CLEAR CREEK BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE
AN EXEGESIS OF EPHESIANS 1:15-23
A PAPER PRESENTED TO
DR. BILL HELTON
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CBTH1321
BY
CALEB ISAAC DAVIS
DATE DUE: APRIL 23, 2019
Davis 1
Observations Page
15
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all
the saints, 16I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17that the God
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of
revelation in the knowledge of him, 18having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may
know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance
in the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,
according to the working of his great might 20that he worked in Christ when he raised him from
the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority
and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in
the one to come. 22And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the
church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Eph 1:15-23 ESV, 2001)
1.
(v.15,17,19-22)
Repeated Word – and (x10)
2.
(v.18-20,22)
Repeated Word – his (x6)
3.
(v.15,21-23)
Repeated Word – all (x6)
4.
(v.16-18)
Repeated Word – you (x5)
5.
(v.17,20,23)
Repeated Word – him (x5)
6.
(v.16,18-19,21)
Repeated Word – to (x5)
7.
(v.18,20,22)
Repeated Word – he (x4)
8.
(v.15,18)
Repeated Word – your (x3)
9.
(v.21)
Repeated Word – above (x2)
10.
(v.17,20)
Repeated Word – Christ (x2)
11.
(v.15-16)
Repeated Word – for (x2)
Davis 2
12.
(v.16-17)
Repeated Word – give (x2)
13.
(v.15-16)
Repeated Word – I (x2)
14.
(v.15,17)
Repeated Word – Jesus (x2)
15.
(v.15,17)
Repeated Word – Lord (x2)
16.
(v.19,21)
Repeated Word – power (x2)
17.
(v.15,18)
Repeated Word – Saints (x2)
18.
(v.15)
Purpose Statement – “For this reason.” Because Paul has heard of
the faith of the church of Ephesus, he gives praise to God because of it.
19.
(v.15)
Cause and Effect – Because the church of Ephesus has faith and
loves the saints, Paul praises God.
20.
(v.22)
Figure of Speech – “Under his feet” – Metaphor
21.
(v.23)
Figure of Speech – “Which is his body” – Metaphor for Christ
being the Church
22.
(v.18)
Figure of Speech – “Eyes of your hearts” – Metaphor
23.
(v.21)
List – “All rule and authority and power and dominion.”
24.
(v.15)
Conjunction – and
25.
(v.21)
Conjunction – and
26.
(v.15)
Verb – have heard – passive, singular – subject is church of
Ephesus
27.
(v.16)
Verb – did not cease – present, indicative – subject is Paul
28.
(v.16)
Verb – give thanks – present, active – subject is you (the church of
Ephesus)
Davis 3
29.
(v.16)
Verb – remembering – present, middle – subject is you (the church
of Ephesus)
30.
(v.17)
Verb – may give – active – subject is God
31.
(v.18)
Verb – enlightened – passive, plural – subject is eyes of the hearts
of Ephesus
32.
(v.18)
Verb – may know – active, infinitive – subject is you (the church
of Ephesus)
33.
(v.19)
Verb – who believe – active, plural – subject is us
34.
(v.20)
Verb – he worked – active, indicative – subject is God
35.
(v.20)
Verb – when he raised – active, singular – subject is God
36.
(v.20)
Verb – seated – active, indicative – subject is God
37.
(v.21)
Verb – one to come – active, singular – subject is Jesus Christ
38.
(v.22)
Verb – gave – active, indicative – subject is God
39.
(v.23)
Verb – fills – present, participle – subject is Jesus Christ
40.
(v.15-16)
Pronoun – I, my; antecedent – Paul
41.
(v.16-18)
Pronoun – you; antecedent – Church of Ephesus
42.
(v.17-20,22-23)
Pronoun – he, his, him; antecedent – God
43.
(v.17)
Action of God – “May give you the Spirit”
44.
(v.20)
Action of God – “He raised him from the dead and seated him at
his right hand”
45.
(v.15)
Actions/Role of Man – “your love toward all the saints”
46.
(v.15)
Emotional Terms – “Saints”
Davis 4
47.
(v.15)
Tone – thankfulness to see that Christians are loving each other
and not tearing one another down
48.
(v.17)
Key Phrases – “Spirit of wisdom and revelation”
49.
(v.17)
Key Phrases – “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened”
50.
(v.18)
Key Phrases – “glorious inheritance in the saints”
51.
(v.22)
Key Phrases – “gave him as head over all things to the church”
52.
(v.23)
Key Phrases – “the fulness of him who fills all in all”
Davis 5
Main Idea
Because the church of Ephesus has been faithful to love one another, Paul expresses thankfulness
by praying for them that they would be empowered and enlightened by the Holy Spirit in
wisdom to continue in the truth of Christ Jesus.
Outline Page
I.
