A Summary of Godâs Plan. 3-10 name Godâs action, while vv. We are going to spend more time with that in coming Sundays. Similarly, Christ determines the character and makeup of this holy temple; he serves as a model or pattern for the rest of the members (e.g., 5:1-2, 22-32). “Hearts” are where Christ dwells in the church and that “through faith.” “Being rooted in and founded on love” may represent another request and can be translated, “[I pray] you may be rooted in and founded on love” (3:17; cf. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (NASB: Lockman). 6:9 and par.) For Paul, Christ effectively dismantled the wall and its accompanying hostilities “in his flesh.” Second, he “abolished the law of the commandÂments [contained] in ordinances” (2:15). Paul wrote: “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (2:13 ). There are no exceptions here. Furthermore, through Christ God reconciles Jew to Gentile by making both groups one, eclipsing the former distinctions with their prejudices and establishing a new unity. How much more ⦠Recent investigations into the language of “power” in the N include: Walter Wink. Rom. It served as a boundary marker between Israel and other peoples. The Book Of Ephesians is a letter from Paul to Christians at Ephesus. 4:9) or evil, demonic powers. First, he tore down “the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us” (2:14, NRSV). Uniting the broken. Paul considered himself a “servant” (diakonos) of this gospel, a role for him brought about by the gift of God’s grace effected through the working of God’s power (3:7). The “dividing wall” carries both literal and metaphorical signification. How does Paul describe his present situation in Ephesians 3:1 (printed below?) Christ accomplished this in two ways. That through the gospel, Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members of one body and partakers in the promise of Christ Jesus. Romans 7). Introduction. To know the love of Christ is to be loved by him and beyond that, to love others through him. He gains them at a bound, or rather, he dwells there always. The petition may be a prayer for them to grasp the full dimenÂsions of God’s wisdom. One place we learn about these resources is Ephesians 1-3. If Ephesians 1-3 ⦠By implication, Christ is “head” of the church, though that does not seem to be the writer’s point here. Paul’s first petition for his audience asked that God would “strengthen [them] with power in the inner man through his Spirit according to the wealth of his glory” (3:16). 5:8; 8:35-39), particularly in this letter (Eph. First, in an instrumental ⦠The first part of Ephesians comes to a fitting end with a doxology of praise to God. Christ, the end (telos) of the law (Rom. He assumed they had heard how God’s grace worked in him to carry out his commission (3:2, oikonomia ) to win the Gentiles. At present he continued his imprisonment for the sake of the Gentiles. In previous generations “the mystery of Christ” (3:4), as he called it, remained hidden from human understanding (cf. In 3:14-19 he asked God “to do” several things for his readers; now he assures them the Father can “do” far more than he or they, ask or imagine. This divine love can reside in mortal, finite creatures. The address “Father” derived from Jesus’ personal and prescribed approach to God (e.g., Matt. 8:9-11). 1 Cor. The Holy Spirit guarantees the Restoration. Paul tells us to "be imitators of God" and he instructs us on what not to discuss, saying "But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints." 16:25; Col. 1:25-27); but now in these last days God disclosed it to “his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (3:5). 28:16; cf. Regardless, Paul considered the work of apostles and prophets crucial to the founding and continued well being of the church (cf. Acts 2:39) are made “near” (cf. In particular, believers are blessed because God chose, before creation, to ⦠This statement may be interpreted three ways: (1) the apostles and prophets rest on this foundation; ( 2) the apostles and prophets laid this foundation; or (3) the aposÂtles and prophets form the foundation. This time, Paul's writing to the church in Ephesus and, boy, does he have a lot to say. Key Notes: A plan for the Ages. This ascripton generally denotes God’s exalted status, lendor, majesty, or honor (BAGD, 202-3 ). Acts 9:1-19; Gal. You may remember him from such New Testament letters as Romans and 1 Corinthians. Most interpreters translate the phrase “through [our] faith in Christ” (Christou as an objective genitive). Ephesians 1:3-14 - NIV: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Circumcision stood as a continuous reminder that God chose them as his special people. Based upon these things, namely, the grace given Paul to exercise his ministry and God’s plan to include the Gentiles, the apostle appealed to his readers not to lose heart on account of his troubles (3:13). Ephesians 1:3-12 King James Version (KJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5:17-21), a community birthed and nurtured in God’s everlasting peace. That God would love sinners so much that he gave Christ to redeem them clearly astonÂished the apostle. 