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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_3:1-21
A. Considering the theological purpose(s) for the cyclical letter of Paul known as Ephesians, it is clear that Paul's three main truths in the doctrinal section relate to the Gnostic false teachers. (See Introduction.)
1. Ephesians 1 praises the Father for His "before time" love expressed in Christ's substitutionary atonement and the Spirit's continuing presence.
2. Eph_2:1-10 reveals the Father's great love and mercy for fallen, helpless humanity.
3. Eph_2:11 to Eph_3:13 reveals the eternal plan of God to include all humans in a free salvation through Christ (cf. Gen_3:15), Jew and Greek, male and female, slave and free.
In effect, Eph_2:11 to Eph_3:13) reveals the eternal, universal redemptive plan of God (see Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan); Eph_2:1-10) reveals the loving heart of God and Eph_1:3-14) reveals the eternal purpose of God, mankind's Christlikeness. God was fully aware of mankind's rebellion and made plans for dealing with the problem, even before creation (cf. Eph_1:4).
B. Eph_2:11-22; Eph_3:2-13 specify one of several definitions of the mystery of God found in Paul's writings. Jew and Gentile were united in one new entity, the Church of Jesus Christ. See Special Topic at Eph_3:3
C. Paul begins a prayer of praise in Eph_3:1, but gets sidetracked concerning his ministry to the Gentiles and resumes his prayer in Eph_3:14-21.
D. The prayer which began in Eph_3:1 and finishes in Eph_3:14-21 divides into three clauses. (See full note at Eph_3:16-19)
1. believers receive inner strength, Eph_3:16-17 a
a. by the Spirit's power
b. by Christ's indwelling
2. saints may fully comprehend the truth of the gospel and the mystery, Eph_3:17-19 a
a. to grasp so as to hold on to
b. to know by experience
3. believers are filled with the fullness (plçrôma) of God, Eph_3:19 b
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
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. How did Paul learn his theology?
2. Why does Paul call himself "the least of the saints"?
3. Why was the mystery of God hidden in ages past?
4. What is the purpose of the church to the angelic realm?
5. List the three things Paul asked God to grant the believers in Eph_3:16-19.
6. What does it mean that Christians are indwelt?