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Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
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_2:1-22
A. The Gnostic and Jewish emphasis on human works-oriented salvation is depreciated by Paul's emphasis on
1. God's election in Eph_1:3-14
2. God's wisdom, knowledge and revelation, Eph_1:15-23
3. God's initiating grace in Eph_2:1-10
4. the mystery of God's redemptive plan hidden from the ages (i.e., Jew and Gentile now are one in Christ) in Eph_2:11 to Eph_3:13
Paul emphasizes the four things in which humans have no part! Salvation is all of God (cf. Eph_1:3-14; Eph_2:4-7), but individuals must personally respond (cf. Eph_2:8-9) and live in light of the New Covenant (Eph_2:10).
B. There are three enemies of fallen humanity delineated in Eph_2:2-3 (cf. Jas_4:1; Jas_4:4; Jas_4:7):
1. the fallen world system, Eph_2:2
2. the angelic adversary, Satan, Eph_2:2
3. mankind's fallen nature (Adamic nature), Eph_2:3
Eph_2:1-3 show the hopelessness and helplessness of fallen mankind apart from and in rebellion to God (cf. Rom_1:18 to Rom_2:16).
C. As Eph_2:1-3 describe the pitiable state of humanity, Eph_2:4-6 contrast the riches of God's love and mercy for fallen mankind. Human sin is bad, but God's love and mercy are greater (cf. Rom_5:20)! What God did for Christ (cf. Eph_1:20), Christ has now done for believers (cf. Eph_2:5-6).
D. There is real tension in the New Testament between the free grace of God and human effort. This tension can be expressed in paradoxical pairs:
1. indicative (a statement) and imperative (a command);
2. grace/faith objective (the content of the gospel) and subjective (one's experience of the gospel);
3. won the race (in Christ) and now run the race (for Christ).
This tension is clearly seen in Eph_2:8-9, which emphasizes grace, while Eph_2:10 emphasizes good works. It is not an either/or but a both/and theological proposition. However, grace always comes first and is the foundation of a Christlike lifestyle. Eph_2:8-10 are a classical summary of the paradox of the Christian gospel-free, but it costs everything! Faith and works (cf. Jas_2:14-26)!
E. A new topic is introduced in Eph_2:11 to Eph_3:13. It is the mystery, hidden from the beginning, that God desires the redemption of all mankind, Jew (cf. Eze_18:23; Eze_18:32) and Gentile (cf. 1Ti_2:4; Tit_2:11; 2Pe_3:9), through personal faith in the substitutionary atonement of the Messiah. This universal offer of salvation was predicted in Gen_3:15; Gen_12:3. This radically free forgiveness (cf. Rom_5:12-21) shocked the Jews and all religious elitists (Gnostic false teachers, Judaizers) and all modern "works-righteousness" proponents.
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. Are all humans really estranged from God?
2. Do humans have a significant part in their own salvation?
3. Why is the union of Jew and Gentile so significant?
4. How did Jesus make the Law "null and void"?
5. Is the Law of God eternal? How do Christians relate to the Mosaic Law and the entire Old Testament?
6. Why does Paul emphasize the building metaphor in Eph_2:19-22?