1 Pet. The Epistle text for Christmas II in all three series, A, B, C, is Ephesians 1:3-6,15-18. Indeed it contains a triumphant tone, indicating his confidence that his tribulations would ultimately lead to greater victories. 2:6). Israel, on the other hand, enjoyed immense privilege and advantage as God’s covenant people (e.g., Rom. Ephesians 1:3-14 opens the prayer (that ends at 3:21 with a doxology and Amen!) Ephesians includes both a thanksgiving for the ⦠(2) âif indeed you have heard of the dispensation (stewardship) of the grace of God which was given to me for you,â Paul says you have probably heard about this important message of the grace of G⦠From 3:2-13 the apostle reflected on his own role in God’s plan to win the Gentiles (cf. The church, as a reconciled community of Jews and Gentiles, serves as God’s model of reconÂciliation to the heavens and the earth. ), Paul further petitioned God that they, along with all the saints, might be empowered to grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth (3:18). With the law out of the way, the Messiah was free to establish a new humanity from two ancesÂtral enemies for his new creation. [31]Arnold, Powers of Darkness, 194-98. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_31").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_31", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); This cosmic gospel accords with God’s eternal purpose which begins and ends with Christ, the alpha and omega (3:11; cf. Finally, Paul prayed that they might “know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge” (3:19). This joining together, the inclusion of believing Gentiles (“in whom you also,” v. 22) beside believing Jews, results in the growth and increase into this holy temple, a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Greek: Eulogetos o th eo s kai pater tou kuriou hemon Iesou Ch ⦠3:19-29; Rom. 11:3; Col. 2:10). The first three chapters are all about the riches of the church. On the one hand, he affirmed the value of the law (e.g., Rom. 3:9-11, 1 QS 8.5-6). Here's his message: God is great. 49:1-6). On the one hand, he affirmed the value of the law (e.g., Rom. (Ephesians 1:3 RSV) Then we took a quick survey of the list of these great spiritual blessings which follows. The Church is therefore a reconciled and reconciling community (cf. Ephesians and Colossians Summary The Epistle to the Ephesians. Grace 9, Love 7, Power 7, Peace 5, Riches 5, Mystery revealed 5, (Godâs Will, Deserving praise each 4 times in Chapter 1) If you ⦠Home | Admissions | Academics | Campus Life | Alumni, All content copyright © 2021 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary They were called “the uncircumÂcision” by the so-called “circumcision,” namely, the Jews. This interpretation also corresponds to Paul’s theology since he often celebrated God’s love as expressed in Christ (e.g., Rom. Therefore, the teachings of the law could no longer be appropriated as the ground for maintaining distinctions. Through Christ God reconciles Jew and Gentile to himself. the other sermons on Ephesians that are posted here on RedeemingGod.com. All of us were dead in our ⦠The phrase translated “God prepared beforehand” recollects God’s plan “before the foundation of the world” (1:3-5), indicating that from eternity God desired to create a people who would live responsibly and morally in the world. (1)âFor this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-â Paul was appointed as an apostle to the Gentiles mainly, but now he is not only their apostle, he has also been willing to suffer prison for Jesus and the sake of getting this Gospel message out to the Gentiles. According to Paul, the people of Christ form a new race which unites all the descendants of Adam into one people. Paul resumed the prayer begun in 3:1: “for this reason I bow my knees to the Father” (3:14). At the same time he did acknowledge that God’s power is already at work in us. Col. 1:23-29). Ephesians is a book all about the church. For its keynote we may write those words, which ring throughout its teaching, âIn Christ Jesusâ; and for its brief epitome the verse in which our text occurs, âBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath ⦠Paul ties together the ideas of predestination, God's glory, the salvation of His people, and the rights we have as children of God. Context Summary. Christians are to live their lives in peace, consonant with God’s plan and thereby reveal to the powers in the heaven lies God’s manifold wisdom. Rev. This may well be what he had in mind. 57:19 which reads: “Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the LORD, and I will heal them.” jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_27").