Armor of God!!! 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your … Continue reading Ephesians 6. →

While it is sometimes a temptation to dismiss rules of ethical living and sum up our behavior as requiring that we love God and love others. In one sense this is certainly true. If we live in perfect love for God with all that we are, and love others as ourselves, we should be living … Continue reading Ephesians 5. →

Be sweet! 31 You must put away all bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice.32 Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. Ephesians 4:31, 32

Paul confirms his earlier statements of unity between Israel and gentiles in this chapter, and his role in announcing this situation, and encouraging gentiles to join in. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has … Continue reading Ephesians 3. →

The gist of chapter two, as I see it, is that we gentiles are now unified with the Jews who are members of God's household, not through our own works, but by grace through faith. Grace is essentially unmerited favor, and I believe the grace Paul is referring to is Jesus' willing sacrifice on the … Continue reading Ephesians 2. →

Paul really shepherds his flock, doesn't he?