Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.
How do we know we can trust Paul? God Himself and other prophets vouched for him.
Why another apostle? There were 12 sent to Israel. Twelve is the number associated with Israel. Twelve legions of angels minister to Israel.
We are not spiritual Israel. You can’t serve efficiently if you don’t know who your apostle is. Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). Apostle = sent one.
Paul was perfect for the job because he started in the other party. He was Jew and Gentile — Roman citizen, spoke Greek.
In Ephesians, Paul stands alone. Only here and in Romans, books of doctrine. All the other epistles were from Paul with others.
by the will of God — Paul could have said no. The will of God for the dispensation, not just for Paul.
God’s will (1 Timothy 2:4) — God’s will — all would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. He’s not going to make you believe. The power of salvation begins where your heart stops. His will begins with salvation but doesn’t stop there. In America, you have the right to swing your fist, but your right ends where my nose starts.