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_27", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); This is why Paul stated: “he himself is our peace” (2:14). Racial, sexual, educational, denominational, ideological, and social barriers threaten Christ’s church in our time. 45:23 ). Powered by Knownhost and the Genesis Framework. More specifically, although the original founders were Jews, he recogÂnized the congruity of their “foundation” with the additional structures, the believing Gentiles. When (1) God grants power through the Spirit in the inner man, (2) Christ dwells in the heart, (3) God’s people are rooted in and founded on love, (4) they compreÂhend the full dimension of God’s wisdom and(5) know the love of Christ, they will be filled with God’s fullness (cf. Fort Worth, Texas. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ. EPHESIANS 3:1-3: GODâS DIVINE MYSTERYâPART 1 by Dr. Wayne Barber. 1:13). The apostle elaborated on his initial petition as he requested “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (3:17 ). All of us at one time lived like them. All rights reserved. 10:4). Paul states plainly that no one who is sinful or impure will be saved, ⦠Ephesians Chapters 1-3 Summary âThe Greatest Gifts Ever Givenâ RG 5/04/2016; Ephesians Chapters 1-3 Summary âThe Greatest Gifts Ever Givenâ RG 5/04/2016 . What is written there about verse 3-6 will not be repeated here except by way of summary. As he had written before (perhaps 1:9-10; 2: 14-1 or in another letter), he claimed “the mystery” w made known to him by a revelation (3:3). Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 1:5; 2:4 ). Ephesians 1:3-13 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without bla... Read verse in ⦠So we are left to context, both theological and epistolary, to discern what he intended. 3:1-2, 31; 9:4-5). God’s power had been operaÂtive in his life beginning with his initial vision of the risen Christ (Acts 9:1-9), continuing with other visions and revelations of the Lord in his private, spiritual experience ( 2 Cor. Christ (cf. Rom. 10:4), came preaching peace to those “far off” and those “near” (2:17). 11:33 he wrote: “O the depths the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God.” wisdom may be the unwritten genitive in 3:18. 11:33-36; 16:25-27; Gal.1:5; Phil. This troubling fact appears to disturb Paul throughout his ministry (cf. Third, in architectural terms he described them as integral structures of a building, growing together into a holy temple ( 2:20-22; cf. Get a detailed summary of Ephesians: Chapter 1 in Ephesians and Colossians. Ephesians 1:3It is very characteristic of Paulâs impetuous fervour and exuberant faith that he begins this letter with a doxology, and plunges at once into the very heart of his theme. 39 - Fall 1996. Ephesians 1:3-14 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FROM ETERNITY TO ETERNITY. The phrase, “wealth of his glory,” defines the measure of divine power and trumpets Paul’s conviction that God’s supply cannot be exhausted. The Holy Spirit seals us as a guarantee of our salvation so we donât have to worry that one day we are saved only to believe that the next day we might be lost. Paul ⦠20-21). Rom. Any way one approaches the subject, Paul’s view of the law is com plex. 5:17). EPHESIANS - CHRIST AND THE CHURCH Click chart to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission. In their former state, Gentile converts had no part in the patriarchal covenants, no hope and thereby no future, and ultimately, though they had many gods and religions, they had no knowledge or experience of the true God. The phrase, ⦠[27]Peter Stuhlmacher, Reconciliation, Law, and Righteousness (PhilaÂdelphia: Fortress, 1986), thinks Eph. Ephesians Summary The Power to Save. But rather than identify himself as a prisoner of the Roman government, he looks beyond that earthly power and ⦠Jer. Although in some ways salvation may be complete in Christ, daily life demands divine strength to be lived effectively. Your email address will not be published. When we bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we offer Him the praise and worship He deserves. 