Acts 19:1 narrates Paul's arrival in Ephesus, providing the historical backdrop for this letter to the saints there.

Acts 20:38 shows the Ephesian elders' grief at Paul's departure, illustrating the deep relationship behind this letter's greeting.

Romans 1:1 similarly introduces Paul as an apostle, though he adds 'servant of Christ Jesus' and 'set apart for the gospel.'

1 Corinthians 1:1 uses the exact phrase 'apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,' matching this verse's self-identification.

2 Corinthians 1:1 opens with the same phrase 'Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God', mirroring this greeting exactly.

Galatians 1:1 also introduces Paul as an apostle, but emphasizes divine appointment rather than 'by the will of God' specifically.

Colossians 1:2 has an almost identical greeting: 'To God's holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ' — same formula.

Acts 18:19 records Paul's first visit to Ephesus, where he left Priscilla and Aquila, founding the church addressed.

Philippians 1:1 uses the identical greeting formula 'to the saints in Christ Jesus', showing a consistent pattern.

Colossians 1:1 begins with the exact same phrase 'Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God'.

Acts 26:10 describes Paul's past persecution of 'saints', contrasting with his apostolic greeting to 'saints' in Ephesians.

1 Corinthians 1:2 addresses the church as 'sanctified in Christ Jesus' and 'called to be holy,' similar to 'God's holy people' here.

Revelation 1:11 lists Ephesus as one of the seven churches, the same city addressed in Ephesians 1:1.

Revelation 17:14 describes the Lamb's followers as 'called, chosen and faithful', paralleling the description 'faithful in Christ Jesus' here.