This, or any one of its related forms—“in Christ,”“in him,”“in whom,”“in the Lord,”“in the beloved”—may be considered as the key phrase of this epistle. These expressions occur frequently in the epistle and designate Jesus Christ as the sphere, or medium, in which the believer lives and moves. They emphasize the close unity that exists between the Christian and his Lord. Everything that the Christian does he does with reference to his Lord.
Faithful.
Gr. pistoi, “faithful,”“believing.”
At Ephesus.
Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between retaining and omitting this expression (see p. 993; Vol. V, p. 182). If this phrase is omitted, the last part of this verse may be translated, “to the saints, those who are also faithful in Christ Jesus.”
Saints.
Gr. hagioi, literally, “holy ones” (see on Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2). The Greek word denotes separation from common condition and use.
Will of God.
Compare 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; see on 1 Cor. 1:1. Paul was not seeking to enhance his personal authority, but, rather, to express a clear sense of calling and obligation (cf. 2 Cor. 8:5). His call had come directly from God (see on Gal. 1:15, 16). His firm conviction of this was the secret of his powerful ministry and devoted Christian life and the source of his courage and faith under suffering.
Jesus Christ.
For the significance of these titles see on Matt. 1:1.