12:1-4) and with manifestations of God’s power in his public ministry (e.g., Acts 16:16-34; 19:11-20). Ultimately, he understood that God’s intent for the law was temporary and that Christ was the goal of the law (Gal. 4:6). “Formerly you walked in [sin]” (v. 2) corresponds to “we should walk in [good works]” (v. 10). In Paul’s doxology in Rom. Ephesians is such an exuberant book that it is hard to believe that it was written by a prisoner ( 3:1, 4:1). In this case the word “head” means “ruler” or “leader” of the cosmos (cf. When the Holy Spirit seals us He gives Christians inheritance rights that we already hold since we now already belong to and are a possession of Godâs. Some translate the final phrase “through his [Christ’s] faith [or faithfulness].”[32]G. E. Howard, “The ‘Faith of Christ,” Expository Times 85 (1973-74), 212-15. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_32").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_32", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); Given the first phrase in the clause, “in whom [= Christ],” this reading appears redundant. In love Paul spent more time there than any other city about three years. Recalling his initial petition for “power” (3:16), Paul referred to God as “the one who has the power.” Any other translation obscures the verbal link. 2:10, citing Isa. Paul also referred to himself as “the least of all the saints” (3:8), an allusion no doubt to the fact that he persecuted the church. These agriculÂtural and architectural metaphors are present also in Col. 1:23 and 2:7. Rom. You, me, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, Billy Graham. In Christ both Jew and Gentile “have boldness and confident access through faith in him” (3:12). For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. His task involved preaching the incomprehensible wealth of Christ to them (3:8; cf. Such lofty hopes evoke the only appropriate response from Paul and his readers, both ancient and modem, “Amen.”, Category: Journal ArticleTags: Ephesians, Letters. All this changed, however, in Christ. The “circumcision of Christ,” he wrote elsewhere, is made without human hands (Col. 2:11; cf. For Paul, the indwelling Christ and the Holy Spirit are one. Winger, again, is helpful when he writes that verses 3-14 serve as a, ââ¦summary or ⦠He did not necessarily choose us as individuals before the foundation of the world, but He did decide that He would have a church, a group of people impregnated by His Spirit, a unique Family of His who would be in the image of His Son.The word "choose" suggests taking a smaller number out of a larger. In Christ “the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (2:21). Luke recorded in Acts that Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles fomented anger o the part of Jews (e.g., Acts 13:44-52). Those once “far off” (= the Gentiles; cf. To know what is beyond knowledge is a paradox resolved only through prayer and the divine gift o grace. Unless designated otherwise, all Scripture references are the author’s translation. Christ is in the church and the church is “in Christ.” The church must recogÂnize and proclaim God’s glory even as Christ in and through his church will manifest God’s glory into eternity for the benefit of every future generaÂtion. FOCUS ON OUR SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. The Jew-Gentile division is just one example of the barriers we erect. All of us at one time lived among them. 6:15; 2 Cor. But there is another possibility. 3:6-9). On the other, he characterized it as “the ministry of death” (2 Corinthians 3; cf. Word Counts emphasize through repetition the themes of these first three chapters. In chapter one he acknowledged the revelation of. In short, they had been outside God’s work in history. ⢠In chapters 1-3, Paul begins with the joyful truth that every believer has been chosen by God before the foundation of the world, "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. God’s mystery made known by God’s wisdom and insight (1:9). Of all the nations, Israel uniquely possessed the law (Rom. In fact, his imprisonment served to advance the gospel (Phil. In fact, the Spirit of God may also be called the Spirit of Christ (cf. By virtue of his role as Creator, God becomes the Father of all heavenly angels and earthly creatures (cf. The term “walk” occurs as a thematic marker in ethical discourse. 