Paul expresses his thankfulness to the church of Ephesus for loving the saints and
not tearing them down. – (Ephesians 1:15-16)
15
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love
toward all the saints, 16I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my
prayers.
II.
Paul explains that he prays for the children of God at Ephesus that their hearts will
be enlightened to know the treasure and glory God has in store for His children. –
(Ephesians 1:17-19)
17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of
wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18having the eyes of your hearts
enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the
riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness
of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
III.
Paul prays for the church of Ephesus that they will understand and give thanks to
God for raising Christ from death and giving Him dominion over all things. –
(Ephesians 1:20-23)
20
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right
hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,
and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Davis 6
Introduction
Seeing someone on fire for Jesus should bring joy into the hearts of every child of God
who sees such. To see such passion or to hear of such flame coming from the heart of another
should motivate Christians to strive towards such. However, one can most definitely put on an
act. Paul, a discerning man of God, will not be deceived by such people claiming to be in the
light. This godly man knows that the people truly love God and love others because of the news
he had heard. This news is also known fruit. This fruit pertains to what is in the heart. The
actions and words that come from a man’s heart are reflections of what is in the heart. According
to what Paul has heard, he has heard of the fruit of the church of Ephesus by them spreading love
to others and having strong faith in Christ. Now, in order to understand completely the reason
why Paul is praying a prayer of thankfulness to these people, one must examine what the
historical context of the days is and the meaning of the words Paul uses.
Davis 7
Historical/Cultural Context
The book of Ephesians was written by none other than Paul the Apostle who was
originally Saul who persecuted the very people he would soon follow.1 This conversion on the
Damascus Road led Paul to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles so that all may hear
of this good news. This letter is directed to the Church of Ephesus–mainly comprised of Gentiles
(non-Jews). Ephesus was a large city in Asia Minor. This group of people mainly worshipped the
goddess Artemis.
The reason for writing this letter was because the church of Ephesus was battling false
teachings and Judaism, but they were overcoming them by trusting in God and loving their
brothers in Christ. Because of this steadfastness, the thankful Paul wrote to them to continue
fighting the false teachings and that he was praying for them. “Paul’s motive for writing this
letter was the challenge that Christianity faced in confrontation with other religions and
philosophies of the day. Paul was convinced that the religion he proclaimed was the only way of
redemption from sin and sonship to God.”2 With the concepts of salvation through faith and a
relationship with Christ, Paul writes to this church helping them further understand the truth and
prayer that God would continue to give them wisdom.
Literary Context
Because this genre of the book of the Bible is that of a letter or epistle, it can be
understood as a situational letter. Situational letters are, as J. Scott Duvall writes, “Written to
1
Acts 9:1-19
Ray Summers, “Ephesians, Letter to The,” Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman
Bible Publishers, 2003), 492.
2
Davis 8
address specific situations or problems related to the author or (usually) to the readers.”3 With
this knowledge, the text can be dissected to know its true intent. The literary context of the
passage is essential in knowing the meaning of the text.
To begin, Paul’s writing style is that of expressing thankfulness and a prayer for the
church of Ephesus to better understand what Christ has accomplished. Aside from being a
doxological letter (like most of Paul’s letters), he uses many literary forms like the metaphor.
Paul uses metaphor as a literary devise in verse eighteen, “Having the eyes of hearts
enlightened.”4 Verse twenty-two also expresses metaphor because it says that all things are
under His feet because all authority had been given to Christ.5 Paul doesn’t actually mean
everything is under Christ’s actual foot, it reveals His authority–how mighty Christ is and how
little humanity is before the God can do anything according to His own character. The last
metaphor given in the section of text is found in verse twenty-three. Paul writes, “[the Church]
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”6 The church is not literally the body of
Christ. Christ is now in Heaven. Paul is using a metaphor to explain how Christ is the foundation
of the church because salvation comes from only Jesus Christ. The church relies completely on
Jesus Christ because He is the founder and sustainer of it.
Instead of using unclear metaphors at the beginning and then making sense of it later,
Paul unorthodoxly uses these metaphors at the end of his writings. Usually, one would start with
a vague idea and then clear it up throughout the writing. Not only that, Paul begins this section
with “For this reason.” This is clearly an indication of something needing context. Paul connects
his earlier idea of gaining an inheritance through Christ Jesus to the present text of giving thanks
3
Scott J. Duvall and Daniel J. Hays, “New Testament–Letters,” in Grasping God’s Word (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2012), 253.
4
Eph 1:18 (ESV).
5
Eph 1:22 (ESV).
6
Eph 1:23 (ESV).
Davis 9
to the church of Ephesus for obeying Christ because they will receive the inheritance. Knowing
the way Paul constructs his words will help indicate whether something is literal or metaphorical,
which will then help in acknowledging the meaning of the text.
Davis 10
Content
I.
