serted the epistle in his canon as “the Epistle to the Ephes- ians;” and it is significant that no manuscript which omits “in Ephesus” substitutes “in Laodicaea.” The encyclical theory rests mainly on internal grounds, such as the general _tenor of the epistle, and the absence of personal reminiscences, appeals and greetings, and of local references. But when ad- dressing a circle of churches, Paul is wont to specify the fact, as in First and Second Corinthians and Galatians. If the words ‘in Ephesus” be rejected, the epistle is entirely without local designation, and is catholic rather than encyclical. Moreover, whenever Paul, in the address of an epistle, uses rols obow which are, he follows these with the name of a place, as ‘‘ at Rome,” “at Philippi,” “at Corinth.”
The Ephesian church, so far as is indicated by the letter, furnished no special reason for its composition. It contains no references to the dangers which Paul predicted at Miletus, no allusions to his personal relations with the church, and no salu- tations to individuals. Its theme is the Church of Christ, Sounded in the will of the Father, developed by the work of the Son, and united in him through the indwelling and energy of the Holy Spirit.
The body of believers is chosen of God: their privilege is adoption: the motive of adoption is grace, its medium Jesus Christ, its element love, its end holiness and the glorification of divine grace (i. 3-6).
The work of the Son in this scheme is redemption, remission of sins, and the gift of wisdom and discernment. His central position in the divine plan will appear in the consummation, which will consist in the summing up of all things in Him (i. 7-12).
The agent and earnest of this inheritance of believers is the Holy Spirit (i. 13-14).
Hence the prayer that the operation of the Spirit may appear in the bestowment of wisdom and revelation (compare i. 8), and of quickened spiritual discernment; so that believers may recognize the divine call, and experience the hope which it en- genders, the riches of the inheritance which it assures (compare i. 11), and the efficiency of the divine power which is exhibited