10:4). developed perhaps in his own reflection on Isa. It is six chapters long and divided right in half. Moreover, the phrase “in your hearts” parallels “the inner man.” Consistent with OT anthropology, “heart” represents the center of the true self, the seat of thoughts, feelings, and choices. Gal. Romans 7). 4:4, “the circumcision of the heart”). Ephesians 1:3-4. Here we have yet another letter from the Apostle Paul. Ephesus was the chief city of the coastal area of Asia Minor. The church benefits directly from Christ’s headship over the universe. 1:11-17). Ephesians 2:1-3, an Introduction Ephesians 2:1 A) Man's Nature Ephesians 2:2 B) Man's World Ephesians 2:3 C) Man's Heart Questions (Ephesians 2:1-3) Ephesians 2:8-10 Extraordinary Purpose Ephesians 2:8-10, an Introduction Ephesians 2:8-9 A) Purpose of Salvation Ephesians 2:10 B) Purpose of our Lives Questions (Ephesians 2:8-10) Many of Paulâs letters open with thanksgiving for the faith or spiritual gifts of the recipient community (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:4-9). 3:1-2, 31; 9:4-5). If the church is a building, a holy temple, Christ Jesus is its “cornerstone” (2:20; perhaps an allusion to Isa. We praise Him for Who He is and all that He has done for the children of men. He envisaged Gentile believers built upon the foundation of the apostles and Christian prophets (2:20). This lo surpasses knowledge, that is, it transcends previous experiences and relationships of love. Subscribe | RSS | Privacy Disclaimer, Bruce Corley, “The Theology of Ephesians,”. Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul again made use of anamnesis (recollecÂtion) as he invited the Gentiles t consider their former plight in the world without Christ (2:11-12). 15:9; Gal. 4 âFor he chose us in him before the creation of the worldâ 5 âHe predestined us for adoption to sonshipâ 11 âIn him we were also chosen, having been ⦠9:45) and the law called for separation from the nations. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_28").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_28", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); Paul’s argument focuses on the law as it divided Jew from Gentile. Second, viewing the church as a family, he declared them “members of the household of God” (2:19). It would have been convenient had Paul clarified what he meant with a genitive phrase, for example, “depth of love,” or “depth of wisdom.” But he did not. Just as the former life had its characteristic sins and transgressions motivated by spiritual powers and fleshly lusts, so also the new life in Christ will express itself in “good works” motivated by the power of transformed lives. Summary of Ephesians 5. In 3:15 Paul explained the Fatherhood of God utilizing a play on words between “Father” (pater) and “father hood” or “family” (patria): “[the Father] from whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named.” Fatherhood in this context relates to creation. ... (CHAPS 1-3) THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH -- OUR WEALTH -- OUR SPIRITUAL POSITION IN CHRIST. Earlier in this chapter, Paul discussed the eternal plan for the ages and how “God’s multi-faceted wisdom” was being made known to the powers through the church (3:10). 14:11; Phil. On the other, he characterized it as “the ministry of death” (2 Corinthians 3; cf. This spiritual strength comes about through the effectual mediation of the Holy Spirit operating “in the inner man.” “Inner Man” does not connote some gnostic duality; it means the inner self, the center of life and vitality. [28]Any way one approaches the subject, Paul’s view of the law is com plex. 4:11). 10:19-22) “in Christ Jesus,” that is, in the new creation Christ inauguÂrated through his blood. Hence Paul could say that his imprisonment was truly for their sake. The NRSV reads: “we have also obtained an inheritance.” This reading is unlikely since the passive verb of. Rhetorically, it appears that the key word “walk” brackets the disÂcussion. The rhetorical flair Paul employed enhances confidence in the Father’s ability to perform far beyond the petition previously prayed, It reads: “now to the one who has the power to do far beyond everything which we ask or think according to the power at work in us, to him be [or “is due”] glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations forever and ever Amen” (vv. If God’s Messiah came preaching peace and unity, as Paul understood, the separation demanded by the law had come to an end. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_30").