Ephesians 1:1 – To the Saints

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God to all the saints who are also believers in Christ Jesus…

In this verse, most Bibles read ‘in Ephesus’. With and without brackets. But in the most important manuscripts of the New Testament this address is missing. Apparently, this letter is not addressed to a limited group of believers in one place but to all who are “in Christ Jesus”. Not intended for only one place on earth, but destined for all in Christ Jesus, in heaven!

“The saints” literally means: those who are isolated and set apart. In the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to Israel that was set apart as a people. Secluded from the other nations. But this letter is not addressed to Israel as such. For that people is admittedly a holy people, but at this moment certainly not believing in Christ Jesus. This letter , on the other hand, is addressed to all those who are saints and also believers in Christ Jesus.

The plural “saints” is often mentioned in this letter (11x). It typifies the position of the faithful. Set apart by God. Intended for the highest place. Connected and made one “in Christ Jesus”!

Delen: