As the detective investigates the case, he often finds that there is intrigue going on over who is to receive a sizable inheritance. Ephesians 3:1 begins with a crucial backwards look (“This is the reason … ”). (1-7) Also the noble purposes answered by it. • TASTE: The Lord’s Supper—and coffee-hours and pot-luck dinners. The scale of the story does not fit into the classic manor house. The case is solved. Chapter 3 This chapter consists of two parts. ), which the WEB has updated. v. 14 Being on our knees is a symbol of submission and worship. It is because of Paul’s stewardship that they have been recipients of God’s grace. 3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. Third, this means that the revelation of the mystery is not the end of the story. “to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (v. 8b). The sort of mystery (mysterion) that Paul is talking about here is something sacred that can be known only by revelation. But just as the epistle is an integral whole, so is the author's commentary. God has placed the treasure of the gospel into our hands as its stewards. “to the intent that.” These words signal that Paul is getting ready to state the purpose of his apostolic ministry. Paul has been tasked, not only to preach (directed to the ears), but also to “make all men see” (directed to the eyes). The Church: An Epiphany. Ephesians Commentary Purpose and Themes. and the Word was God. The clues in the case are assembled. Ephesians 5:3-5 turns from the self-giving love of Christ in verse 2 to the self-centered, worldly love of fallen mankind (cf. This newest volume in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series provides a rich exposition of Ephesians, one of the most significant documents ever written. Study Notes on Ephesians Page #6 Introductory Thoughts about Commentaries Only the Scriptures provide an infallible, authoritatively inspired revelation of God's will for man (2 Timothy 3:16,17). But it may be that by the word "we" in Ephesians 1:11-12, he refers to himself and to his fellow-laborers who had "first" hoped in the Saviour, and had then gone and proclaimed the message to others; see the notes on Ephesians 1:11. There is something hopeful here. Found insideHere in Eph. 3:13 Paul also refers to an inner disposition of his readers, as demonstrated a few phrases later by his prayer that they would be strengthened ... It is the news that has its proper place at the forefront of his work. Ordinary mortals were not allowed access to the Holy of Holies. Church leaders of all stripes can bless the church by adopting this “least, very least” attitude. without end. 4) He hinders God's people from service. They had been “dead in transgressions and sins,” (2:1), but God in his mercy “made (them) alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:5-6). Pastors of churches—especially pastors of large churches—will bless their congregations by being honestly humble. It meant the manager of a household. Of his devout and affectionate prayer to God for the Ephesians ( v. 14-21 ). Rom. Synkleronoma combines two Greek words—syn (with) and kleronomos (an heir). An heir is a person who has the legal right to an inheritance. 1. The Epistle To The Ephesians Introduction AUTHOR The apostle Paul (1:1; 3:1).Early sources in church history that attribute this letter to Paul include: Irenaeus (200 A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.), and Origen (250 A.D.). Elsewhere, Paul says: • “We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:5). He did not necessarily choose us as individuals before the foundation of the world, but He did decide that He would have a church, a group of people impregnated by His Spirit, a unique Family of His who would be in the image of His Son.The word "choose" suggests taking a smaller number out of a larger. Bishops and other denominational officials need to work even harder not to get the “big head.” The same is true of seminary professors—and others who have a wide impact, such as popular authors or musicians. Commentary on Ephesians 1:3-8 (Read Ephesians 1:3-8) Spiritual and heavenly blessings are the best blessings; with which we cannot be miserable, and without which we cannot but be so. Instead of division, strife, and rivalry, we are all one family, fellow heirs of God, recipients of the promises (1:3-14; 2:11-22). [Some think that this epistle to the Ephesians was a circular letter sent to several churches, and that the copy directed to the Ephesians happened to be taken into the canon, and so it came to bear that particular inscription. 7of which I was made a servant (Greek: diakanos), according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. Even in infancy Jesus inspires both worship and hostility, responses that are repeated throughout the story. People are God’s children now, in faith. Symmetochos combines syn (with) and metochos (partaker). We may observe it to have been very much the practice of this . 