till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge (or
acknowledgment) of the Son of God, unto a perfect (full-grown) man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ'.
Commencing the study of Ephesians, we follow our usual practice, which we
are persuaded is the true one, in first seeking an understanding of the epistle
as a whole. The scope of any book or passage of Scripture is to be discovered
by its structure, and its structure by observing the underlying construction --
its backbone and anatomy. There is no invariable plan upon which an epistle is
constructed, but in all cases there are found elements of correspondence, and
features that repeat or balance.
The Epistle to the Ephesians
The structure of the Epistle as a whole
(Introversion).
A
1:1,2.
a 1:1.
Paul's Commission.
Epistolary b 1:2.
Salutation
Grace and Peace.
B
c 1:3-14.
All Spiritual Blessings.
1:3 to 2:7. d 1:15-19. Paul's Prayer:
That He may give
That you may know
the hope, riches, power of the mystery.
e 1:19 to 2:7.
The Mighty Power
Inwrought (energeo).
Seated.
C 2:8-10. The New Creation.
Its Walk.
(Shortest doctrinal passage, as it really deals with the walk
which is practical).
D 2:11-19. The New Man. Once aliens from Commonwealth
(apellotriomenoi).
E 2:19-22. The Temple Fitly Framed Together
(sunarmologoumene).
Apostles and Prophets.
Foundation Ministry.
F 3:1-13. The Prisoner of Christ Jesus.
Three-fold Unity (verse 6).
G 3:14-21. The Central Prayer.
The Love of Christ.
The Fulness of God.
F 4:1-6. The Prisoner in the Lord.
Sevenfold Unity (verses 3-6).
E 4:7-19. The Body Fitly Joined Together
(sunarmologoumenon).
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists,
Pastors and Teachers -- Adjusting Ministry.
D 4:20-32. The New Man.
Once alienated from the life of
God (apellotriomenoi). (See verse 18).
C 5:1 to 6:9. The New Creation.
Its walk.
(Longest practical passage, applying the
doctrine to every department of life).
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