In this first unit of Ephesians, the text reveals itself to be both like and unlike other Pauline epistles. The opening greeting and declaration of blessedness are quite familiar. But the text never takes on the personal, pointed trajectory common to other Pauline letters. Though debate continues, there is considerable consensus that the "letter" to the "Ephesians" should be seen as a kind of general sermon intended to be read during worship to any number of congregations, with the Ephesians probably one of many. Thus, the document's rather impersonal tenor and its numerous liturgical and hymn-like qualities may be seen as part of this generalized function the "letter" was intended to serve.

The language of election or predestination seems to seep throughout the first few verses of today's…