Paul saturates his letter to the Ephesians with great doctrinal truth, a primary one being that of Christ’s beloved body, the Church. As with his letters to the Romans and Galatians, Paul identifies himself as the sole author and stresses his apostleship—probably reflecting the emphasis on the letter’s doctrinal content. His other letters are co-authored by Timothy, Silas, etc., the exceptions being his “personal” letters to Timothy. One might say those letters reflect more the outworking of doctrinal truth in the life of the church and individuals.

He writes to the “saints”–what an elated salutation for believers to hear. The term is never meant to distinguish so-called holy men with halos. It occurs 61 times in the Bible (NASB version) and refers simply to Christians. It means we are “called-out ones” who have been set aside as special to God. Even the carnal Corinthian believers were called “saints” (1 Cor 1:2)!

In contrast to the Corinthians, the apostle describes the Ephesian believers as “faithful in Christ Jesus.” There is no higher praise a Christian can receive, reminiscent of Jesus’ comment about the servant’s reward, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21 NLT). This letter represents not a reprimand for any major failings, but an encouragement to walk in the solidness of their faithfulness. To be sure, no church is perfect, and the letter does contain some correction. However, the Ephesian believers had a solid foundation of teaching and were doing relatively well in their spiritual walk.  They had been favored with over two years of Paul’s teaching, extended ministry by Aquila and Priscilla, and the powerful preaching of Apollos (see Acts 18-19).

But doctrinal truth needs to be combined with love or it stagnates. The Ephesian church began well and continued well in their doctrinal beliefs. But, within 40 years they began to fade in the outworking of that doctrine. When Jesus addressed the seven churches in the Book of the Revelation, the Ephesian church was the first mentioned and the first castigated. The issue was not doctrinal unfaithfulness, but loss of their first love (Rev 2:4). Right doctrine is not enough! “If I … know all mysteries and all knowledge … but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Cor 13:2).

Paul includes his signature “grace and peace to you,” not merely an idle salutation, but a genuine desire for his readers, including us.