Bible commentaries adam clarke commentary ephesians. The apostle exhorts them to walk worthy of their vocation, and to live in peace and unity, ephesians 4. Watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Because the name ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read. So many people in these modern times use filthy languages nonstop and sadly it has become acceptable nowadays. According to new testament scholar daniel wallace, the theme may be. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces. The book of ephesians free online bible study lessons. Ephesus was the third largest city in the roman empire population 250,000 in what is today. Ephesians encourages us to take a new perspective on our lives, one in which our work is an outgrowth of gods own work of creating the world and redeeming it from sin. If such is truly the case, then paul wrote ephesians around 6163 a.
We work in response to gods call to follow jesus in every aspect of our lives eph. Jesus unites jews and gentiles into his one body, the church, as a new creation 1. The idea of unity can be seen clearly in the first chapter of ephesians ephesians 1. But though its testimony is so decisive, it is not unanimous j. Introduction from the niv study bible go to ephesians.
Chapter 4 we have gone through the former part of this epistle, which consists of several important doctrinal truths, contained in the three preceding chapters. As god used romans to instigate the reformation, he will use. Look at chapter 1, for in chapter 1 and verse 11 we see there, a mystery. The epistle to the ephesians, also called the letter to the ephesians and often shortened to. Ephesians 4, new international version niv the bible app. E phesians is one of the most encouraging books in the new testament.
This morning we come for our bible study to a book that is indeed a treasure of mine and of every believer, the book of ephesians. Prayer for ephesians strength, praise to god ephesians. One of my favourite passages in all of scripture is found in ephesians. The book of ephesians gives practical, encouraging advice on living a life that honors god, which is why its still relevant in a conflictridden world. Nov 10, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. This is why letters such as the one to the ephesians are incredibly important. Introduction to the epistle of paul to the ephesians. They give usan arsenal forremaining true to the pillars of our faith. The fundamental principles of grace and mans responsibility to abide by gods laws are thoroughly revealed in the old testament. Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that you discuss your answers and insights with other bible students who also completed the workbook.
The logical flow of ephesians the figure above illustrates the logical flow throughout ephesians and in particular chapters 3 and 4. Robert mclaughlin bible ministries introduction to the book of ephesians. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all. You can see it right throughout every chapter of the book of ephesians. Ephesians 4 niv bible as a prisoner for the lord, then. This book sets forth one of the clearest presentations on the relation between positional truth and experiencing positional truth in ones life.
Did you know that the apostle paul was in prison at the time he wrote this letter to the ephesians. The application of chapters 46 are specific expressions of love for one another in view of gods love. Grace is a single word definition of the gospel, the good news of gods. Ephesians introduction commentary commentary critical. Introduction to the book of ephesians robert mclaughlin. Ephesians introduction scofield reference bible commentary. First, all they which dwelt in asia heard the word of the lord jesus, both jews and greeks gentiles acts 19. Christs people are saved to new lives of holiness in thought, word, and deed. Most early writers spoke of the epistle as having been addressed to the ephesians. Ephesus was the most important city in western asia minor now turkey. Ephesians 4 is the fourth chapter of the epistle to the ephesians in the new testament of the christian bible. John calvin called ephesians his favorite book of the bible. An introduction to ephesians 4 ministry gifts the prodigal.
Ephesians chapter 4 kjv king james version when was easter easter is one of famous portable cast in the work schedule. All of the great themes of paul are expressed in a wonderful summary fashion. One expressed purpose of the book is that we might know what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints cf. Book of ephesians overview insight for living ministries. It is probable that the two greater letters had their occasion in the return of onesimus. We see something of the supremacy of christ in gods eternal plan. Introduction to ephesians bible exposition commentary. Ephesians intro to ephesians biblica the international bible. Paul probably wrote his letter to the ephesians while under house arrest in rome.
Lest we become the spiritual equivalent of hetty green, we begin a series devoted to the epistle. Although colossians is similar to ephesians, it is brief while the book of ephesians is much more articulate and extensive. We enter now on the latter part of it, in which we have the most weighty and serious exhortations that can be given. Ephesians 4 background information with maps and images.
To the saints who live in ephesus, the faithful in christ. In ephesians, paul shows how the good news should create ethnically. The believers position united to god chapters the believers privileges united to one another chapters 4 5 the believers protection united against the evil one chapter 6. All is given as seems best to christ to bestow upon every one. An introduction to ephesians 4 ministry gifts posted on november 29, 2009 by scott under apostles, apostles today, ephesians 4 ministries, prophets, prophets today one of my favourite passages in all of scripture is found in ephesians. Ephesians 4 new international version niv unity and maturity in the body of christ. Chapters 4 6 resemble an orthopedic clinic where the christian learns a spiritual walk rooted in our spiritual wealth. David guzik commentary on ephesians 4, where paul calls the church into unity, which happens through the work of the spiritual gifts. Half of the teaching in this epistle relates to our standing in christ, and the remainder of it affects our condition. Ephesians small group series lesson 1 introduction to. Chapter 4 6 are the direct application of chapters. A study guide for the book of ephesians answers chapter one. The passage is located in the latter half of the book of ephesians, which is developed primarily around the walk passages. One cannot step over the threshold of this letter into the book of ephesians without being inundated with thoughts of gods mercy and grace.
