Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus."
Text: Ephesians 1:1
INTERPRETATION OF THE WORD “SAINT”
In order to fully comprehend and appreciate the letters of Paul, we must of course seek to interpret his employment of words and phrases. In the Ephesian text, Paul used the word “saint” without explaining how he used it. The careful student must do cross-referencing work to avoid misreading and misinterpreting him.
The larger or the more elaborate text must be utilized to interpret the shorter unexplained text. In this case, the derived meaning from the Corinthian text must be applied to the Ephesian text.
“To the church of God which is at Corinth,
To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus,
Called to be saints, with all who in every place
Call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord …”
1 CORINTHIANS 1:2
DERIVATION OF MEANING
The following things may be derived from our study of the word “saint” in this text:-
1. Two closely allied words
a) “Sanctified” (hegiasmenois- root word “hagios”) – to make holy
b) “Saints” (hagiois- root word “hagios”)- “holy ones” translated “saints”
2. “Called to be saints”
Paul addressed his readers who believed in the Lord Jesus as “saints” only because it was God Himself who regard them as “holy ones.” He did not canonize the Ephesian believers. He merely addressed them in a proper theological sense. God has given a special title to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. They are rightly called “saints.”
3. “Sanctified in Christ Jesus”
There are two important things to bear in mind as we ponder this phrase:-
a) We are “holy” in Christ Jesus
This concept describes our standing or position before God. The Lord sees us as “holy” in Christ Jesus our Lord.
b) We are being made holy in Christ Jesus
The concept of sanctification is necessarily a progressive work of God. The work of salvation does not end with our believing in Jesus as Saviour. God continues to sanctify us. He continues to work in us to make us holy in Christ Jesus.
4. Does this term “saint” apply to us?
This word applies to us as well. A careful reading of the phrase, “in every place” would include believers all over the world.