The phrase “ever since I heard about your faith” has created a lot of controversy. Some approach this by saying Paul was never at Ephesus because he wrote “I heard.” They forget Paul often wrote about other places he had been this way. Also, Acts records Paul’s ministry in Ephesus for three years. In this case there are two possible reasons why Paul wrote the way he did. First, there was a period of time between when Paul was there and when he wrote the letter. Second, this letter is often consider a circular letter going to several congregations, therefore, Paul may not have been at their congregations, but had heard about their faith. Tradition says the Ephesian letter was one circulated among other congregations and would be the reason for Paul writing, “I heard”.
The Ephesians had “faith in the Lord Jesus.” They had learned well who Jesus is. You will notice Paul wrote “Lord Jesus” not Lord Jesus Christ. It is easy to read right over this and not see what Paul has written. Paul is showing us Jesus is God. To be a Christian you must believe Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son of God, believe in the Incarnation, believe in the Virgin Birth and the miracle involved in that birth for Jesus is Lord. By this expression, “Lord Jesus” you have the answer to the mystery of godliness, God was manifest in the flesh. Paul wants us to focus on the person of Jesus Christ for He was fully man and fully God. He lived like a man, being tempted in all ways as mankind is tempted yet without sinning. He was crucified to take away the sins of all who will come to Him. Jesus is not only our Savior, but also, our Lord. Have you committed your life completely to the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you have faith in the Lord Jesus?
The second part Paul heard about the Ephesians was their “love for all the saints.” Jesus puts this in its proper place when He answered the question, “which is the greatest commandment in the law?” “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments," Matthew 22:37-40. The love for God and fellow Christians shows others you are truly committed to being a Christian as the Scripture teaches. The phrase, “Blood is thicker than water” is often used to show the relationship of your physical family. When it comes right down to it, if you are a part of Christ body, you are family. Also, this will lead you to being concerned for those outside of Christ; to bring them to Jesus. THINK ABOUT THIS VERY CAREFULLY AND MAKE THE APPLICATION TO YOUR OWN LIFE!!!!!!