Ephesians 1:11-14 (ESV) 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Background The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul, who also established the church in Ephesus during his missionary journeys (Acts 19). Ephesus was a prominent city in the ancient world, known for its pagan worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana) and as a hub of commerce and culture. Paul spent three years in Ephesus, preaching the gospel and building the church. His letter to the Ephesians serves as a re...