Let's
Study Ephesians is the latest in a series of helpful study
books produced by the Banner of Truth. The purpose is to present
a non-technical commentary, and is aimed at the so-called
ordinary Christian. We are told, "The aim is exposition
of Scripture written in the language of a friend, seated alongside
you with an open Bible".
After a brief introduction -The Ephesians, Paul, The Letter,
The Message (it is good to see the reader being encouraged
to turn to relevant background passages like Acts 19,20), we
are taken through the Epistle in 38 short, evenly divided
chapters covering approximately 4-6 verses each. This is a
very helpful layout as the `non-reader' is not overwhelmed
with long, intimidating chapters.
We are reminded at the outset of what God has done for us, "...only
once in the first three chapters does Paul urge us to do anything
- and that is to `remember' what we once were but are no longer
...We are not merely dysfunctional or sick; we are spiritually
dead". We are then taken through God's remedy for sinners.
The mystery has now been revealed! There is a helpful little discussion
on the relationship between faith and grace as in chapter 2:8-10.
In chapters 4-6 we enter the practical section of the epistle.
The author does not, thankfully, succumb to the politically correct
culture in which we live. The area of human relationships has been
greatly affected by the fall, be it husbands/wives, children/parents,
or employers/workers. The only remedy is to be found in the God-ordained
order of things. On marriage we read, "God has built into
the order of creation a relationship which -yes, with all its own
mysteries -provides a clue to the Ultimate Relationship. .. that
points to the Ultimate Couple - Christ and His Bride, the church
...and every Christian marriage is called to reflect and manifest
it".
There is a helpful, practical, and sensible look
at spiritual warfare. The author concludes with encouragements
to pray. "In essence, prayer involves bringing God's promises
back to Him, in the context of all that He has told us about Himself
His character, and His will..."
The ESV is used throughout. In the reviewer's eyes this is disappointing.
Even so, this little introduction is highly recommended.
Stephen Holland |
