Eph 1:1-6:24

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Summary[edit]

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Historical setting[edit]

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Discussion[edit]

This heading is for more detailed discussions of all or part of a passage. Discussion may include the meaning of a particular word, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout the passage, insights to be developed in the future, and other items. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • Eph 1:17: Revelation. The Greek word translated as "revelation," apokalupsis, carries with it the idea of uncovering something, exposing something, or making something known that was previously unknown. In the New Testament, it almost always refers to divine revelation.
  • Eph 2:8. In the Joseph Smith Translation, a single word is added in verse 8, apparently to emphasize the contrast: but it is the gift of God.
  • Eph 2:8: Grace. The Greek word here for "grace" (charis, which is etymologically related to the English word "charity") may not have had the theological overtones at the time Paul wrote this as it does today. Charis comes from the verb chairo, which means "to be happy" or "to rejoice," so in its original sense charis means "that which causes joy or pleasure." In a broader sense, it can be understood to mean "lovingkindness," "loving favor," "good will" and things along that line — the kind of love that flows out of a person and whose expression makes that person happy. In other words, to oversimplify a bit, Paul's use of this word indicates that it is God's freely given love for us that saves us.
  • Eph 2:10. Paul in verse 10 puts what precedes into context. The purpose of the atonement and the salvation it brings is that we may do the good works that God assigned to us even before we were born. Some commentators over the years have contrasted this section of Ephesians with James 2:17, but in fact they complement each other. If the whole purpose of our creation is to do good, of what value is the salvation we receive through faith if it doesn't result in doing good?
  • Eph 4:26-27. It is interesting to note that Paul does not condemn anger per se. What is key, he suggests, is not allowing the anger to lead us to sin, for to do so would make room (verse 27) for the devil to be active in our lives. The temptation is to let our anger lead us to do evil. The alternative, Paul says in the following verses, is to actively do good. Instead of stealing, we should give to the needy (verse 28); we should speak in a way that builds people up instead of tearing them down (verse 29); and instead of being malicious to others (verse 31), we should be kind and forgiving in the way that God is kind and forgiving toward us (verse 32).

Complete outline and page map[edit]

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Points to ponder[edit]

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I have a question[edit]

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  • Eph 5:22. In what way(s) do wives need to submit themselves unto their husbands? What cultural influences prevailed at the time these scriptures were written? Are the statements Paul makes regarding the role of women license to silence them, either literally or figuratively?

Resources[edit]

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Translations[edit]

These are still pointed at Matthew

  • Amplified • The Amplified Bible, 1987 update
  • NASB • New American Standard Bible, 1995 update
  • NIV • New International Version
  • NRSV • New Revised Standard Version
  • RSV • Revised Standard Version

Joseph Smith Translation[edit]

The Joseph Smith Translation made changes to the following verses in Ephesians. This list is complete:[1]

  • Eph 2:8, 11
  • Eph 3:1-3, 18
  • Eph 4:4, 10, 13, 21-23, 28
  • Eph 5:17

Cited references[edit]

  • Wayment, Thomas A., ed. The Complete Joseph Smith Translation of the New Testament. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 2005. (ISBN 1590384393) BX8630 .A2 2005.

Other resources[edit]

  • Eph 4:14. L. Tom Perry, "The Plan of Salvation," Ensign, Nov 2006, pp. 69–72. Elder Perry encourages members to seek grounding in the gospel. "Let us be no more tossed to and fro by every worldly wind and doctrine of man. We declare to the world that the heavens are open and the truth of God’s eternal plan has again been made known to mankind. We live in the dispensation of the fulness of times... We are not left alone to wander through mortality without knowing of the master plan which the Lord has designed for His children. He has bound Himself by solemn covenant to give us the blessings of heaven according to our obedience... Oh, remember, remember that these things are true, for the Lord God has revealed these eternal truths unto us."

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves, such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word. In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources are preferable to footnotes.

  1. Wayment, The Complete Joseph Smith Translation of the New Testament, p. 280-81.


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