Opening Up Ephesians (Opening Up Commentary Series)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Like Paul’s letter to Rome, his letter to the church in Ephesus serves as an invaluable exposition of the Christian gospel. In Ephesians, the apostle has the opportunity simply to explain the riches of the good news, to unfold how the grace of God works in the lives of his people, and to give some basic moral principles. In this commentary, Kurt Strassner conveys the apostle Paul’s sheer joy in the riches of the gospel, and provides challenging practical application for Christian living in today’s world.
Top Highlights
“The synchronization of the various members of Christ’s body (v. 16) is dependent upon their Christlike spiritual maturity (v. 15b). And that Christlike spiritual maturity is fostered as Christians speak ‘the truth’ to one another in love (v. 15a). Christian unity, therefore, is achieved not only by holding certain truths in common, but also by applying them to one another in love!” (Page 94)
“Verses 8–10 make it clear that, while we are not saved by good works, we are saved for good works! Good works are not the cause of our salvation (vv. 8–9), but they are the result of it (v. 10).” (Pages 56–57)
“Therefore the words before us in the book of Ephesians are not merely instructive and interesting historically and culturally; they are also binding morally.” (Page 12)
“We must never speak of heaven, of Christian growth, or of being God’s children without speaking of Jesus” (Page 31)
“Sanctification, in other words, is part of the ‘spiritual blessing’ that is ours in Christ” (Page 26)