He has determined to bring us into his kingdom—to give us an eternal inheritance—and to provide us a seat at his table. Paul also addressed this in his letter to the Galatians, where he said: “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, A verse-by-verse exegetical commentary on the Greek New Testament. Introduction, indicating the sender, the receiver of the letter, and a greeting, 2.) We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), but Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has the same effect for us that the sacrifices of the Jewish people had for them—it relieves us of guilt and makes us holy in God’s eyes—sinless and upright. • Sacrificial offerings were to be “a male without blemish…. 1. Reddit. A verse-by-verse exegetical commentary on the Greek New Testament. Ephesians. XI (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), O’Brien, Peter T., The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters to the Ephesians (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999), Rogness, Michael, in Van Harn, Roger E. We are God’s own possession, but our sin has created a barrier between us and God. WhatsApp Introduction & Survey. In other words, they are the same: “The word of truth” = “the Good News.”, “the word of the truth” (v. 13b). The “you” of verse 13 refers to Gentiles. The casting of lots was used frequently for decision-making in the Old Testament (Leviticus 16:8; Numbers 33:54; Joshua 18:8-10; 1 Samuel 14:41-42; etc. “we who had before hoped (Greek: proelpizo) in Christ” (v.12b). Paul had called these Christians to "walk worthily of the calling with which you were called" (4:1)—the key verse for chapters 4-6. Paul uses this phrase in four other places in this book (1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). Christian charis is the gift of salvation by God to all who accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ. • In the New Testament, we find the idea of election (John 15:16; 17:6; Ephesians 1:4; 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:13)—which suggests that God has chosen (or elected) only certain people for salvation. . The Greek word kleroo refers to the casting of lots to decide something—to include casting lots to choose a person for a critical task. Whatever has a blemish, that you shall not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you” (Leviticus 22:19-20). Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. ), which the WEB has updated. God has provided a dwelling place for us there—”a house not made with hands”—an eternal home (2 Corinthians 5:1)—the New Jerusalem, “prepared like a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). That is how “blessed” is used in this verse. That relationship involves receiving justification (being made righteous) as a gift rather than as a personal achievement. As in verses 3b and 5a above, Christ is the agent of God by whom God bestows his blessings—his favor—on us. Introduction. Introduction. After detailing the historical, geographical, literary, and cultural context, the exegete focuses his attention on analysis of the passage itself, carefully identifying key terms, overarching themes, and syntactical relationships. What is God’s good pleasure? “the Good News” (euangelion) (v. 13b). However, if one is patient, he or she can read with profit. God calls us to be holy, because God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). The Greek word proelpizo (“had before hoped”) is composed of pro (before) and elpizo (to hope). “to an administration of the fullness of the times“ (Greek: kairos pleroma) (v. 10a). “which he made to abound (Greek: perisseuo) toward us” (v. 8a). Preliminary Passage Overview 2 2. “in whom you also“ (v.13a). Typically, he/she will forfeit the down payment or earnest money if he/she fails to follow through. Exegesis Paper- Ephesians 6:10-24. “to the praise of his glory“ (v. 14c). ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sunday’s Texts: The Second Readings: Acts and the Epistles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001), Slater, Thomas B., Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary: Ephesians (Macon, Georgia: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc., 2012), Thielman, Frank S., Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Ephesians (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2010), Copyright 2013, 2017, Richard Niell Donovan, All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan. Some scholars would revise the wording of this verse to indicate that God has chosen us as his lot, just as he chose Israel as his lot (Deuteronomy 32:8-9). Jewish people thought of heaven as God’s abiding place (Isaiah 6:1; Psalm 11:4; 102:19; see also Matthew 5:16; 6:9; Mark 11:25; Revelation 3:12; 4:2). We could, therefore, translate eudokia as “good pleasure.”. 10 Ibid., 173-75. mentioned in 6:21-22 which according to 2 Tim 4:12 was sent to Ephesus.'" This sort of berakah is found in a number of places in the Hebrew Scriptures (Genesis 14:20; 24:27; Exodus 18:10; 1 Kings 1:48; 8:15, 26; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 41:13; 72:19-20). Some scholars believe that this letter was written for circulation to a number of churches rather than just to the church at Ephesus. • He talks about “the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints” (Colossians 1:26). At the time of its writing, Paul is in Rome, imprisoned for championing the purposes of Christ and growing the church. Contextual consideration remains imperative throughout the interpretative process, and the reader must actively consider the broader textual context of the passage in question, rather than examining the passage in isolation.10Accordingly, to interpret Ephesians 4:7-16 correctly, one must und… When Paul tells these Ephesian Christians that they have been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” he most likely intends them to associate all three meanings—ownership, authority, and protection—with the word “sealed.” We are subject to God’s ownership. body, 3.) “for adoption” (Greek: huiothesia) (v. 5a). 