Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, written during his imprisonment in Rome around AD 60, sets the foundation for understanding the riches of our life in Christ. In the opening verses, Paul reminds us of his dramatic transformation—from a zealous persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ Jesus, chosen “by the will of God” (Eph. 1:1; Acts 9). This radical change underscores the power of God’s intervention and sets the stage for the letter’s message. Paul writes to the saints in Ephesus, faithful believers whose lives are rooted in Christ.

He begins with a prayer for grace and peace, then erupts in praise: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Paul highlights that God has already given believers every spiritual blessing in Christ. These blessings are greater than earthly comforts because they are eternal, costly, and rooted in Christ’s work. God blesses us by acting in our lives—choosing, adopting, and transforming us—while our blessing of God is our grateful response of praise.

The challenge for us is to value spiritual blessings above earthly ones. Earthly gifts are temporary and fleeting, but spiritual blessings reveal the depth of God’s love and cost Him infinitely more. Our contentment in life flows directly from recognizing, valuing, and praising God for these eternal blessings.