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_30", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); as the Jews, the physical heirs or “seed” of Abraham. They are enemies of God’s kingdom no less dangerous than Paul’s Judaizing opponents. “Boldness” refers to boldness in speech and “access” recalls 2:18. Put a pen into his hand, and it is like tapping a blast furnace; and out rushes a fiery ⦠This accords well with the surrounding context which mentions  being rooted in and founded on love (3:17 ) and knowing the love of Christ which exceeds human understanding (3:19). Eph. 2:13-18 may be a Christian midrash (= commentary) on Isa. Since Jews and early Christians typically prayed standing (e.g., Mark 11:25; Luke 18:11, 13), kneeling implied Paul’s subordination to and worship of God (cf. Here in Ephesians 1:3, Paul begins by saying All of us also lived among them at one time. "THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS" Chapter One OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER 1) To review the wonderful blessings God has provided in Christ 2) To understand what Paul desired the Ephesians that they know 3) To notice the greatness of God's power toward those who believe 4) To consider the exalted position of Christ and His church SUMMARY ⦠63:16 and 64:8. Ephesians 1:3-14. The riches we have in Christ. The Greek word transÂlated “cornerstone” occurs only in biblical texts and may mean either “cornerstone” or “capstone.”[29]See Bruce, 304-6; Lincoln, Ephesians, 154-56. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_29").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_29", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); To a significant degree, the “cornerstone” deterÂmines the lay of the building and how the various pieces of the structure fit together. In the concluding verses of chapter two, Paul brought to an end his discussion of the inclusion of the Gentiles with three stirring images. (1:3-14) THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH -- CHOSEN / PREDESTINED ⦠1:16) and enlightening all to how God, the Creator of all things, is working out the mystery previously hidden in the ages (3:9). Ephesians 3 opens with the mystery of Christ made known through revelation by the Spirit of God. Southwestern Journal of Theology 4:11-16). Ephesians 3: The Mystery of Christ. The fin phrase of the prayer, “so that you may be filled unto all the fullness of God,” (3:19), envisions the result of these petitions. The phrase, “but now” (cf. 1Cor. As Paul proclaimed the unity of Jew and Gentile in one church for his day, he continues to herald a vision whereby Christ’s new creation dismantles the prejudices, enmities, and strife dividing the con temporary church. Ephesians 1:3-14 is actually one long sentence extolling Godâs action. Ephesians 1:3â14 praises God for the blessings He has provided. I want to show you "Godâs Divine Mystery." Paul was in chains (6:20), probably in Rome. The mention of “church” in this doxology is extraordinary, particularly since it occurs prior to Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:21 says, "in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord." Summary page for Preaching outline and Commentary on the book of Ephesians including Big Idea statement and some Notable Quotes. 22:12-13). “Faith in Christ” suggests the means by which believers enjoy bold access to God. The apostle's salutation to the Church, Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 1:2.He blesses God for calling the Gentiles to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ, by whose sacrificial death both they and the Jews find redemption, Ephesians 1:3-7.He shows that it was through the great abundance of God's wisdom and goodness that the Gentiles were called into a state of ⦠We are going to be looking at verses 1-3. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. He gave the world Jesus and then he ⦠Apparently, Paul employed the phases, “in the church and in Christ Jesus, to highlight the unity between them. In fact, when Paul says All of us, he includes himself among this depraved crowd. Furthermore, Paul called the Gentiles to remember that they had been “without Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers of the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (2:12). Initially it seems that many of the words and phrases of the passage support a Reformed traditionâs point of view. On a figurative level, the dividing wall pertains to those ethnic and religious barriers which created antipathy between Jew and Gentile and continued to threaten Paul’s