1 Contents 1. EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: In chapter 2, Paul talked about the Gentile Christians in Ephesus. The angel Gabriel used charitoo at the Annunciation, when he said to Mary, “Rejoice, you highly favored one!” (charitoo) (Luke 1:28). “in all wisdom (Greek: sophia) and prudence” (phronesis) (v. 8). Redemption involves bringing liberty to a captive, usually through a ransom payment—the payment required to secure the redemption. The form of this verse is called a benediction (good saying) or a berakah (the Hebrew word for blessing). Verses 1-14 provide a thumbnail sketch of Paul’s theology. 1. “Bestowed favor” is a good translation. Paul speaks of “the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). You can find the best commentary on Ephesians for … . The catechism asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”. It also required them to buy back (redeem) family land that had fallen into other hands due to poverty (Leviticus 25:25, 33). Info: 6845 words (27 pages) Essay Published: 8th Feb 2020 in Theology. Note the frequency with which the second-person plural pronoun (“us” and “we” and “our”) appears in these verses. This passage is roughly in the center of the doctrinal section of Ephesians. In terms of sheer size and scope (960 pages), Harold Hoehner’s commentary on Ephesians is the place to turn for those seeking a comprehensive conservative evangelical treatment of this epistle. They had been “dead in transgressions and sins,” (2:1), but God in his mercy “made (them) alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:5-6). Ephesians 6, Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, originally published in four parts, is a digest of vatious readings and marginal references “You also” means “you the Ephesians”—the Ephesian Christians being predominantly Gentiles. However, if a patron were to grant us unimaginable wealth, we could be faithful to the patron by using the money in a way that would be consistent with the patron’s wishes or values. An Exegetical Study of Ephesians 1:11-14. were prohibited from making sacrifices at the altar (Leviticus 21:16-21). God has a plan for our lives, and “works all things” to carry out that plan. While this book begins, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus” (1:1), scholars today are divided regarding both the authorship and the intended recipients. Paul ascribed blessings or praise to God (v. 3a) in response to the blessings that God bestowed on us—”every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (v. 3b). Ours is an “eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15)—a “city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10)—”a better country, that is a heavenly one,” a city prepared for us by God (Hebrews 11:16)—”the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22). We glorify God by our worship and by our obedience to his will. “having predestined (Greek: proorizo) us for adoption (huiothesia) as children through Jesus Christ to himself“ (v. 5a). The “we” of this verse refers to Jews. More precisely, we are all among those who have been called (Greek: kletos), but only the elect (eklektos) have chosen to respond. Reference this Share this: Facebook. For the past 30 years, Harold Hoehner has trained thousands of seminarians in the art of New Testament exegesis. He determined to magnify Christ “in (his) body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20). In the New Testament, euangelion is used for the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Redemption involves bringing liberty to a captive, usually through the payment of a price. Ephesians has been called the Queen of the Epistles, the quintessence of Paulinism, the divinest composition of man and even the Waterloo of commentators. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. If it was written by someone else, it was probably written in the 80’s or 90’s. Twitter. There are two Greek words for time—chronos and kairos. Ephesians 4:1-32 . He has a particular space for each one of us to occupy in his spiritual universe. When we fail, as we do when we trespass or sin, we must rely on God’s grace to restore the holiness that our trespass ruined. Their belief in Christ has assured their salvation (v. 13b) and their being sealed with the Holy Spirit (v. 13d). Our inheritance, of course, is salvation—”a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). An Exegesis of Ephesians 1:15-23 The Second Lesson Appointed for the Festival of the Ascension of Our Lord Introduction Of the five major festivals in the Christian Church calendar, Ascension has gotten a bum deal. For instance, Romans 6:5 says, “For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection.” That verse sees resurrection-unity with Christ as something that we will experience in the future. Jewish law required Israelites to buy back (redeem) a family member who had been forced to sell himself into slavery (Leviticus 25:47-49). “in Christ” (v. 3b). This phrase probably means the Holy Spirit as promised by the Old Testament. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Exegesis Paper: Ephesians 6:10-20 Submitted to Dr. Bill Victor In 1 “We pass into the stillness and hush of the sanctuary when we turn to Ephesians,” says William G. Moorhead. God has a thelema—a will—a plan—for every person. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. (ed. Both convey the idea of failure—failure to walk upright (paraptoma) or failure to hit the target (hamartia). 1:3–14, 15–23; 2:1–7; 3:2–13, 14–19; 4:1–6, … To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser. Here Paul assures these Ephesian Christians that they have “heard the word of truth,” by which he means, “the Good News of your salvation.”