Ephesians 4:11-16

Last night we entered into the controversy surrounding this passage. Verses 7 and 8 refer to gifts given by Christ in contrast to the other spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. cf. 1 Corinthians 12 two places and Romans 12. After a segue in verses 9 and 10 Paul lists these gifts in verse 11. The first question is whether these are five or only four distinct gifts. Wayne Grudem maintains that pastors and teachers reflect one gift. The larger question is whether all of these gifts still function post New Testament. Those who deny present day apostles and prophets point to verses like Ephesians 2:20 saying that God used the OT prophets to give us the OT scripture and the apostles or very close associates like Mark or Luke for the NT. Thus because the Canon of Scripture is complete (note Revelation 22:18-19 in this regard) there cannot be any more apostles or prophets. While agreeing whole heartedly that the Scripture is complete the other side can point to the key, future tense word "until" starting verse 13. There follows four separate things which have not been fulfilled. This says that verse 11 can't be cut in half. In the end this is not a salvation issue. We also spoke of the need for a healthy balance between truth and love in verse 15, not veering too far in either direction. Finally in verse 16 the idea that the body builds itself up in love. Whether or not we have one of the Ephesian 4:11 gifts we all have a part to play.

Ephesians 4:1-10

Last night after reviewing Ephesians 3:14-21, we ventured into chapter 4. Paul begins by explaining the qualities like humility and patience that are indicative of God's calling us before launching into the oneness that brings forth unity in verse 3. In all he mentions seven different "ones." Then he explains that grace is given to every believer according to Christ's gift. v 7 The next 3 verses are a product of Paul's logic although the exact interpretation is not completely clear. I inferred that the host of captives Christ took when He ascended were OT saints. Verse 8 is a reference from Psalm 68:18 where it says that God receives gifts from men in contrast to Ephesians 4:8 which says Christ gives gifts to men.

World Cup

First, I confess that I am not a sports fan nor do I understand the rules of soccer. However, as the US is hosting the World Cup, which I assume has been done before although I don't recall it, and indeference to my international readers which comprise 97% of the whole, I thought I should offer a few reflections. Foremost it is encouraging to see players from different countries praying together. Today I saw a You Tube clip of Germans and men from the island country of Curacao praying after the game on the field. I believe I also read that Lionel Messi, the Argentinian superstar, whom even I have heard of, gave thanks to God for his hat trick of 3 goals in one game. It is also heart warming to see the reaction of fans, particularly Europeans whose own media have lied to them as ours does to us, as they experience America. In particular the Scots who have swarmed into Boston have made a wonderful impression. I'm a wee bit Scottish myself. ( one eighth) Hearing the bagpipes as they marched toward Fenway Park brought tears to this old man's eyes.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Last night the Bible study group was down to 3 people. One of the realities of ministering to "seasoned" saints is health issues. This accounted for the absentees. After praying together we spent a lot of time reviewing the previous week's passages before moving to new material. We looked at the significance of naming. Note that one of the first things that God has Adam do was to name the animals, an exercise of authority. (Genesis 1:19-20) It is instructive that own name, perhaps the most personal thing about us, was given by others. Then in verse 16 Paul launches into his 2nd prayer for the Ephesians. Note the importance of faith and love. Finally Paul concludes the passage with praise and the truth that God can do immeasurably more than anything we can ask or think so that He be glorified forever through Jesus and the Church.

Ephesians 2 continued

I believe that verse 20 refers to God working through the prophets to give the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostles or very close followers I've Luke and Mark for the New Testament. As,always Paul brings the reader back to Christ as the cornerstone. As the people wanted more week launched into chapter 3. Paul describes himself as a prisoner, thus Ephesians is one of the 5 "prison" epistles. He goes on to explain one of the 12 mysteries of the New Testament. (according to the British scholar W.E.Vine) A NT mystery is something previously hidden by God which He then chooses to reveal. Verse 6 explains that the Gentiles have become one with the Jewish believers through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse 10 introduces an amazing revelation that God has chosen the Church to show His wisdom to the angelic and demonic entities, an eternal purpose through the Lord Jesus Christ. So we have access to God through faith. Finally Paul says his suffering in their glory because he is suffering for Christ.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Last night our Bible study group studied two passages. The theme of the first was the élimination of the division between Jew and Gentile by Christ. To give some context we went back to Perer's experience in Acts 10 where he is told to kill and eat ceremonial unclean animals forbidden by the law of Moses. (See Leviticus 11) Peter refuses and is told that what God calls clean he can eat. While pondering this 3 men come to him with an invitation to the home of a Gentile, a Roman centurion, which he is also not permitted to do. Acts 10:28 When Peter goes and preaches his Gentile listeners receive the Holy Spirit just as the 3,000 did at the day of Pentecost. Returning to Ephesians 2, Paul explains that the Ephesian believers, also Gentiles, who before conversion were without hope and without hope in the world. verse 12 Jesus, by Hjs own blood, the sacrifice for the sins of Jew and Gentile believers has made peace between the two "by abolishing the law of commandments." He preaches peace and both have access through one Spirit to the Father. Jew and Gentile become fellow citizens, a very importance concept in the Roman world because most people did not have the rights that a citizen had. They are built (verse 20) on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.