Ephesians 1:1

Ephesians 1:1 @evn VEfe,sw|# {C}

The words evn VEfe,sw| are absent from several important witnesses (î⁴⁶ a* B* 424^c 1739) as well as from manuscripts mentioned by Basil and the text used by Origen. Certain internal features of the letter as well as Marcion’s designation of the epistle as “To the Laodiceans” and the absence in Tertullian and Ephraem of an explicit quotation of the words evn VEfe,sw| have led many commentators to suggest that the letter was intended as an encyclical, copies being sent to various churches, of which that at Ephesus was chief. Since the letter has been traditionally known as “To the Ephesians,” and since all witnesses except those mentioned above include the words evn VEfe,sw|, the Committee decided to retain them, but enclosed within square brackets.