. He now brings that experience to bear on this important work. Boule is the counsel or deliberation that goes into making a good decision. THE GUARANTEE OF OUR SALVATION FOR GOD’S GLORY: An exegetical study of Ephesians 1:3-14 with vv. That is especially significant, given that God has appointed his Son “heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). We serve with Godly authority. The New Testament presents Jesus’ death on the cross as a redemptive act for humanity—as a “ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). To Greeks, the word charis connoted generosity—generosity that demanded loyalty on the part of the recipient. The emphasis lies on the life of men on earth and the way in which they conduct their existence. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary. “Holy” and “without blemish” are roughly synonymous. See also Acts 1:26). Ephesians. Having an inheritance had the power to determine a man’s future. Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). It is easy, therefore, to understand why Paul would adapt charis to the Gospel. (Bruce) LinkedIn. Thus the down payment or earnest money serves as a guarantor that the person will follow through. LinkedIn. The Uniform Series text for Sunday, December 31, is Ephesians 4:1-16. • Bestowed favor (v. 6) (Matthew 5:3-11). Greeks often used the word charis to speak of patronage (the support of a patron, such as someone who provided financial or political support). While a down payment is not required to secure God’s future faithfulness, Paul is saying that the gift of the Holy Spirit is an arrabon or a first installment of our inheritance. “which he purposed (Greek: protithemai) in him“ (v. 9b). An exegetical commentary on the New Testament Greek text of Paul's letter to the Ephesians with detailed notes on syntax and interpretation. He now brings his skill and experience to this commentary on Ephesians—a commentary that no serious student can afford to ignore. Paul frequently uses the phrases, “in Christ” and “in Christ Jesus.” Being “in Christ” involves an all-encompassing relationship with Christ Jesus—a relationship that has saving power. “in the Beloved” (v. 6b). However, God has paid the ransom through Christ’s death to effect the redemption of that which belongs to him—and we are the possession that belongs to him. Outline/Structural Summary 10 Heaven is where we can expect to find our true rewards and where we should seek to find our treasure (Matthew 5:12; 6:20). Another Greek word, hamartia (sin), is miss-the-mark imagery. Identify Structure - Section #3. , (and) against spiritual wickedness” (Eph … An Exegesis of Ephesians 1:15-23 The Second Lesson Appointed for the Festival of the Ascension of Our Lord Introduction Of the five major festivals in the Christian Church calendar, Ascension has gotten a bum deal. • Inheritance (v. 11) Brief exegesis of Ephesians 1:3-14 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ1 before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. God has given us the Holy Spirit, in part, to give us a glimpse of our future inheritance—and a guarantee that we will receive it. • Salvation (v. 13). He has a particular space for each one of us to occupy in his spiritual universe. Harold Hoehner — Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary (2002). Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23 (Read Ephesians 1:15-23) God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer. Pseudonymous writings were common at that time, and the intent of a pseudonymous letter would not have been to deceive. We often use mystery to mean something beyond our understanding. “All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) which means that we are subject to an eternal penalty for our sins. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Exegesis Paper: Ephesians 6:10-20 Submitted to Dr. Bill Victor In They are therefore dense—tightly packed. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. Exegetical Exercise (Ephesians 4 1-16) “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”. At Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, a voice from heaven said, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11) and “This is my beloved Son” (Mark 9:7). He tells us that “we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7)—and that Jesus Christ is the one “in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins” (Colossians 1:14). Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary, 104. Book mysteries are thrillers and crime stories. The Greek word translated “blessed” there is makarios, and the blessed are people. When we bring our lives into congruence with God’s will, the witness of our lives will honor God and will also draw others to God. Now Paul refers to God as “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”. The word huiothesia combines two words:  huios (son) and tithemi (to place). In fact, it is quite the opposite. Both speak of a high degree of purity—in this case, spiritual purity. EXEGESIS PAPER ON EPHESIANS 6:1-3 ‘Children Obeying & Honouring their parents is a right thing to do and bring blessings’ Background: Paul the author of this letter, realizing that the Ephesians were starting to forsake their first love, wrote this epistle to encourage them to love both God and their fellow saints. The Greek word arrabon means a pledge, or earnest money, or a down payment. As such it will lay a part of the foundation for the practical exhortations in part 2 of the epistle. and a conclusion, which usually ends with a farewell prayer. Epistle to the Ephesians T K Abbott, 1909. Sacrificial animals were holy, because they were set apart for God. Reference this Share this: Facebook. We can fulfill God’s purpose for us as we seek to fill that space—as we seek to bring our wills into congruence with God’s will.