Further Thought:
Underlying the Epistle to the Ephesians is a story that is often rehearsed in part or alluded to in it. The major events in the narrative are these:
- God’s choice of the people “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4-5, Ephesians 1:11).
- Their past, lost existence (Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:11-12; Ephesians 4:17-19, Ephesians 4:22; Ephesians 5:8).
- The intervention of God in Christ to save them (Ephesians 1:7-8; Ephesians 2:4-6, Ephesians 2:13-19; Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 4:20-21; Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:8, Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:25-26).
- Their acceptance of the gospel (Ephesians 1:12-13, and implied elsewhere). Having once “no hope” (Ephesians 2:12), they now possess the “one hope” toward which believers move (Ephesians 4:4; compare Ephesians 1:18).
- The present lives of the addressees as disciples. Though living at a time fraught with hazards and the opposition of the evil powers, they may draw on the resources offered by their exalted Lord (Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 3:14-21, Ephesians 4:7-16, Ephesians 6:10-20).
- In the future culmination of history, the Spirit’s role as “guarantee” (Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV), or “seal” (Ephesians 4:30), reaches fruition. In this crowning moment, the addressees will be rewarded for their faithfulness by taking possession of the “inheritance” already granted to them in Christ (Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 6:8-9); and, through their faith in Christ, they will be granted a place in the Christ-centered age to come (Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:27).
Discussion Questions:
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