Grace and Peace to You (Ephesians 1:2)

In his introduction to the believers in Ephesus, Paul pronounces a blessing upon them declaring “grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is the focus of today’s lesson.

Lesson 03:
Grace and Peace to You

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A Simple Study Reference

Passage: Ephesians 1:2
Grace and Peace to You

Ephesians 1:1-2 – Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• FROM
  • Greek word: “apo” – is all about origin. It can either refer to the material from which something is made or of the person from whom an action comes. Thus the origin of the grace and peace is God Himself.
• The Greeting “Grace and Peace”
  •  this greeting is found in all of Paul’s letters (1,2 Timothy, Titus includes “mercy”)
  • Greek culture’s greeting (“chairein” … from same root as “grace” – “charis”)
  • Hebrew culture’s greeting (shalom) – “peace” – a common greeting but also a blessing of health, soundness, and well-being
  • Interesting that Paul uses the common Jewish and the Gentile greetings of his day to greet the church in Ephesus (made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers)
• GRACE
  • Greek: charis – favor and loving kindness exemplified
    • remember Jesus is the fullness of grace exemplified
  • 4 ideas with grace:
    • Grace is given freely and generously — but you must be willing to receive it (no crossed arms)
    • Grace brings about salvation – Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Jesus is our salvation and it is by His work upon the cross that we are saved
    • Grace is our power to live godly in an ungodly world
    • The word “grace” also gives the idea of “good will or a favorable attitude toward someone or something” – God’s attitude toward you is full of “grace”
• PEACE
  • In Greek: eirēnē
  • In Hebrew: shalom (the removal of every enemy faction)
  • Ephesians 2:14 – “Jesus is our peace …”

NRJohnson Commentary on “Grace and Peace to You” in Ephesians 1:2

» sorry for the delay on the commentaries, I am working on it and will have it available on here shortly. Thanks for your patience.

In Our Next Study Together …

I invite you to join me on this journey from the book of Ephesians to discover God’s eternal purpose, His plan for your life, and learn how to practically live out an abundant and fruitful Christian life. 

If you desire to join me in preparing for next week’s study, I encourage you to do the following three things:

1. Read the book of Ephesians (preferably every day)
2. Focus specifically on Ephesians 1:3-14 (the blessing section)
3. Examine the word “blessing” that shows up three times in verse three

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The Deeper Christian Bible Study Series

The Deeper Christian Bible Study Series in Ephesians is an in-depth verse-by-verse study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. These studies will guide you through this life-changing book of the Bible and give you practical application to help you grow in your faith, gain greater intimacy with Jesus, experience the victorious Christian life, and help you build your life around Jesus Christ. 

About NRJohnson 

NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is a Christian who has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps Christians discover and experience a passionate love for God and His Word so that they can grow in their faith, live victorious lives, share the Gospel boldly, grow in their intimacy with Jesus, and transform the world through the indwelling life of Christ.
Read more about him here.