Ephesians 1

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Carolina College of Biblical Studies *

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Religion

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Scenarios Submitted to Dr. Dr. Lorie Lee, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of BIB 523 Interpreting the Bible II by Paul Bock 16 August 2019
Scenario 1 An assertion exists by some that Paul is one of the greatest minds to ever walk the face of the earth. If there is a single passage which had to be used to defend such a statement, it could be argued that Ephesians 1 has the capacity to defend said point. Ephesians 1 is a highly complex passage which contains what many consider deep theological issues. While the chapter does not go in depth into each individual topic, it does follow the overall scriptural usage of these terms with pithy explanations. The passage is an amazing treatise on the believer’s position in Christ, as well as the ramifications and benefits available to the body of Christ because they are in Christ. 1 Overview The main part of the chapter consists of long, highly structured, continuous sentences in the Greek with each covering vast subjects. The following is a general outline of each topic mentioned within each section from verse 1 to 13: 1. 1:1-2 Standard greeting with addition of apostleship. 2 2. 1:3-6 The blessings of the believer, election, predestination, and adoption. 3. 1:4-12 redemption, forgiveness, the mystery of God’s will, dispensations, inheritance, and predestination. 4. 1:13 – The sealing of the Holy Spirit. Blessings 1 William W. Klein , “Commentary on Ephesians .” In Ephesians-Philemon. The Expositor's Bible Commentary , ed. Tremper Longman, III and David E. Garland, vol. 12, 13 vols. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008), Olive Tree Bible Software. 2 Paul does not always use his appointed position of apostle in his greeting such as the letter to the Philippians in which he uses the term δουλοζ which specifically is a bondservant/slave, prisoner in Philemon, or he negates use of title such as Thessalonians. 1
Paul defines how each believer is blessed in quantity (“all”), type (spiritual), 3 and locality (“in the heavenlies”). 4 Here is encapsulated and summarized the full sphere of the God’s blessing each believer has available. The key phrase of the book, Χριστῷ / Christo (dative, masculine) which means in/with Christ, shows that everything God has for the believer is in or with Christ. The location of this blessing is stated to be where Christ is currently seated (Eph 1:20), and chapter two ties us to this as being seated with him (2:6). Chosen/Elected There is much debate within Christianity about the proper view of election and its place within soteriology. It must be noted that Ephesians 1:4 is one of the only references which references the church and election. Debate aside, the way in which Paul uses election in Ephesians 1:4 is quite clear and follows the consistent pattern throughout the Bible that God elects or chooses something for an intended purpose and service. The following is not exhaustive but represents the use of God’s choosing or election throughout scripture: 1. God chose Jerusalem as His city and for His name to be there (2 Chron 6:6; 1 Ki 8:44; 11:32; 11:36; Ps 132:13) 2. The Messiah is God’s elect/chosen one (Is 42:1; 49:7;1 Pet 2:4,6). 5 3. Election of Israel as His chosen people: (1 Chron 16:13; Ps 33:12; Ps 105:6; Ps 105:43: Ps 135:4; Is 41:8-9; Is 45:4; 65:9; Rom 11:28) Paul writes that God, “elected us in Him” (1;4), with the “him” being Christ. This concept of the members of the church at Ephesus being chosen/elected here cannot be separated 3 Chuck Missler, The Book of Ephesians , (Coeur D'Alene, ID: Koinonia House, 2009), 9. 4 Klein, Ephesians 1:3 , Olive Tree Software. 5 Jesus as the chosen/elect one of God is not soteriological by any means, but as stated, election and choosing of people is for a purpose and service. In this case Jesus’ election is one of service it was in order to fulfill the law and the prophets (Mat 5:17), reveal the Father (11:27), call sinners to repent (Mark 2:17), to die and save the world (John 3:16; 10:10), give the Kingdom to the Father (1 Cor 15:24). 2
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