1:23 his body. The theme of the church as the body of Christ, whose members are composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is prominent in Ephesians (2:15-16; 4:4,12-16). See also I Corinthians 12:12-31; Romans 12:4-5; Colossians 1:24.

1:23 fulness of him. This is an amazing concept, that somehow we, the members of His body, can contribute to the “fulness” of the great King who, by virtue of His work of creating, saving and reconciling all things (Colossians 1:16-20) already “fills all things” (Ephesians 4:10; see also 3:19; 4:13; Colossians 2:9-10).