Introduction

The first two verses serve as an introductory purpose, following the conventions of the day by listing, first, the author of the letter, followed by the recipients, and then the salutation. But Paul is hardly conventional; his experience of the risen Christ had so transformed his outlook that the ordinary of letter writing becomes extraordinary occasions for grace. As Foulkes observes, "the conventional manner of the time is lifted to a higher level. Writer and readers are described from the standpoint of their relationship to God in Christ; and the conventional greeting has become a Christian benediction" (Ephesians (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries; London: Tyndale Press, 1963), 42).

Low Chai Hok

©Alberith, 2014