What seven “ones” does Paul cite in support of his theme of the unity of the church? What point is he seeking to make with this list? (Ephesians 4:4-6). Paul’s list of seven “ones” has a poetic feel to it and may echo a hymn of affirmation used in Ephesus. The list begins by mentioning two “ones” … Continue reading –>
Read Ephesians 4:1-16. How does Paul encourage believers to nurture the unity of the church? Paul begins the second half of Ephesians (chapters 4-6) with a stirring call to unity, but in two major parts. First, in Ephesians 4:1-6 he asks believers to nurture “the unity of the Spirit” by exhibiting unity-building virtues (Ephesians 4:1-3), a call he supports … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 2:3; Psalm 68:18; Acts 2:1-47; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 12:27-30; Isaiah 5:4. Memory Text: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV). One of Aesop’s fables is called “The Belly … Continue reading –>
Fighting With Scripture: Part 3 By Andrew McChesney That night, Almira woke up after having another nightmare, and she resolved to go to the Seventh-day Adventist church the next Sabbath. But in the morning, she thought, “I’m not a Christian. I can’t go there.” The following night, she had another nightmare, and she struggled again … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Modern Revivals,” in The Great Controversy, Pages 461-478. “How can we harmonize our dwarfed spiritual condition with the presentation of our text [Ephesians 3:14-19] that describes the fullness of knowledge it is our privilege to possess? How can Heaven look upon us, who have had every spiritual and temporal advantage that … Continue reading –>
Paul concludes his prayer report with a doxology, a brief, poetic statement of praise to God. For what does he praise God? Ephesians 3:20-21. Paul has been recording his prayers for believers (Ephesians 3:14-19). Now he prays directly and powerfully. Paul’s doxology raises two questions: 1. Does the passage inappropriately elevate the church, placing it on a par … Continue reading –>
Compare Paul’s earlier prayer request, Ephesians 1:16-19, with his plea for believers in Ephesians 3:14-19. In what ways are the two requests similar? Behind the English translations of Ephesians 3:14-15, is an important play on words. When Paul says that he bows before “the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” (ESV), he is exploring … Continue reading –>
What does Paul say about God and the actions of God in Ephesians 3:7-13? Paul again lays claim to being a “minister” through “the gift of God’s grace” (Ephesians 3:7, ESV; compare Ephesians 3:1-2). This gift, like the gospel itself, is not granted because of the worth of the recipient, but through God’s grace. Paul underlines this point by … Continue reading –>
What is the mystery that has been entrusted to Paul? Ephesians 3:1-6. As you study Ephesians 3:1-6, note the following: First, Paul writes this part of the letter specifically to Gentile believers in the house churches of Ephesus (Ephesians 3:1). Second, Paul claims to be the recipient of something he labels “the stewardship of God’s grace,” given to him … Continue reading –>
Read Ephesians 3:1-21. As you do so, identify one or two main themes. What major points does Paul make? Ephesians chapter 3 displays an interesting structure. Paul begins the chapter with these words: “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1, NKJV). Then, he breaks off for what turns … Continue reading –>
