Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

by Martin, Ralph P.

• ISBN13: 9780804231398
• ISBN10: 0804231397
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1992-02-01
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Pr

Summary

In his commentary, Ralph Martin singles out two themes that are high on today's agenda of theological and practical inquiry and planning. These themes are the cosmic dimensions of Christological teaching and the role of the church as God's locus and agent of reconciliation. In this examination, the author allows Paul's voice to be heard again on these important themes.Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

Table of Contents

EPHESIANS
INTRODUCTION	1	(80)
An Epistle for Today	1	(2)
The Purpose, Occasion, and Background of the Latter	3	(3)
Central Ideas of the Letter	6	(3)
Outline of the Epistle to the Ephesians	9	(2)
COMMENTARY
Praise and Thanks in the Light of the Church's Salvation Ephesians1:1-23	11	(13)
Address and Greeting	11	(2)
The Purpose of God in Eternity and Time	13	(7)
The Father's Choice	16	(1)
Christ's Achievement	17	(2)
God at Work in Human Lives	19	(1)
Intercession for the Churches	20	(4)
The Church's Story---Past, Present, and Future Ephesians2:1-10	24	(6)
Humanity Outside Christ	25	(2)
Humanity in Christ	27	(1)
What it Means to Be a Christian	28	(2)
The Unity of the Church Ephesians2:11-22	30	(9)
The Gentiles Before and After Christ's Coming	32	(2)
Jews and Gentiles Are Now One Body in Christ	34	(3)
The One Church on the One Foundation	37	(2)
Paul's Apostolate and His Prayer for the Church Ephesians 3:1-21	39	(6)
Paul's Calling and How He Understood It	40	(2)
Paul's Calling and How He Fulfilled It	42	(2)
Paul's Prayer for the Church	44	(1)
The New Humanity in Earthly Relationships Ephesians 4:1--6:20	45	(33)
The Church's Vocation in the Light of Its Unity	48	(1)
Christ's Gift and His Gifts	49	(4)
The Church's Path to Maturity	53	(2)
A Statement of the Christian's Social Conduct	55	(7)
Patterns of Old and New Life Contrasted	57	(5)
Christian Conduct Illustrated	62	(5)
Christ, the Church, and the Family	67	(6)
Relations of Masters and Slaves	73	(1)
The Christian Warfare and the Apostle's Request	74	(4)
Personal Report and Final Greetings Ephesians 6:21-24	78	(3)
COLOSSIANS
INTRODUCTION	81	(52)
Introducing Colossians	81	(1)
The Threat to Faith and the Colossian Crisis	82	(8)
The Colossian ``Philosophy''	90	(6)
Note on the Background of the False Teaching Conclusion	94	(2)
The Place of Paul's Imprisonment	96	(2)
The Question of Authorship	98	(1)
Outline of the Epistle to the Colossians	99	(1)
COMMENTARY
Colossians
Opening Salutation	100	(1)
Reasons for Thankfulness	101	(1)
Paul's Prayer	102	(1)
Christian Experience and the Christian's Lord	103	(7)
Application to the Readers	110	(1)
Paul's Ministry to the Churches	111	(2)
Paul Confronts the Situation at Colossae and Responds	113	(5)
Note on Demystifying the Powers	116	(2)
Defense of Christian Liberty	118	(3)
Lift Up Your Hearts	121	(1)
True Self-Denial	122	(2)
Christian Distinctives	124	(2)
Family and Social Duties	126	(3)
Exhortations and Appeals	129	(1)
Plans and Greetings	130	(3)
PHILEMON
INTRODUCTION	133
Introducing Philemon	133
The Occasion and Purpose of the Letter	133
Table: The Referential and Poetic Sequences of Actions in the Letter to Philemon	134
The Place of Origin and Date	137
The Historical and Pastoral Significance of the Letter	138
Note on the Later History of Personalia in Philemon	139
Summary	141
Outline of the Epistle to Philemon	141
COMMENTARY
Philemon
Greeting	142
Thanks and Acknowledgment	142
The Request	143
Final Remarks and Greetings	144
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ephesians	147
Colossians	150
Philemon	154