4 In . It may be worth noticing that this text doesn’t give any hint of how serious the disagreement about Jew / Gentile fellowship had been in the early church. The words toutou charin mean, “because of this” or “for this cause” or “for this reason” or “wherefore.” They tie this chapter to what Paul said in chapter 2 about Gentile Christians. With the twelve-volume series Feasting on the Word, Westminster John Knox Press offers one of the most extensive and well-respected resources for preaching on the market today. Later, reporting on his call, he said, “By the grace of God I am what I am. of him. Paul has been talking about his call “to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (v. 8)—and to help people see what God had hidden for so long (v. 9). In his commentary on Ephesians, Dr. John MacArthur lists nine ways that Satan attacks us as followers of Jesus Christ: 1) He impugns God's character and credibility. This woman creates a new thing in the earth by fulfilling God's promise to Eve Gen 3:15, Jer 31:22, Isa 14:16. . ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sunday’s Texts: The Second Readings: Acts and the Epistles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001), Lincoln, Andrew T., Word Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Vol. Paul's Prayer and Doxology (Ephesians 3:14-21) 8. The usual event is a tragic death, which turns out to be a murder. To be sure, this is an inheritance case. Paul says that a mystery has been made known to him (3:3). “to the principalities (arche—rulers) and the powers (exousiais—authorities) in the heavenly places.” This combination of principalities (arche) and powers (exousiais)—often translated rulers and authorities—is usually used in a negative way in the New Testament. • Paul said, “Our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). 10to the intent that now through the assembly (Greek: ekklesia) the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, 11according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; 12in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. In other words, the Gentiles, who had been ineligible to receive the promise, had by the grace of Christ become eligible. In the final pages, the mystery is solved. God “called (Paul) through his grace, to reveal his Son in (him), that (he) might preach (Christ) among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15-16). As an opera has an overture, setting the tone for all the melodies that will follow, so Ephesians 1:3-14 sets the tone for the rest of Ephesians. Ephesians 1:3-4. In the face of such realities, the church is not called to survive, or to increase membership, or to make people feel better. In ancient Greek (the language Paul originally wrote in), Ephesians 1:3 through 1:14 form one long sentence. Note that the inheritance theme was sounded early in Ephesians (Eph 1:14, 18). The term walk is found in Ephesians 4:1. It is through faith in Christ (3:12) that the Gentiles are brought into relationship with God and given an inheritance in his grace. He made the two one, “making peace” (2:15). Most people couldn’t read anyway. Beginning in Ephesians 3:2 Paul begins a new sentence which does not end until verse 7. “of his promise.” In chapter 2, Paul reminded these Gentiles that they had been “strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” But then he went on the say: “But now in Christ Jesus For he is our peace, who made both one, This was from the choice of them in Christ, before the foundation of the world, that they should be made holy by separation from sin, being set apart to God, and . 2 EPHESIANS PHIL & COL THESS & TITUS I-II TIMOTHY 1,2,3 JOHN REVELATION Vol. That stewardship of God’s grace also involves living out the “mystery” (verse 3; see comments about the meaning of “mystery” in last week’s exegesis of Ephesians 1:3-14). . The first was God's eternal choice based on His gracious character. 34) Hardcover - September 6, 1974 by Markus Barth (Author) 4.3 out of 5 stars 11 ratings How does such a mission statement compare to your congregation’s? The disclosure of the mystery of grace remains the heart of his story. They are part of the created order—not the creator (Colossians 1:16). His grace which was bestowed on me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). In verse 2, the NRSV speaks of a “commission.” A better translation here would be “stewardship” (New English Translation). • SMELL: Incense. What an honour to be a child of God and be seated in heavenly places in Christ and clothed in His robes of righteousness. • Paul could easily claim to be the most important apostle, because in the book of Acts he displaces Peter at the mid-point of the book. Found inside – Page 51... 9 Ephesians 3:1-12 Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 ... “the manifold (polypoikilos) wisdom (sophia) of God.” The word polypoikilos means very many—or highly diverse—or multifaceted. Found insideIf your influence only lasts as long as you do, you failed. This book will help you reach your full potential, inspire greatness in your spouse, children, and friends, and leave a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime. 1, Rev 12:5, Rev 12:13 who restores Acts 3:21 all things to the world before Christ's return. Here, the purpose of the church is to make this wisdom of God known to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” These are the powers that many believed threatened the world, powers that might be visible in political and social dynamics but that had a reality which was more than human. The meaning is made known to the readers. Traditional mysteries often follow a set form. Outline of Ephesians Chapters 1 - 3 Our position in Christ (What we are before God) 1:1-23 The believers as God's child 2:1-18 The believer as a member of God's body 2:19-3:21 The believer as God's building Chapters 4 - 6 Our practice of Christ (How we are to act before men) 4:1-6:9 A worthy walk 6:10-24 A continual conflict ) 11 And m he gave the n apostles, the prophets, the o evangelists, the p shepherds 3 and teachers, 4 12 q to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for r building up s the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to t the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, u to mature manhood, 5 to the measure of the stature of v the . therefore"). It has been hidden through the ages (3:9). The suspense is over. . 