'Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
to the saints which are at Ephesus,
and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.'
Eph 1:1-2)
Hello
@David H,
In regard to your use of the words, 'saints' and 'faithful' in
Ephesians 1:1. The use of both words in that epistle and elsewhere in the epistles of Paul make clear that:-
The 'saint' is one by redeeming grace, the 'faithful' is one who, having been raised with Christ, seeks to walk worthy of the high calling he has received. so 'the saints' (1:1) are such by their calling (1:4), and that this calling is realized by the finished work of Christ on their behalf (5:27), and that, while their sainthood in the first instance derives from what God has done rather than what they are in themselves, there is such a thing subsequently, as a manner of life that 'becometh' saints (5:30), and that love for, and prayer on behalf of the saints for one another is part of the armour of God. (
Ephesians 1:1; 1:15; 1:18; 2:19; 3:8; 3:18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18)
The believers at Ephesus were not only addressed as saints, but
'faithful', and this title indicated some response on their part to quickening love.
'The saints' therefore are also the
'faithful', and are
'in Christ Jesus'. The double title suggests the twofoldness of their calling. As saints they have been redeemed, called, sanctified and assured of glory. This however does not mean that because salvation is not
of works, it is not
unto works. Those who are thus called and sanctified are expected to respond. They should rise and walk in newness of life, and this is largely expressed in faithfulness. More than half verses where this word is used in the later epistles of Paul they are connected with service.
Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris