Ephesians: A Commentary

by Stephen E. Fowl

Overview

Even though it was written some two millennia ago, Ephesians still speaks to Christians today in themes quite familiar to the modern reader. In a context where the church had become overwhelmingly, if not exclusively, Gentile, the Christian community needed to be reminded of the priority of Israel and the astonishing work of reconciliation that God willed to accomplish in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now available as a casebound, this volume in the highly acclaimed New Testament Library series reveals the great theological promises of Ephesians while discussing issues of context, authorship, and style.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611644944
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	10/04/2012
Series:	The New Testament Library
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	200
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Stephen E. Fowlis Professor of Theology at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. He has written both in the area of New Testament and theological hermeneutics, and specializes in Pauline studies. His books includePhilippians: The Two Horizonsin the New Testament Commentary Series;Reading Scripture with the Church: Toward a Theological Hermeneuticwith A.K.M. Adam, Kevin Vanhoozer, and Francis Watson; andTheological Interpretation of Scripture.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Abbreviations ix

Bibliography xi

Introduction 1

Argument of Ephesians 3

Outline of Ephesians 4

Ephesus and Paul in Acts 6

Authorship 9

The Authorship of Ephesians and Reading Theologically 9

Authorship and Interpretation 11

Pauline Theology and Biography 15

The Historical Question of Authorship 16

Attestation 18

Ephesians and Colossians 18

Vocabulary 20

Style 21

Themes 21

Eschatology 22

Use of the Old Testament in Ephesians 25

Conclusions and Suggestions on Authorship 27

Recipients and Occasion of Ephesians 28

Commentary

1:1-2 Greeting 31

1:3-14 Introductory Blessing 35

1:15-23 Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians 53

Excursus 1: An Alternative Reading of 1:23 64

2:1-10 Once Dead, Now Alive in Christ 66

Excursus 2: The Death of Christ in Ephesians 75

2:11-22 Remember That You Were Gentiles 83

3:1-13 Paul, Interpreter of the Grace of God 103

3:14-21 Paul's Requests to God on Behalf of the Ephesians 116

4:1-16 Christian Unity and a Life Worthy of God's Call 125

4:17-24 Breaking Free from a Pagan Past 145

4:25-5:2 A Common Life Worthy of the Gospel 154

5:3-14 Walking Worthily with an Eye on the World 163

5:15-20 Walking Wisely 174

5:21-6:9 Walking Worthily in Households 179

6:10-20 Strong in the Lord 199

6:21-24 Final Words 211

Index of Ancient Sources 215

Index of Subjects and Authors 227

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Fowl brings his considerable gifts in theological interpretation to the profound theological message of the Letter to the Ephesians. The result is a refreshingly irenic commentary that reflects a thorough knowledge of the critical discussions while eschewing lengthy debate." Andrew T. Lincoln, University of Gloucestershire

"Fowl's rich volume on this rich letter displays his careful reading of the text that yields a truly theological commentary. I enthusiastically commend it." Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary and University

"Fowl's contribution is to provide us with a fine example of how careful exegesis and theological interpretation are of a piece, the one funding the other for a reading of Ephesians that will benefit both church and academy." Robert W. Wall, Seattle Pacific University

Editorial Reviews

"Fowl brings his considerable gifts in theological interpretation to the profound theological message of the Letter to the Ephesians. The result is a refreshingly irenic commentary that reflects a thorough knowledge of the critical discussions while eschewing lengthy debate." Andrew T. Lincoln, University of Gloucestershire

"Fowl's rich volume on this rich letter displays his careful reading of the text that yields a truly theological commentary. I enthusiastically commend it." Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary and University

"Fowl's contribution is to provide us with a fine example of how careful exegesis and theological interpretation are of a piece, the one funding the other for a reading of Ephesians that will benefit both church and academy." Robert W. Wall, Seattle Pacific University

From the Publisher