Introduction
When we meet new people, we often ask, “What do you do for a living?” People say, “What you do doesn’t define you,” but often, our jobs or activities are linked to who we are. This isn’t always bad if what we do aligns with our core values. Paul didn’t do ministry for money; he did it because it was who he was. For Paul, ministry wasn’t just a job; it was a calling. Today, we will reread verses 1-2 and learn about Paul’s identity as an apostle and our identity as saints. At the heart of both roles are the ideas of grace and peace.

Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 1:1-2 (New Living Translation)

"This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."

Explanation and Reflection
To understand Paul’s greeting, let’s talk about four key words.

1. Apostle
An apostle is a messenger, someone sent with orders. Paul wasn’t just sharing the Gospel; his teachings and letters became part of the Bible. His life and work helped build the early church and the Bible we have today.

2. Saints
Many people think saints are only very holy people recognized by the Catholic Church. However, in the New Testament, a saint is anyone who follows Christ. In some Bible translations, “saints” are called “God’s holy people.” All believers in Christ are saints, meaning they are set apart to follow and serve Him. So when Paul talks about saints or “God’s holy people,” he means all the believers in Ephesus and also us.

3. Grace
Paul used the word “grace” 95 times in his letters. Grace is the unearned favor from God that gives us salvation. It’s a key part of Paul’s beliefs.

4. Peace
Peace is a calm and quiet state of soul that comes from trusting Christ. It’s not a life without trouble or problems. Instead, it means quietness of soul amid storms because of our hope in the Gospel and trust in the Lord.

These words—apostle, saints, grace, and peace—are powerful in Paul’s greeting and set the stage for his teachings in Ephesians.

Question of the Day
Here's a question for reflection and application:
What hope, joy, and strength do Paul’s words in his greeting to the church in Ephesus give you today?