Grace & Peace
Two major themes of Ephesians & the Gospel
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:2 (ESV)
Paul’s typical greeting throughout his letters (compare Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; Phil 1:2). It summarizes his gospel message: God’s work through Christ (grace) brings people into a harmonious relationship with God and one another (peace).1
In his customary greeting,2 Paul demonstrates his unique calling. "Greetings" or "grace" was a common introduction in the Greek style, reflecting Paul's ministry to the Gentiles. "Peace" was the Hebrew style of introduction, pointing to Paul's heritage. It is a unique and distinctly Christian greeting.
It also communicates two key themes of the gospel, the themes of the rest of the book. It is by grace through faith that we are saved (2:1–10). It is through grace that Paul was chosen to share this good news (3:1–13). This gospel is a message of peace (6:15). It brings us into unity with God and others (4:1–7). It is this good news that can make us new and transform us from the inside out.
Take some time this week to meditate on the themes of grace and peace:
Grace: goodwill freely disseminated (by God); especially to the benefit of the recipients regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator (see Ephesians 1:2, 6, 7; 2:5, 7, 8; 3:2, 7, 8; 4:7, 29; 6:24)
Peace: harmonious relations and freedom from disputes (see Ephesians 1:2; 2:14, 15, 17; 4:3; 6:15, 23)
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Soli Deo Gloria,
Caleb Friske
Faithlife Study Bible
The exact formula of this greeting can be found in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; and Philemon 3.