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Chapter Level Commentary:
In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired-readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.
Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.
READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO Eph_1:1-23
A. The phrase "in Ephesus" is omitted in the RSV, NJB and Williams translations because it is missing in some of the earliest Greek manuscripts (P46, à , and B). There apparently was a blank space where a place name should have been inserted. It was a circular letter for all of the churches of Asia Minor. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 show an ancient Roman postal route.
B. The Trinity is praised in Eph_1:3-14 (and also Eph_1:17; Eph_2:18; Eph_3:14-17; Eph_4:4-6)
1. the Father in eternity, Eph_1:3-6 (the Father's love and purpose in Himself)
2. the Son in time, Eph_1:7-12 (the Father's love and purpose in Christ)
3. the Spirit in the future, Eph_1:13-14 (the Father's love and purpose in the Spirit)
Eph_1:3-14 form one beautiful prayer of praise to the Triune God! Each section closes with the phrase "to the praise of His glory" (cf. Eph_1:6; Eph_1:12; Eph_1:14). Even though all three persons of the Trinity are mentioned, it is God the Father who is emphasized (as in Eph_1:15-23)! See Special Topic: The Trinity at Eph_1:3.
C. Election is a wonderful doctrine. However, it is not a call to favoritism, but a call to be a channel, a tool or means of others' redemption! In the Old Testament the term was used primarily for service; in the New Testament it is used primarily for salvation which issues in service. The Bible never reconciles the seeming contradiction between God's sovereignty and mankind's free will, but affirms them both! A good example of the biblical tension would be Romans 9 on God's sovereign choice and Romans 10 on mankind's necessary response (cf. Eph. 10:9,11-13).
The key to this theological tension may be found in Eph_1:4. Jesus is God's elect man and all are potentially elect in Him (Karl Barth). Jesus is God's "yes" to fallen mankind's need (Karl Barth). Eph_1:4 also helps clarify the issue by asserting that the goal of predestination is not heaven, but holiness (Christlikeness). We are often attracted to the benefits of the gospel and ignore the responsibilities! God's call (election) is for time as well as eternity!
Doctrines come in relation to other truths, not as single, unrelated truths. A good analogy would be a constellation versus a single star. God presents truth in eastern, not western, genres. We must not remove the tension caused by dialectical (paradoxical) pairs of doctrinal truths (Ex.: God as transcendent versus God as immanent; security vs. perseverance; Jesus as equal with the Father vs. Jesus as subservient to the Father; Christian freedom vs. Christian responsibility to a covenant partner; etc.).
The theological concept of "covenant" unites the sovereignty of God (who always takes the initiative and sets the agenda) with a mandatory initial and continuing repentant, faith response from an individual. Be careful of proof-texting one side of the paradox and depreciating the other! Be careful of advocating only your favorite doctrine or system of theology!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Who is being praised in Eph_1:3-14?
2. Define "Gnosticism."
3. How is election (Eph_1:4-5; Eph_1:11) related to human response (Eph_1:13)?
4. List the things that occurred before creation (Eph_1:4; Mat_25:34; Joh_17:24; 1Pe_1:20; Rev_13:8).
5. Are we God's inheritance or is He ours (Eph_1:11)?
6. To whom does the recurrent phrase "to the praise of His glory" refer?
7. How is Eph_1:20 related to Eph_2:5-6?
8. Who is referred to in Eph_1:21 (angels, demons, fallen world structures)?
9. Describe the two Jewish ages.