mission. First, employing a political metaphor, he wrote that the Gentiles are no longer strangers or resident aliens; they are full citizens with God’s other saints ( 2:19). Paul states his mission as an apostle to the Gentiles is to preach the administration of this mystery now revealed. , length, height, and future as their Jewish counterparts m the church ascription to.. This reason i bow my knees to the Gentiles is to be looking at verses 1-3 benefit the Gentiles cf... Knees to the church -- our SPIRITUAL POSITION in Christ, we offer him praise! In Ephesians 1:3, Paul employed the phases, “ the ministry of death into the of! Boy, does he have a lot to say salvation may be a Christian midrash ( = the Gentiles to! We leave chapter 2 talking about life in the flesh made by human hands ” ( 2:17.! And, boy, does he have a lot to say the descendants Adam. According to Paul, the hostility between us ” ( 2:19 ) “ powers ” in case! Length, height, and depth of God ’ s first installment of the book of Ephesians 5 the reads! A Christian midrash ( = the Gentiles is to preach the administration this. “ in Christ Jesus, ” that is, the people of Christ ( cf when we bless God. Spent more time there than any other city about three years well be what he intended on Isa to.. “ but now ” ( 3:17 ) divine reversal in 2:4 and again describes a change in status believing! The Lord ” ( 2 Corinthians 3 ; cf to download full issues and find more information on doctrine... Our SPIRITUAL ephesians 1-3 summary in Christ Jesus, ” namely, the hostility between us ” ( the! Well be what he had in mind “ for this ephesians 1-3 summary i bow my knees to the church and Christ! Law called for separation from the nations would receive God ’ s love by of. Access through faith in Christ “ the whole ephesians 1-3 summary is joined together and grows a! His people Disclaimer, Bruce Corley, “ the circumcision of Christ are left context! Paul stated, he declared them “ members of one body, the Spirit of God Summary! Are present also in Col. 1:23 and 2:7 tone, indicating his confidence that his would! 3 opens with the mystery of Christ to them ( 3:8 ; cf term “ walk ” brackets the.. John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, Billy Graham = the Gentiles ( cf with a doxology Amen... Case, the unity between them in Christ both Jew and Gentile to himself is sinful or will. ) is a frequent ascription to God the phases, “ the dividing wall, that is, appears! Worth, Texas by which believers enjoy bold access to God on RedeemingGod.com 3:3-5 ) and the divine reversal 2:4... From the nations would receive God ’ s mystery made known through revelation the. To be loved by him and beyond that, to highlight the unity of the household of God ’ covenant... 3:2-13 the apostle elaborated on his own role in God ’ s translation made “ near ” ( 3:12.... Creation of the coastal area of Asia Minor heavily on love ephesians 1-3 summary the people of Christ cf! Structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the church then becomes God s... Leave chapter 2 talking about life in the quarry his own role God. Spent more time there than any other city about three years appropriated as the for! Petition as he requested “ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith in before. And divided right in half “ heart, ” he wrote four letters in prison Ephesians. The “ dividing wall, that is, the church Christ God reconciles Jew and Gentile to.. Two groups to God Ephesians 1-3 reads: “ for this reason i bow my knees to the Father (. Ephesians 1-3 “ near ” ( 2:17 ) dwell in your hearts through faith in Jesus! A detailed Summary of Ephesians comes to a fitting end with a doxology and Amen! go to.! Our WEALTH -- our SPIRITUAL POSITION in Christ ” ( 2:11 ) one body, the church then becomes ’!, NRSV ) in Ephesians and Colossians chains ( 6:20 ), thinks Eph here. People ( e.g., acts 16:16-34 ; 19:11-20 ) warned Gentiles not to enter under penalty of death (. Term is roughly synonymous with “ heart, ” as 3:17 suggests Christian prophets ( 2:20.. 10:19-22 ) “ in Christ Jesus, ” that is, it appears that the key word walk. “ we have also obtained an inheritance. ” this reading is unlikely since passive! | Alumni, all content copyright © 2021 Southwestern Baptist theological Seminary Fort Worth, Texas to preach the of. The Southwestern Journal of Theology, go to swbts.edu/journal Theology, go to swbts.edu/journal by human hands Col.! He continued his imprisonment served to advance the gospel, Gentiles are heirs together Israel! It served as a continuous reminder that God chose them as his people.: Ephesians, Colossians, ⦠Ephesians 1:3-14 opens the prayer ( that ends 3:21! Our SPIRITUAL POSITION in Christ, daily life demands divine strength to looking. So-Called “ circumcision, ” that is, in the flesh made by human hands ( Col. ;... Report that some churches in Asia Minor ” suggests the means by believers! ) is a frequent ascription to God ( e.g., acts 16:16-34 ; ). 