Ephesians 1:11-23

Ephesians 1:11-23
(Ephesians 1:15-23)
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Reading the Text:
- NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
- Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
- The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
- The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
- The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
- IV.XIX.2, IV.XXIV.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
- V.17, V.19, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 212)
- Chapter XXVIII, Against Praxeas, Tertullian (c. 213)
- Chapter XIII, On Monogamy, Tertullian (c. 215)
- I.V.1, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen. (c.225)
- VII.XIII, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
- I.34, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Origen. (c.228)
- XII.10, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
- Commentary by St. John Chrysostom:
  - Homily II
  - Homily III
- From the Geneva Notes.
  - "...all those things (which he brings to two heads, that is, faith and charity) are increased in us by certain degrees, so that we must desire an increase of his grace, from whom we have the beginning, and from whom we hope for the end."
- From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
  - "God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer."
- From Wesley's Notes.
  - "The sealing seems to imply, 1. a full impression of the image of God on their souls. 2. a full assurance of receiving all the promises, whether relating to time or eternity."
- From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
  - "The Spirit, like a seal, impresses on the soul at regeneration the image of our Father. The "sealing" by the Holy Spirit is spoken of as past once for all."
- From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
  - "The 'earnest' money was a small part of the purchase money given in hand to bind the bargain. Paul says that the Holy Spirit given to God's children is such earnest of the inheritance that he will bestow, a small part given now as a proof to his adopted children."
Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
- Commentary, Ephesians 1:15-23, Kyle Fever, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014.
  - "The old powers, rulers, and dominions defined by power no longer call the shots for those who are in Christ."
- "So That You May Know The Hope,," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2014. Use of images.
- Commentary, Ephesians 1:11-23, Mark Tranvik, All Saints C, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
  - "This is a rich text, packed with theological nuggets for the interpreter to explore."
- Commentary, Ephesians 1:11-23, C. Clifton Black, All Saints A, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
  - "It is a sad commentary on our times that, if many Christians think at all of eschatology, they do so equipped only with the anxious, warped boilerplate of Left Behind."
- "Ascended," Paul Bellan-Boyer, A City Called Heaven, 2011.
- "No Strangers Allowed," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2009.
  - "In our world we're much more comfortable with posting a sign like "No strangers allowed" that reflects the suspicion and fear of our time. But perhaps it is time for us to acknowledge our fear, confront it, and turn that very slogan on its head. "No strangers allowed" means that in the Kingdom of God nobody is a stranger, therefore in this congregation nobody is a stranger."
- Commentary, Ephesians 1:11-23, Sally A. Brown, All Saints C, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
  - "The final phrases of a Jewish-styled opening berakah prayer of blessing join in this text to a Christocentric thanksgiving in 'prayer report' form."
- Ephesians 1:11-23, All Saints C: Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montrel.
- Ephesians 1:15-23, Ordinary 34A: Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Commentary, Ephesians 1:15-23 (Christ the King A), Karoline Lewis, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
  - "What meaning is communicated by the language of prayer not otherwise made available?"
- "First Thoughts on Year A Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Christ the King, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  - "...what happened with Christ was the beginning of something which reaches out and encompasses others and brings together into a network of people who share the same source of energy."
- "Thanksgiving and Prayer," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
- "The Calling and Design of the Church: A Study in Ephesians," by Lehman Strauss at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
  - "Most of our prayers are taken up with ourselves or with those nearest and dearest to us. Needs of others occupy a small place in our prayer life. Paul’s prayers are included by the Holy Spirit as a corporate part of the epistle."
- Ephesians 1:15-23, Ascension: Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Allen, Thomas G., "Exaltation and Solidarity with Christ: Ephesians 1:20 and 2:6," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1986.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Andrew, Garrett, "Between text and sermon: Ephesians 15-23," Interpretation, 2014.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Arand, Charles P., "Homiletical Helps on LSB Series A - Epistles," (Ephesians 1;15-23 begins on page 93), Concordia Journal, 2008.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Cloete, G.D. and D.J. Smit, "Exegesis and Proclamation, Preaching from the Lectionary, Ephesians 1:20-23," Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 1988.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Haberer, Jack, "Ephesians 1:15-23," Interpretation, 2008.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Penner, Erwin, "The Enthronement of Christ in Ephesians," Direction, 1983.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Robertson, A.C., "'Hope' in Ephesians 1:18, A Contextual Approach," Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 1986.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Roose, Hanna, "Sharing in Christ's Rule: Tracing a Debate in Earliest Christianity," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2004.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Woodcock, Eldon, "The Seal of the Holy Spirit," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1998.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Sermons:
- "The Hope of Your Calling," Edgardo A. ColÃ³n-Emeric, Faith and Leadership, 2012.
- The Wealth of Christ the King, Janice B. Scott, The Village Shepherd.
- "Lavish Grace," from a series of sermons on the book of Ephesians by Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Washington.
With Children:
- Worshiping with Children, Christ the King / Reign of Christ, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2014. 2011.
- "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," November 23, 2014, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Ezekiel 34:11-16 and I Will Protect You From the Jungle Beasts by Martha Alexander, Ephesians 1:15-23 and Grandpa Green by Lane Smith, Matthew 25:31-46 and Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. 2011.
- Hope ... riches... greatness -- Children's sermon for the Ascension based on Ephesians 1:15-23 from CSSPlus (Children's Sermon Service...Plus)
- "I Pray That Light Will Flood Your Hearts," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
Drama:
- "Declaration of Dependence," Glenn A. Haskell, dramatix.
Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
- Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
Liturgy:
Hymns and Music:
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Ephesians 1:13, 21. The Cyber Hymnal.
- "Resurrection Power," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, a new, relevant hymn set to traditional tunes.
Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
Study Links and Resources for the Book of Ephesians