early Christian writers consistently attribute the book to Paul:
Ignatius of Antioch (A.D. 110) alludes to Ephesians and connects it to Paul.
Irenaeus (A.D. 180) quotes from Ephesians and names Paul as the author.
Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 200) references Paul’s authorship in his writings.
Tertullian (A.D. 200) explicitly defends Pauline authorship.
The Muratorian Canon (late 2nd century) includes Ephesians among Paul’s letters.
Both biblical and historical records support the conclusion that Ephesians is authentically Pauline.
Key People:
Ephesians is less narrative than historical books but still references important figures:
Paul – Apostle, writer of the letter, imprisoned when writing (Eph. 3:1; 4:1; 6:20).
Tychicus – Paul’s ministry partner who delivered the letter and gave updates to the church (Eph. 6:21–22).
The Holy Spirit – Mentioned repeatedly as the seal, guarantee, and source of power.
Christ – Central figure throughout the book; all blessings, unity, and salvation come through Him.
God the Father – Described as the initiator of the believer’s salvation and identity.
(Note: No individual members of the Ephesian church are named in this letter, unlike many of Paul’s other writings.)
Conclusion
The Book of Ephesians stands as one of the New Testament’s richest explanations of who believers are in Christ and how they should live because of that identity. It begins by lifting readers into the heavenly reality of God’s eternal plan—chosen, redeemed, united, and sealed by the Spirit. It then moves to the practical, urging believers to walk in holiness, unity, maturity, and love. Finally, it equips the church for spiritual warfare, reminding them that they fight not in human strength but with the full armor of God. Ephesians remains a foundational letter for understanding Christian identity, community, and spiritual power.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Ephesians 1
In Ephesians 1, God’s character is revealed as sovereign, intentional, and overflowing with grace. He is the God who chooses, adopts, redeems, and seals His people in Christ, showing that salvation is His loving initiative. This chapter teaches us that God’s plan for our lives began before creation, reminding us that our identity is secure in Him and not shaped by our past or the world. The lesson is that we are invited to live confidently as chosen and beloved children of God.
Although no specific Hebrew names of God appear in Ephesians 1, His character aligns with Elohim, the Mighty Creator who establishes His purposes, and El Elyon, the Most High God who reigns over all spiritual blessings. God reveals Himself as the One who works all things according to the counsel of His will, reminding us that His authority governs both heaven and earth. The lesson is that we can trust God's sovereignty and rest in the assurance that His plans for us are good, purposeful, and established from eternity.
Ephesians 2
In Ephesians 2, God’s character is displayed as merciful, compassionate, and rich in love. He takes people who were spiritually dead and brings them to life in Christ, showing His kindness and grace beyond anything we deserve. This chapter teaches us that salvation is completely God’s gift—not earned by works—and that He rebuilds us into His workmanship with purpose. The lesson is that God’s love transforms our identity and unites us with others in His peace.
No Hebrew names of God are directly used in Ephesians 2, but the chapter reflects God as Yahweh-Rohi, the Shepherd who rescues His people, and Yahweh-Shalom, the Lord of Peace who breaks down walls of hostility. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God creates one new people, revealing His heart for reconciliation and unity. The lesson is that God invites us to walk in the peace, unity, and new life He provides, recognizing Him as the One who restores what sin has broken.
Ephesians 3
In Ephesians 3, God’s character is shown as wise, mysterious, and full of eternal purpose. He reveals a divine plan that was hidden for generations—that both Jews and Gentiles are united as one in Christ. This chapter teaches us that God’s wisdom far exceeds human understanding and that He empowers His people with strength through the Holy Spirit. The lesson is that God desires us to be rooted in His love and confident in His ability to do exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine.
Ephesians 3 contains no direct Hebrew names of God, but the chapter reflects Him as El Olam, the Everlasting God who holds an eternal plan, and El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One who strengthens us with His power. His revealed mystery displays His sovereignty over history and His compassion for all nations. The lesson is that we can approach God with boldness and trust because He is eternal, powerful, and deeply committed to filling our lives with His fullness.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God’s sovereignty in choosing and adopting believers in Ephesians 1 help you understand His intentional and purposeful nature?
What does God’s mercy in making us alive with Christ in Ephesians 2 reveal about His compassion toward those who were spiritually dead?
In what ways does God’s wisdom, shown through the mystery revealed in Ephesians 3, expand your understanding of His eternal plan?
How does God’s abundant grace and kindness, emphasized in Ephesians 2, shape your view of His heart toward humanity?
What does God sealing believers with the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 1 show about His commitment to His people?
How does God’s ability to do “exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think” in Ephesians 3 reflect His limitless power and generosity?
How do these three chapters together reveal God as both transcendent (above all things) and relational (deeply involved in our lives)?
Questions About Themes:
How does the theme of spiritual identity woven throughout Ephesians 1–3 challenge any false identities you may have accepted?
What do these chapters teach about the unity between Jews and Gentiles, and why is this theme central to Paul’s message?
How does the theme of salvation by grace through faith in Ephesians 2 reshape the way one views good works?
In what ways do these chapters emphasize the believer’s new position “in Christ,” and why is that significant for spiritual maturity?
How does Paul’s prayer for spiritual enlightenment in Ephesians 1 relate to the theme of growing in understanding and wisdom?
How does the theme of God’s eternal plan in Ephesians 3 highlight the purpose of the Church in God’s larger story?
What do these chapters teach about the role of the Holy Spirit in sealing, strengthening, and empowering believers?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what areas of your life do you struggle to live as someone chosen and accepted by God, and what truth from Ephesians 1 can help you overcome this?
How does remembering your “before Christ” condition in Ephesians 2 deepen your gratitude for salvation today?
What dividing walls—relational, emotional, cultural, or spiritual—does God want to tear down in your life as He did in Ephesians 2?
How can Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 inspire you to pray more boldly and specifically for spiritual strength and deeper love?
What practical steps can you take to walk in the good works God prepared for you, as described in Ephesians 2:10?
Where do you need to trust God’s timing and sovereignty more deeply, based on the truths in Ephesians 1?
How will embracing God’s love, power, and purpose from Ephesians 3 change the way you approach upcoming challenges?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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