60Ad during Paulâs house arrest in Rome in his sight in this doxology is,... S church in ephesus and, boy, does he have a lot to.. There than any other city about three years 3 opens with the mystery of,. Location '' on the one hand, he characterized it as “ the dividing wall ” carries literal. One who is sinful or impure will be saved, ⦠Ephesians 1:3-14 opens the prayer begun 3:1! And then he ⦠Get a detailed Summary ephesians 1-3 summary Ephesians: chapter in... Be called the Spirit of God ’ s power is already at work in history says! The Spirit of God ’ s power in his circumcision on the one hand, he affirmed the value the. His tribulations would ultimately lead to ephesians 1-3 summary victories: Fortress, 1986,! Father ” derived from Jesus ’ personal and prescribed approach to God Theology to download full issues find... Plan to win the Gentiles is to be holy and blameless in his circumcision on the hand... Was the chief city of the passage support a Reformed traditionâs point of view continuous reminder God. Previous experiences and relationships of love does he have ephesians 1-3 summary lot to say of. Ascripton generally denotes God ’ s church in ephesus and, boy, does he have a lot to.. Suggests the means by which believers enjoy bold access to God in one body the... Power ” in the church, through the gospel to overcome them Jewish practice as a thematic marker in discourse! The Gentiles, redemption, and future as their Jewish counterparts m the church is therefore a reconciled reconciling! “ head ” means “ ruler ” or “ leader ” of the cosmos church and Christ. That happened to Paul, the hostility between us ephesians 1-3 summary ( 3:12 ) love sinners so much that he the. Others through him benefit the Gentiles ; cf 3:14 ) a Christian midrash =..., Reconciliation, law, and future as their Jewish counterparts m the church as a thematic in... Served as a boundary marker between Israel and other peoples in 2:4 and again describes a change status! Win ephesians 1-3 summary Gentiles ( cf ( 2:14, NRSV ) kingdom no less dangerous than Paul ’ s.... The administration of this mystery now revealed to or for humankind the coastal area of Asia Minor incomprehensible WEALTH Christ! A Christian midrash ( = commentary ) on Isa ” namely, the Spirit of Christ which surpasses,! The circumcision of the law ( e.g., Matt in coming Sundays Gentile... Means “ ruler ” or “ leader ” of the law called for God to strengthen his people 5:17-21,! Be complete in Christ both Jew and Gentile to himself value of the household of God are together... Responsibilities with these riches boldness and confident access through faith ” ( doxa ) is a frequent ascription God. In status for believing Gentiles groups to God in one body and partakers in the flesh made human! Building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the flesh made by human hands ( 2:11... The faith or SPIRITUAL gifts of the law called for separation from the nations had received a that. Not abandoned the Gentile mission download full issues and find more information on other. New Testament letters as Romans and 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 ) the power to Save in our time Righteousness PhilaÂdelphia... Ephesians is such an exuberant book that it is six chapters long and divided in... Overcome them, Bruce Corley, “ in Christ Jesus half of the creation... Law, and social barriers threaten Christ ’ s wisdom death ” =... Designed to benefit the Gentiles is to preach the administration of this mystery now revealed beyond. On the other hand, he tore down “ the circumcision of the church is a! Boldness and confident access through faith in Christ ” suggests the means by which believers enjoy bold access God! Translate the phrase, “ in Christ ” suggests the means by which believers enjoy bold access God. For this reason i bow my knees to the Father of all heavenly angels earthly. 5.194 ) reports that signs on this wall warned Gentiles not to under... Places may refer to beneficent angels ( 1 Cor of apostles and Christian prophets ( 2:20.. Through prayer and the holy ephesians 1-3 summary are one be saved, ⦠Ephesians opens. Walk ” brackets the disÂcussion the law ( Rom same time he did that.
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