Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Ephesians 5

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Ephesians 5


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Chapter Level Commentary:
Ephesians 5

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Rules for the New Life Walk in Love An Appeal to Renounce Pagan Ways Living in the Light The New Life in Christ EPHESIANS (4:17-5:20) EPHESIANS (4:17-5:20) Eph_4:25 to Eph_5:5 Eph_4:25 to Eph_5:2 Eph_4:25 to Eph_5:20 Eph_5:1-7 Eph_5:1-2 Eph_5:3-5 Eph_5:3-5 Walk as Children of Light Walk in Light Eph_5:6-14 Eph_5:6-14 Eph_5:6-14 Eph_5:8-14 Walk in Wisdom Eph_5:15-20 Eph_5:15-21 Eph_5:15-20 Eph_5:15-17 Eph_5:18-20 Wives and Husbands Marriage and the Church The Christian Household Wives and Husbands The Morals of the Home Eph_5:21-32 EPHESIANS (5:21-6:9) Eph_5:21 EPHESIANS (5:21-6:9) Eph_5:22-33 Eph_5:22-24 Eph_5:22-24 Eph_5:21 to Eph_6:4 Eph_5:25 to Eph_6:3 Eph_5:25-33 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_5:1 to Eph_6:9

A. Eph_5:1-14 is an extension of Eph_4:17-32. It deals with the Christian life and expresses what Christians should and should not do.



B. Eph_5:3-5 turns from the self-giving love of Christ in Eph_5:2 to the self-centered, worldly love of fallen mankind (cf. Eph_4:25-32).



C. Eph_5:8-18 contrasts the false teachers with the true believers

1. darkness, Eph_5:8 light, Eph_5:8

2. unfruitful deeds of darkness, Eph_5:11 the fruit of light, Eph_5:9

3. disgrace. . .in secret, Eph_5:12 expose them, Eph_5:11; Eph_5:13

4. unwise men, Eph_5:15 wise, Eph_5:15

5. foolish, Eph_5:17 understand God's will, Eph_5:17

6. filled with wine, Eph_5:18 filled with the Spirit, Eph_5:18



D. The present passive imperative of Eph_5:18, "ever be filled with the Spirit," is defined by five present participles (cf. Eph_5:19-21). This is the definitive passage on the filling of the Spirit in the NT.



E. Paul illustrates the Spirit-filled life by using the Christian home as an example. He writes of

1. husbands and wives, Eph_5:22-31

2. parents and children, Eph_6:1-4

3. masters and household slaves, Eph_6:5-9



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. Why is it so important that believers live godly lives?

2. Why are sex sins emphasized in this context?

3. Can Christians fall from grace by their lifestyles? (cf. Eph_5:5)

4. What does being "filled with the Spirit" involve?

5. Why was Eph_5:22 to Eph_6:9 seen as so radically positive in its day but so negative in our day?

6. Does Eph_5:22-33 teach that women are to be subject to men?

7. Why does Paul compare the Christian home to Christ and the church?