42 (Dallas: Word Books, 1990), MacArthur, John, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Ephesians (Chicago: The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, 1986), Martin, Ralph P., Interpretation: Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1991), Middiman, John, Black’s New Testament Commentary: The Epistle to the Ephesians (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004), Neufeld, Thomas R. Yoder, Believers Church Bible Commentary: Ephesians, The Inclusive Bible is a fresh, dynamic translation into modern English, carefully crafted to let the power and poetry of the language shine forth-particularly when read aloud-giving it an immediacy and intimacy rarely found in traditional ... So the mystery in this case is the mystery of grace. Without him was not anything made The term “mystery” appears several times in just a few verses, helping to catch the attention of readers. Commentary on Galatians and Ephesians by John Calvin, 1509-1564. About This Book. In an ancient context in which the church would hardly have measured as a blip in a demographic study, Ephesians sees the church at the center of what God is doing, and this vision of the church’s mission has personal, social, and even cosmic dimensions. Paul has already stated that, through Jesus, we have access to the Father (2:18). So those who listen in will come to know the mystery. In our prayers, we have no reason to fear that we might say the wrong thing—or express ourselves badly—or violate some sort of heavenly norm. 1. The story of the magi foreshadows later developments in Matthew’s narrative. People become heirs by the mercy of God. Ephesians Greeting. In other words, God assigned Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles, and that became the mission that consumed the rest of Paul’s life. After an opening summary of all the saints' spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), the first section (Ephesians 1:4-6) offers up praise that the Father has chosen us in eternity past; the second section (Ephesians 1:7-11) offers up praise that the Son has redeemed us in the historical past (i.e., at the cross); the third section (Ephesians 1:12 . Casting its eye over the transient nature of life, the book questions the striving for wisdom and the truth, choosing instead to espouse the value of living for the moment. The text is introduced by Doris Lessing. The mystery that Paul speaks will depart from the standard patterns of a mystery story in at least three ways: first, the heart of the story is not something tragic, like theft and murder, but something magnificent, namely a gift. Calvin's Dedication. But in a typical mystery story, one of the heirs to an estate usually plots to seize the whole inheritance. In our setting, there is no shortage of ways in which the “mystery” of the gospel calls us to reconciliation between divisions of race, culture, poverty, and sexuality. • Paul wrote nearly half of the New Testament. “which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit” (v. 5). Paul did not intend it as an endorsement of rulers and authorities. . This expository Bible-study guide to Ephesians will excite Christians in their faith and equip teachers and preachers in their work. The baptism of the Christian age embodies: immersion in water (Acts 8:38-39; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12), for the person who has both the ability and willingness to believe the gospel message and repent of sin (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).The purpose of the ordinance is to access the saving blood of Christ (cf. “who created all things through Jesus Christ” (v. 9b). 10 (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1989), Holladay, Carl R. in Craddock, Fred B., Hayes, John H., Holladay, Carl R., and Tucker, Gene M., Preaching Through the Christian Year B (Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Trinity Press International, 1993), Kok, Joel E., in Van Harn, Roger E. - Ephesians 3:1-7 (NKJV) The Mystery of Redemption (vv.1-7) Paul is a prisoner in Rome for the "crime" of causing unrest in the Empire by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Job, among the greatest masterpieces of world literature, deserves a commentary alert both to the windings of its arguments and to the massive theological problem it raises: the conflict of faith and experience, that is, does it ... Paul is speaking about the Gentiles coming into the inheritance of salvation. The Gentiles are joint-heirs with the Jews. Professor and Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament, A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. (3-6) The work of God the Father. He alludes to his call and appointment to the apostolic office ( Eph 3:2 - 3 ) and how his insight through revelation, as well as that of the other apostles and charismatic prophets in the church ( Eph 3:4 - 5 ), has deepened understanding of God's plan