What is the meaning of Ephesians 1:15? For this reason Paul’s phrase reaches back to everything he has just declared in Ephesians 1:3-14—our election, redemption, sealing by the Spirit. Because these blessings are real, concrete, and already ours in Christ, Paul is motivated to respond. • Romans 12:1 shows the same pattern: “Therefore, I urge you…in view of God’s mercy…”—grace received becomes the reason for action. • 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 reminds us that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation… All this is from God,” and that reality moves believers to live differently. ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus Paul highlights a well-grounded, personal trust in Jesus as Lord—the unmistakable evidence of new birth. • Colossians 1:4 combines “faith in Christ Jesus” with love for saints, showing they belong together. • Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” underscoring why Paul celebrates hearing of it. • Romans 10:9 affirms that confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection is the doorway into salvation; that very confession had reached Paul’s ears from Ephesus. Key takeaways: – Faith is observable; Paul “heard” of it. – Faith is centered “in the Lord Jesus,” not in works, ritual, or personal merit (John 6:29). – Genuine faith grows with the proclamation of the gospel (Romans 10:17). and your love for all the saints True faith overflows into practical, sacrificial love for every believer. • John 13:34-35: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” • 1 John 3:14: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers.” • Galatians 5:6 links “faith working through love”; the Ephesian church models this inseparable pair. • 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 encourages believers who are “taught by God to love one another” to “excel still more,” mirroring Paul’s thanksgiving here. Practical markers of such love: – Inclusion: “all the saints,” not only the easy-to-love or culturally similar (James 2:1-4). – Tangible care: meeting needs, hospitality, bearing burdens (Acts 2:44-45; Galatians 6:2). – Perseverance: love that endures trials and differences (1 Peter 4:8). summary Because God has lavished every spiritual blessing on us in Christ, Paul responds with gratitude the moment he hears two unmistakable signs of genuine conversion: steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus and active love for every believer. Ephesians 1:15 reminds us that doctrine must spark devotion, and true belief must manifest in brotherly love—visible, audible evidence that God’s saving grace is at work. |
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