The "We" in Ephesians
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If you really don't want to read it, not my concern, but it might be helpful to other members who do want to study and I find this site helpful and not for the fainthearted.
Expository Bible Study
Focuses on explaining the meaning of a passage in its original context. It involves understanding the historical, cultural, and literary background, as well as the grammar and syntax of the original language.
This method is often used for preaching and teaching, as it aims to expose the full meaning of a biblical text.
2. Topical Bible Study
This method involves selecting a particular topic (such as faith, prayer, grace, etc.) and studying all the passages in the Bible related to that theme.
It helps in building a biblical understanding of a subject by examining it from various perspectives across different books of the Bible.
3. Verse-by-Verse Bible Study
A thorough approach where one studies a particular book or passage of Scripture one verse at a time. This method often involves a detailed analysis of the text's meaning, structure, and application.
It's common for personal study or group Bible study settings.
4. Book or Chapter Study
Focuses on studying an entire book or chapter of the Bible to understand its broader themes and narrative.
This approach may involve looking at the book's historical context, its primary message, and how its chapters or sections fit together.
5. Word Study
Involves a deep dive into the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek words used in the Bible. This method is useful for understanding the nuances and range of meanings of words in their original languages.
A word study can help to clarify a specific concept or term in Scripture, providing a more in-depth understanding.
6. Historical-Critical Method
Focuses on the historical context in which the Bible was written. It seeks to understand how the original audience would have understood the text and how the cultural and historical circumstances influenced its message.
This method often involves using extra-biblical sources and scholarly research to illuminate the meaning of the Scriptures.
7. Devotional Bible Study
Aims at personal spiritual growth, reflection, and applying the text to one’s daily life. It often involves meditation on a verse or passage and personal reflection on its relevance and application.
This method is more about fostering a personal relationship with God through His Word.
8. Inductive Bible Study
A method that involves observing the text closely, interpreting its meaning, and applying it to life. This approach encourages personal discovery and engagement with the Bible by asking questions such as "What does the text say?" and "What does it mean?"
It’s often used for personal study and group Bible studies.
9. Thematic Bible Study
Similar to topical study, but with an even broader focus. It identifies major theological themes in Scripture, such as salvation, covenant, or redemption, and examines them throughout the entire Bible.
This method highlights the overarching narrative and theology of Scripture.
10. Contextual Bible Study
Focuses on understanding a passage in its immediate, broader, and canonical context. This method emphasizes the importance of not isolating a verse but interpreting it in relation to its surrounding text, the entire book, and the Bible as a whole.
The principle of "context is key" guides this approach to avoid misinterpretation.
11. Comparative Bible Study
Involves comparing different translations of the Bible to identify variances and gain a fuller understanding of the text. It can also involve comparing different passages or even comparing the New Testament to the Old Testament.
This method can help clarify the meaning of difficult passages and reveal the consistency of biblical messages.
12. Literary or Genre-Based Study
Focuses on understanding the different literary genres used in Scripture (poetry, narrative, prophecy, epistle, parables, etc.) and interpreting a passage according to the genre in which it is written.
Recognizing literary forms and structures helps in understanding the intended meaning of the text.
13. Chronological Bible Study
This method studies the Bible in chronological order, allowing the reader to understand the events as they occurred historically.
It can be particularly useful in understanding the progression of biblical history and God’s redemptive plan.
14. Socratic Bible Study
Uses a question-and-answer format to explore the meaning of the text. This method encourages participants to think deeply about the text and draw their own conclusions based on Scripture.
It often involves group discussion and can be an interactive, communal approach.
15. Meditative Bible Study
Focuses on reflecting deeply on a single verse or passage. It’s often slower and more contemplative, with an emphasis on prayerfully seeking God’s personal message from the text.
This approach is especially conducive to personal transformation and spiritual formation.
Each of these methods can be used in different contexts, depending on your goals for studying the Bible, whether it’s for deeper academic study, spiritual growth, or group discussion. A combination of methods can also be effective for a more holistic approach to Bible study.
This info for those who don't know how to start or what method to use in biblical studies.
How do you study the Scriptures?
J.
Hope you get healthy again soon @MatthewG Matthew
Whether welcomed or not, here's another slightly different view, as others also go of this subject of yours, of your OP, although paying careful attention to the local and wider context of Paul's writings...this should at least hit the third outer ring if not closer to the bullseye.
1. Paul is the apostle that is not really led to convert his own tribal people. He never really stayed put in Judea at all. His ministry is/was for 'all nations.' That is/was his main audience, for all his writings and in speaking to the crowds.