of salvation in Christ. (ed. "Mystery" is the term that runs throughout this passage from Ephesians. • TOUCH: Handling holy objects as well as hand-holding and hugs. you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. If Ephesians 1-3 was about sitting, Ephesians 4-6:9 are about walking. First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. We saw this in Ephesians 1:9-12: It creates a new beginning of a story. For Ephesians, the crucial divide that has been healed was between Jews and Gentiles. He is not bashful about saying so. Some scholars have suggested that the word holy modifies only apostles and not prophets. and broke down the middle wall of partition” (2:12-14). A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary, “Gospel” originally meant the “good news from the empire” — namely, when a new territory was conquered, when an elite child was born — but Mark changed the meaning to “good news to the poor.”. The mystery that was revealed to Paul was that God was not content to let the Gentiles be separated from him. No one has an inborn right to be an heir of God’s grace. Found insideOur Daily Walk is a treasury of wisdom distilled into brief and memorable readings which can be enjoyed by anyone - whether they have an hour to meditate or five minutes of peace in a hectic schedule If you are tempted to wonder whether the wisdom of God is really wise, consider how different our world would be if everyone would adopt “love God and neighbor” as their guiding principle (Mark 12:30-31). Sunday ( Ephesians 3:1-4) Paul's Relationship to the Divine Mystery. God gave Paul the responsibility for conveying grace to the Gentiles. The result has misery beyond measure. 1. Observe, Those who have received grace and signal favours from God stand in need of prayer, that they may improve and advance, and . Ephesians 3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. power. Paul has been faithful to his calling, which is how these Gentiles happen to know about Christ. The church is called to be the community where the world still encounters God in human lives. Time gives a perspective that is difficult to attain in the disagreements of the present moment. They aren't perfect but they have a desire to please the savior Jesus Christ. Found inside – Page vii... Christmas Day Jeremiah 31:7–14 130 Psalm 147:12–20 135 Ephesians 1:3–14 137 John 1:(1–9) 10–18 141 Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10–16 Psalm 80:1–7, ... We can understand only if God makes known what otherwise would remain hidden. They "first" believed, and then preached to others; and they also believed, and became partakers of the same . Ephesians 3:1-8 The Mystery of the Church is Revealed; Ephesians 3:9-12 For Whom Are the Unsearchable Riches of Christ? The following is just a short list: • SIGHT: Banners, stained glass windows, architecture, etc. Barclay, William, Daily Study Bible: Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians, (Edinburgh: The Saint Andrew Press, 1965), Bruce, F. F., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon and to the Ephesians (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984), Cousar, Charles B., in Brueggemann, Walter, Cousar, Charles B., Gaventa, Beverly R., and Newsome, James D., Texts for Teaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSV–Year B (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1993), Donelson, Lewis R., Westminster Biblical Commentary: Colossians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus, (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996), Foulkes, Francis, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: Ephesians, Vol. Ephesians 1:12 » Ephesians 1:11. by . • Paul could also claim to have suffered more than anyone else in his service to Christ (1 Corinthians 4:11-12; 2 Corinthians 11:16; 2 Timothy 2:9; 3:10)—and to have accomplished more. for this reason . The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. The author looks back and says that the unity of the church in Christ was revealed not just to Paul, but to all the apostles, despite the disagreements reflected, for example, in Galatians. Ephesians 1:3-14 praises God for the blessings He has provided. (Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2002), O’Brien, Peter T., The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters to the Ephesians (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999), Perkins, Pheme, Abingdon New Testament Commentary: Ephesians (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997), Perkins, Pheme, The New Interpreter’s Bible: 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Vol. Sussomos combines syn (with) and soma (body)—one body. Found insideProvidence has put these pages in your way, you have a little spare time in which to read them, and you feel willing to give your attention to them. These are good signs. Who knows but the set time of blessing is come for you? 5which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy (Greek: hagios) apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6that the Gentiles are fellow heirs (Greek: synkleronoma), and fellow members (sussomos) of the body, and fellow partakers (symmetochos) of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News. “how that by revelation (apokalypsis) the mystery (mysterion) was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words” (v. 3). In other words, it is “holy apostles” and “prophets” (not “holy prophets”). And faith has a future. The Address (1:1-2) The Full Blessing (1:3-14) Intercession, a Praise of God (1:15-23) Salvation by Resurrection (2:1-10) But God’s ultimate expression of wisdom was the gift of his Son to die on a cross—and to break the bonds of death through his resurrection. Jewish law regulated inheritances, giving two shares to the firstborn son and one share each to the other sons (Deuteronomy 21:17). In chapter 2, Paul talked about the Gentile Christians in Ephesus. And it is a mystery about Jesus (3:4). Marginal people often seek church offices to gain the kind of prominence that they have been denied elsewhere. After Paul’s vision on the road to Damascus (Acts 9; 22:1-16), Christ appointed Paul as his “chosen vessel to bear (his) name before the nations” (ethnos—nations or Gentiles) (Acts 9:15). It is “the Spirit” who has revealed the mystery to the apostles and prophets—who have, in turn, make known to the church what the Spirit has revealed to them. Wouldn’t we consider the person who possesses those fruits to be blessed with “the unsearchable riches of Christ”! In his teachings, Jesus added to our wisdom (see Matthew chapters 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 24-25). You are sussomos (fellow members). But Jesus broke down the dividing wall that separated Jews and Gentiles. Paul is described in verse 1 as a “prisoner of Christ,” which may be a usefully ambiguous phrase. 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—. They had been "dead in transgressions and sins," (2:1), but God in his mercy "made (them) alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (2:5-6). How to walk the Christian life. “and to make all men see what is the administration (oikonomia) of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God” (v. 9a). Ephesians 3:6. "--Frederick William Danker, Lutheran School of Theology "This is probably the most detailed modern English commentary on the Greek text of Ephesians, combined with a thorough defense of its Pauline authorship and its Ephesian destination. The fruits of the Spirit come to mind: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Apokalypsis is sometimes used for the turning on of a light, as in Luke 2:32, which speaks of “a light for revelation (apokalypsis) to the nations” (ethnos—nations or Gentiles). Eph. They are subject to judgment for wrongdoing (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). Ananias protested that Saul was persecuting Christians, but Jesus said, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15; see also Acts 26:16). Found inside – Page 629... 12b - 19 1 : 196 ( Psalm 24 ) Ephesians 1 : 3-14 II : 303 Mark 6 : 14-29 III : 216 Second Sunday after Pentecost 1 Samuel 3 : 1-10 , ( 11-20 ) 1 : 172 ... Of course, Paul is speaking metaphorically here, using word-pictures to help us understand. Therefore all people-Jews and Gentiles-have the same need of grace. We make our best decisions when we fully understand God's comprehensive plan for the world. In Ephesians, however, the mystery revolves around God giving the inheritance away too freely. Ephesians - Multiple sermons - many with transcripts, Ephesians Commentary - Explanatory, Doctrinal, Practical, Ephesians 1:15-23 Three Things You Need to Know, Ephesians 3:18-19: Breath, Length, Depth, Height, Ephesians 3:17-19: The Dimensions of God's Love, Ephesians 3:10: Wisdom of God Displayed in the Way of Salvation, Ephesians 3:14-21 . Watch our overview video on the book of Ephesians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1) Paul was writing to the Ephesian Christians from the confinement of Roman imprisonment. It fits the day in the liturgical year because an "epiphany" is a manifestation of something. This book is about how to read and study the Bible. This book is about getting the non-Christian to learn how to study the Bible, and this book is for the Pastor and theologian who needs to have their "refresh" button pressed. Proverbs 10-22 in particular contains a multitude of short, pithy wisdom sayings. Found inside – Page 58... 9 Ephesians 3:1-12 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 ... Angels deserve respect (1 Corinthians 11:10; 1 Timothy 5:21; Hebrews 2:7, 9)—but Christ is far superior to angels (Hebrews 1:4-6, 13; 1 Peter 3:22). Commentary for Ephesians 1 This epistle was written when St. Paul was a prisoner at Rome. The salvation accorded these Gentiles, then, was “the gift of God, not of works” (2:8-9). Christ “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing”—to include becoming “holy and without blemish”—and being adopted as God’s children—and receiving “the glory of his grace” and forgiveness of sins—and being privy to “the mystery of his will”—and gaining an inheritance and the Good News of salvation (1:3-14). • SOUND: Music, public reading of scriptures, preaching, etc. Moreover, all people are called to the same faith. It was the good pleasure of God…to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:12, 15-16). The resources of all the three Persons thus conspire to bless the Church. 3:2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3:3 that by revelation the divine secret was made known to me, as I wrote before briefly.

Squamous Cell Lung Cancer Treatment, Navy Volleyball Schedule, Apartments For Rent Maplewood, Pakistani Wedding Checklist, How To Tell If A Guy Is Genuinely Interested, How Many Verses In Surah Baqarah,