Monday 18 August 2025
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (v. 7)
Background
Traditionally the letter to the Ephesians is considered to be one of Paul’s letters written while he was in prison. There have been scholarly debates about which prison he was in (Rome or Ephesus) and when it was written, etc. Some have argued that the letter came from Ephesus and query why there is no clear person to whom it is addressed. Others say it came from Rome as a ‘round-robin’ letter reflecting a more measured and polished style from Paul, and the Ephesians' copy was found in the equivalent of the church vestry. Some look at the style and say it was written by a person who was a disciple of Paul but at a later date, about 90 AD rather than in the mid 60s AD. Leaving aside scholarly debate, there is no disputing that the letter to the Ephesians crystallises much of our Christian theology and offers plenty for us to reflect and ponder on.
I want us to consider the last part of verse 7, which the Good News Bible translates as "How great is the grace of God". This is the starting point of our faith and the companion of our discipleship. God’s gift of love is offered to the whole of the creation. There is no sense of our deserving this gift; there is no sense of our earning this gift. It is freely given. It has to be accepted – every gift has to be accepted for it to be a gift. This is the start of a life of faith. It is why this passage which praises the gift of grace starts the letter, because it is the starting place.
To Ponder:
- We often give each other gifts, and there is great pleasure in giving. How do you feel when a gift, carefully chosen and generously offered, goes unappreciated?
- How do we make sure that we don’t abuse God’s love for us by taking it for granted?
Bible notes author: The Revd Malcolm Peacock
The Revd Peacock is Superintendent Minister of the Mid Glamorgan Mission Circuit. He has a deep and abiding interest in Celtic theology and believes those who are minorities or feel themselves marginalised should be given a voice to speak for themselves.