2. Paul here going off your OP of Ephesians: He is speaking/writing to the Ephesians first and what he speaks about has relevant to all those already converted, seekers and even the non-converted audience of Ephesus, and in the known world.
3. The verse Eph 1:10 does encapsulate one of the key points to the Ephesians, and a key message that involves us all. I will just touch on it.
As a loose and modern translation goes....The part of God's plan since his son's ministry and his ascension into heaven is to rule, to rule over sinful creation and bring it into order, renewal, back to the Father, who is our God, as a perfect creation as it was at the 'beginning.'
Then using the words of the verse (10) more closely and with a further expansion of its meaning that Paul speaks of in other writings:
To recapture all of God's creation by the last and final age according to God's plan of salvation and restoration. Yahshua is to reign throughout this time, since his ascension, to eliminate all sinful, corrupted, decaying creation, whether of humankind or of other spirits, powers and all hidden hold-outs, bringing them to light, into full view whether in heaven where sin first began, and in and from those in or on the earth. Once Yahshua has brought all 'things' under his control of all of God's creation once again, he is ready then to give it back to his Father, our God. To restore nature and creation as it once was intended, into a new paradise, into the Kingdom of God.
Whether welcomed or not, here's another slightly different view, as others also go of this subject of yours, of your OP, although paying careful attention to the local and wider context of Paul's writings...this should at least hit the third outer ring if not closer to the bullseye.
1. Paul is the apostle that is not really led to convert his own tribal people. He never really stayed put in Judea at all. His ministry is/was for 'all nations.' That is/was his main audience, for all his writings and in speaking to the crowds.
2. Paul here going off your OP of Ephesians: He is speaking/writing to the Ephesians first and what he speaks about has relevant to all those already converted, seekers and even the non-converted audience of Ephesus, and in the known world.
3. The verse Eph 1:10 does encapsulate one of the key points to the Ephesians, and a key message that involves us all. I will just touch on it.
As a loose and modern translation goes....The part of God's plan since his son's ministry and his ascension into heaven is to rule, to rule over sinful creation and bring it into order, renewal, back to the Father, who is our God, as a perfect creation as it was at the 'beginning.'
Then using the words of the verse (10) more closely and with a further expansion of its meaning that Paul speaks of in other writings:
To recapture all of God's creation by the last and final age according to God's plan of salvation and restoration. Yahshua is to reign throughout this time, since his ascension, to eliminate all sinful, corrupted, decaying creation, whether of humankind or of other spirits, powers and all hidden hold-outs, bringing them to light, into full view whether in heaven where sin first began, and in and from those in or on the earth. Once Yahshua has brought all 'things' under his control of all of God's creation once again, he is ready then to give it back to his Father, our God. To restore nature and creation as it once was intended, into a new paradise, into the Kingdom of God.
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CadyandZoe
Well-Known Member
You have a bunch of data there in your post without any real connection or attempt to understand that passage.
'Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
to the saints which are at Ephesus,
and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace be to you, and peace,
from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.'
(Eph 1:1-2)
Hello @MatthewG,
This epistle is written to the 'saints' and 'faithful' at Ephesus, and is intended to be read by others also who are so described, for it is as a circular letter: intended to be passed on. Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, along with 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon, were written from prison, or confinement, when Paul was, 'the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles' (Eph 3:1) .
I believe this to be an encompassing usage of the word 'we', related to those addressed in the opening verses. as well as to the writer, and his co-workers: For Whom Paul begins with the opening blessing to God using the word 'us' as having been the recipients of 'all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ'. A distinction is made in verse 13: 'us' and 'we' give place to 'you', in relation to the gospel of salvation and the inheritance associated with it. The gospel of their salvation differing in regard to time, place and 'the word of truth' delivered to them, which he refers to as, 'the gospel of your salvation'.
This epistle along with the others mentioned as having been written from prison, is unique in content from what has gone before from Paul's pen. This follows a Divine revelation, only made to the Apostle Paul, intended to heal the believers of that day, both Jew and Gentile: For Israel as a nation had rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, both in the land and in the diaspora; and following the quotation from Isaiah 6, by Paul, always quoted at a time of rejection, to the Jewish elders in Acts 28:25-27; Salvation had been sent to the Gentiles for they would hear it (Acts 28:28). This is a new creation, a joint body, united and equal, Israel no longer having a prior position, having become Loami, 'not My People', temporarily. This is, 'The Church which is The Body of Christ' of which Christ is the Head.