Ephesians 4 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. I am so thankful that these letters, such as this letter to the ephesians, have been carefully preserved and passed down to us. I therefore, the prisoner of the lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2. Introduction to the book of ephesians faithlife sermons. We will conclude our introductory study to the book of ephesians by glancing briefly at the extent of the victory wrought by god through paul in asia.
The conquest reached far beyond the city limits of ephesus. I offer the following commentary and summary for ephesians in this article. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Nov 29, 2009 an introduction to ephesians 4 ministry gifts posted on november 29, 2009 by scott under apostles, apostles today, ephesians 4 ministries, prophets, prophets today one of my favourite passages in all of scripture is found in ephesians. The purpose of the book of ephesians was to warn the church elders about the false teachers that were teaching a false gospel and to maintain their first love that they held when they first became believers. The book of ephesians hits on a wide range of moral and ethical behaviors, designed to ensure believers are living up to our heavenly calling. The epistle to the ephesians chapter four objectives in studying the chapter 1 to see the importance of walking in unity and purity 2 to appreciate the gifts christ has given the church for our edification, and the need for each one to do their share summary beginning with this chapter and proceeding through the rest of the epistle, paul. Shows that god has distributed a variety of gifts, and instituted a variety of offices in his church, for the building up and perfecting of the body of christ, ephesians 4. Paul is encouraging the church to maintain their position of unity. Ephesians 4 1 i therefore, the prisoner in the lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love. In the seventh chapter of the third book of his testimonies, he speaks of the apostle paul writing to the ephesians and then proceeds to quote ephesians 4. Gods one eternal purpose is to unite one body of believers through christ, the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who filleth all in all ephesians 1. An introduction to the book of ephesians related media.
Ephesians is the great pauline letter about the church. The number of unique words in the book of ephesians is exactly the same as the number of unique words hapax legomena in the book of romans. The book of ephesians, chapter 4 king james version. As one of pauls final letters, he packs so much wisdom and revelation in this short yet amazing book. Ephesians is one of pauls four prison epistles eph 3. Ephesians 4 commentary william barclays daily study bible. The purpose, subject matter, recipients and occasion explain the use of new words. Chapters describe the contents of our heavenly bank account. Ephesians chapters wonderfully expound the gospel while ephesians chapters 46 provide a clear picture of how those doctrines change our lives. Introduction united states conference of catholic bishops. Ephesians, more than any other book, presents the purpose and plan of god for the church. The key personalities of ephesians are the apostle paul and tychicus.
The epistle to the ephesians table of contents introduction 3 chapter one 7 chapter two 11 chapter three 14 chapter four 18 chapter five 22 chapter six 27 this study guide was developed in preparation for teaching adult bible classes. It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. Introduction chapter one chapter two chapter three chapter four chapter five chapter six. Ephesians chapter 4 in the first three chapters of ephesians, paul has set forth the believers position with all the blessings, honors, and privileges of being a child of god. Actually, ephesians is probably one of my favourite books in the whole of the bible. Preface to the epistle of paul the apostle to the ephesians. Ephesians 4, new king james version nkjv the bible app. These last are therefore to exercise all these graces in the several. I, therefore, the prisoner of the lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Introduction to the book of ephesians one cannot step over the threshold of this letter into the book of ephesians without being inundated with thoughts of gods mercy and grace. God predestined his people to redemption and holiness in christ 1.
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. Instead, mature believers can speak the truth in love ephesians 4. It was a center of learning and was near several key land routes. As a prisoner for the lord, then, i urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. A chapter on unity in the midst of the diversity of gifts among believers. Introduction to the book of ephesians summary of hebrews. Ephesians 4 verse 29 clearly says that we are to watch what we say and avoid using profanity words. Summary of the book of ephesians summary of hebrews. As we continue in our faith from day to day, month to month, and year to year, the temptation to get comfortable will always exist. The letter is addressed to the church in the city of ephesus, capital of the roman province of asia asia minor, modern turkey. All too often those who teach from this book bypass all the foundational instruction and go directly to the closing chapter.
The very resemblance of the epistle to the ephesians, to that to the colossians, is against the theory. The book of ephesians chapter four workbook eeonline biblestudy. Paul gives thanks and prays for the ephesians ephesians 1. Ephesians 4 bible commentary matthew henry concise. It had a harbor that at that time opened into the cayster river see map, p. It also helps us avoid being deceived by false teachings ephesians 4. Eph 4 niv unity and maturity in the body of bible gateway. Ephesians 1 is a beautiful introduction to how we have received every spiritual blessing in christ jesus.
C categorical doctrine comparing scripture with scripture e exegesis studying the original language in grammar, syntax, and translation. Abbott, a critical and exegetical commentary on the epistles to the ephesians and to the colossians, icc, pp. Intro to ephesians biblica the international bible society. The theology of chapters focuses upon the need for the ephesians to increase in their awareness of gods love so that they will imitate it to gods glory. The book of ephesians is a prison epistle letter written while in prison. Ephesians emphasizes gods sovereign grace in the lives of believers. Early in the history of grace church, the history of john macarthur. The book of ephesians overview of the book of ephesians the book of ephesians is a masterpiece of revelation that bridges the principles of grace and obedience into one solid irremovable form. Doctrine occupies the greatest portion of the book of ephesians. It was the capital of proconsular asia, being about a mile from the sea coast, and was the great religious, commercial and political center of asia. The indication is that the epistles to the colossians, philemon and the ephesians were carried to their destination by tychicus and onesimus cf.
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