Before starting on the book itself, here are the commentaries etc that I am reading on Ephesians so you know where some of my ideas and information comes from:
TNIV Study Bible (Zondervan)
New International Bible Commentary : Ephesians, Colossians & Philemon - A G Patzia
Paul for Everyone , the Prison Letters - Tom Wright
Paul draws immediate attention to his apostleship. Apostle means "one who is sent" as a special messenger of God. The term does not just apply to the original disciples. The conversion of Paul as recorded in Acts tells us that God chose Paul specifically to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Other places in Acts and other letters, especially the two Corinthian letters, reveal something of what was involved in this apostleship. Paul was not appointed by men, but by God. However, his apostleship was recognised by men.
The letter is addressed to the saints, or God's holy people, those who have faith in Christ. We are set apart for God's purposes, and we enter this purpose by having faith in Christ.
Paul starts many of his letters by declaring grace and peace to his readers. This grace and peace comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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