Praise God!
Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris
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Only one member I will allow to correct me on this Forum- @marks.
In Greek, the accusative plural neuter is a grammatical case and form that is used to express the direct object of a verb, where the object is plural and neuter in gender. To illustrate this within the context of "all things being reconciled in Christ," we need to examine specific passages and identify the accusative plural neuter form in the Greek text.
Example from Colossians 1:20
One key verse that addresses the concept of "all things being reconciled in Christ" is Colossians 1:20, which in the Greek text reads:
"καὶ δι' αὐτοῦ ἀποκαταλλάξαι τὰ πάντα εἰς αὐτὸν, εἰρηνοποιήσας διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ σταυροῦ αὐτοῦ."
"And through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross."
(Colossians 1:20, NASB)
In this passage, the phrase "τὰ πάντα" (ta panta) refers to "all things," which is in the accusative plural neuter form. Here’s the breakdown of the grammatical details:
τὰ (ta) - This is the definite article in the accusative plural neuter form. It corresponds to the English "the" (plural, neuter).
πάντα (panta) - This is the neuter plural form of the adjective πᾶς (pas), meaning "all." In the accusative plural neuter, it means "all things."
Understanding the Accusative Plural Neuter in this Context
Accusative Case: The accusative case is used for the direct object of a verb, which is receiving the action. In this case, "all things" (τὰ πάντα) are being reconciled (ἀποκαταλλάξαι).
Plural: The plural form indicates that it is not just one thing, but multiple things being reconciled.
Neuter Gender: The neuter gender is used because "things" (or πράγματα) in Greek are neuter. This is a general rule for referring to abstract concepts or inanimate objects.
Thus, τὰ πάντα in Colossians 1:20 refers to "all things" (the created order, both visible and invisible) being reconciled to God through the work of Christ.
Broader Theological Meaning
The phrase "all things" encompasses both the heavenly and earthly realms—everything in creation, from the spiritual realm to the physical universe, is reconciled in Christ.
The accusative plural neuter highlights that this reconciliation is comprehensive and all-encompassing, affecting all created things, without exception.
J.
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Thank you, @Johann,
For seeking to be of help to other forum members, who like yourself, know that precious truths, like jewels and precious metals, are not found on the surface, but have to be worked for, by study and careful consideration.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
This all well and good J., and many understand all this already, the structure and placement of clauses, the grammar usage and meanings. Can you now clearly put all you have written into the understanding and your rendition of the meaning of say Eph 1: 9-10?
In YOUR OWN words? It would be very refreshing to read it, indeed! I know you can...
CadyandZoe
Well-Known Member
While interpretation sometimes involves grammar, it is the least in the list of strategies. Context is king. Your interpretations and grammar references don't make sense of the passage.
While "ta panta" can indeed express the idea of "all things," it can also refer to "all people." The term "people" is plural and considered neuter. Therefore, your lexicon information does not necessarily negate my interpretation. In fact, my interpretation aligns better with the context of the passage, as it is people who are reconciled, not things.
@MatthewG
I believe that to be “in Christ“ means that you are a follower of Christ, your faith is in Christ.
1 Peter 5:14 (NKJV) Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Galatians 3:26-29 (NKJV) 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you [are] Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Ephesians 2:11-13 (NKJV) 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Yes, every single person must make a choice to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. He died on that Cross so that we could live eternally in Him—in CHRIST.
There are some in Christ passages, I take it to mean to become newness of life through the resurrection of Jesus, his death and his burial and of course the Holy Spirit of Yahavah rising him up again on the third day.
In this particular passage I believes more of the apostles whom are in Christ, with the “we” and “us” and then he finally gets to the invitation to the gentiles using “you.”
Either way, it’s amazing, as autonomous human beings, we are able to decide for ourselves to have faith in Jesus whom was risen again or not.
In this particular passage I believes more of the apostles whom are in Christ, with the “we” and “us” and then he finally gets to the invitation to the gentiles using “you.”
Either way, it’s amazing, as autonomous human beings, we are able to decide for ourselves to have faith in Jesus whom was risen again or not.
The Jewish people were the first to have Yeshua, and the Jewish people were the first to have Abram. They were the first ones to believe, but now today everyone can choose and believe as we are autonomously able to do so.
Pretty radical stuff nonetheless.
I really do not understand your comment and it pertinence to the subject at hand Matthew. You have to explain it in terms of, I guess what I wrote in my post to you, and then I might see your point?
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