Ephesians 1

Paul names himself apostle of Christ Jesus “through the will of God”—not by personal merit, as Wesley notes—and addresses “the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus.” Office and identity both rest on God’s gracious initiative.

Arminians gladly confess that vocation is God’s: no one takes the honor. That same will sincerely calls people into Christ, where “saints” and “faithful” describe those who have responded to enabling grace. Faithfulness is life in the Son, not a status drawn irrespective of the gospel’s offer.

Paul’s apostleship is “through the will of God.” Calvin hears the point: no one may seize this honor; God’s calling alone makes lawful ministers. The addressees are saints and faithful “in Christ Jesus”—set apart in the Son before they are located in Ephesus.

The letter arrives under divine appointment. Messenger and people alike stand by God’s will; union with Christ, not self-made status, names them holy and faithful. The greeting already rests on the counsel that sends Christ and His apostle.

“Grace to you and peace” is no empty formula. The blessing comes from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ—shared source, shared gift. Grace is the Father’s favor in the Son; peace is the fruit of that favor received.

The greeting assumes a living relationship that grace has made possible and that faith continues to receive. Grace is sincerely given; peace is true for those in Christ. The church is addressed as people who may live from this blessing, not merely hear about it.

Grace and peace flow from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as covenant kindness, not as a wish that might or might not land. The church is blessed from above because it is already addressed in the Son.

The apostolic benediction names gifts God actually bestows on those in Christ. Union with the Lord Jesus is the channel; the Father’s peace is as sure as the Christ who purchased it. What Paul speaks, God gives.