Redemption

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace – Ephesians 1:7

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We know more about the church of Ephesus than any other church in the New Testament. This is because of a great deal of correspondence concerning this church and the apostle Paul also stayed in Ephesus on two occasions; a brief stopover and a prolonged stay of about two to three years.  He was the first Christian missionary to this city. Therefore, it was also an important city in the early Church history.  

In Ephesians 1 we read about the wonderful spiritual riches in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and how God provide these riches for us, including our redemption. In Him, our Lord and Saviour, we have redemption. We can not trust in anything, or anyone else for our redemption. 

 In the time of the apostle Paul, Ephesus was a huge port city. It was one of the largest cities in the Roman empire. A metropolis of commerce and finance. In this city there was also an enormous pagan temple dedicated to Artemis. This temple was the largest Greek temple ever built.  It was central to Ephesian life and also visited by many. We can imagine how the Ephesians came to this temple daily and worshipped a false idol, the lady of Ephesus. 

The apostle Paul wants to make sure that the Ephesian believers understand this incredible important truth:  in Christ we have redemption. In Him we are fully set free. In no one else. Only in Christ.  Paul's message is also for us today. We are redeemed, free from bondage and are no longer under condemnation. We are fully free in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. We do not hope for it, because we already have it. 

Today, only a few fragments remains of the colossal temple at Ephesus. The British museum houses artefacts and remains of the goddess of Ephesus. In contrast, we know that our Redeemer lives. As we read in in Job 19:25: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.'' Amen

Reflection on Ephesians 1:1-12 by Hanne