Paul expresses his thankfulness to the church of Ephesus for loving the saints and
not tearing them down. – (Ephesians 1:15-16)
15
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love
toward all the saints, 16I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my
prayers.
In verses fifteen and sixteen of the passage, it is explained that Paul is praising the
church of Ephesus for following God and obeying His commands. Paul then explains he prays
for them. Craig S. Keener writes, “Like pious Jews, pious Christians apparently had a time set
aside for prayer each day.”7 Just like all Jews, Christians pray as well. Jesus even revealed this
to His disciples in Luke 11. Prayer is obviously important to God. Through this, Paul shows
humility by not caring about his fame but about others and how they are doing by praying for
them.8
Another point to make known is what is meant by “For this reason” at the beginning.
According to the text, one must go back to gain the context of why Paul is praising the church of
Ephesus for walking in the light. Roy B. Zuck explains,
Because of (For this reason) the believers’ acquisition of every spiritual blessing—
including election, predestination, adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom,
understanding, knowledge of the mystery of His will, the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and
inheritance—Paul now prayed that his readers might know God personally and
intimately.9
7
Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers
Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 544.
8
John D. Barry, Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016), Eph 1:16.
9
Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 619.
Davis 11
It is understood based on the quote before that Paul is praising the church because they have and
continue to progress in sanctification. The church of Ephesus has held the ideals of election and
predestination that Paul defines. Their faith was bound up in the concept of their lives having the
only purpose to glorify God. By doing so, Paul praises them.
“Your love towards all the Saints,” indicates a certain type of group. Saints in this
context refers to those who believe and follow Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. Douglas
Mangum, “ἅγιος (hagios). adj. holy, set apart, consecrated, dedicated, saints. Refers to the
quality of God who is transcendently distinctive, unique, majestic, perfect, and pure.”10 In this
passage, the word ἅγιος means saints. The definition of this word refers to someone following
after and becoming this ἅγιος (holy). “Christians and Christian fellowship,” Douglas Mangum
recalls, “are to be holy (hagios) because they are called out from the world by the holy (hagios)
God.”11 So, in summary, the term Saints in the passage are those who are Christ-followers–those
who work towards becoming holy.
Now that the necessary context has been given, it must be exegeted to understand what
is meant by the text. Paul is giving thanks for their faithfulness. However, what is the fruit of this
faithfulness that Paul is thankful for? John D. Barry declares, “The Ephesians’ faith and love is
the reason for Paul’s ceaseless prayer of thanksgiving. Their new way of living is evidence that
his work is worthwhile.”12 Paul is giving thanks because the church of Ephesus has changed–
they came to Christ. As they were dead in sin, they came to realize God’s mercy which led them
to Christ. Through this change, the church of Ephesus was made aware of their inheritance in
Christ: this inheritance is Heaven which is given to those who choose Christ as Savior. Now,
Douglas Mangum, “Holiness,” ed. Douglas Mangum, Lexham Theological Wordbook: Lexham Bible
Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
11
Douglas Mangum, “Holiness,” ed. Douglas Mangum, Lexham Theological Wordbook.
12
John D. Barry, Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016), Eph 1:16.
10
Davis 12
Paul’s prayer is that they continue in sanctification and understand fully this great mercy and gift
given to them.
II.
Paul explains that he prays for the children of God at Ephesus that their hearts will
be enlightened to know the treasure and glory God has in store for His children. –
(Ephesians 1:17-19)
17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of
wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18having the eyes of your hearts
enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the
riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness
of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
Paul explains that he is praying for the church of Ephesus. What is he praying about?
According to the text, Paul is praying that they will be given knowledge about Christ and
understand fully in their hearts of what He has accomplished through the cross. This “Spirit of
wisdom and of revelation” most likely refers to the Holy Spirit. This idea of being filled with the
Spirit of wisdom and revelation is an Old Testament concept. Consider the book of Exodus when
God was appointed and filling people with the Spirit of God to accomplish a certain task. Exodus
31:3 writes, “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with
knowledge and all craftsmanship.”13 The Spirit gives wisdom and reveals what is hidden to the
average mind. So, this type of speech comes from an Old Testament thinking (which makes good
sense because Paul was a well-educated Jew). This part of the text is a prayer that the Christians
of the church of Ephesus will be given knowledge of what Christ has given them. Christ has
given them an inheritance, which is also Old Testament language. Considering the promise God
13
Ex 31:3 (ESV).
Davis 13
gave to His people, God explained the land as an inheritance. Each tribe was given their
inheritance of the land, just like a first-born receives when his father passes.
Paul mentions the word, “hope.” Douglas Mangum expresses hope (ἐλπίς) in the
original language as, “the idea of hope and expectation.”14 This idea of hope is looking towards
something. According to the text, God called Christians to this and it is their hope. Ceslas Spicq
continues, “Hope is the expectation—uncertain, confident, or anguished—of a desired good; it
glimpses as possible or probable the realization of that which it counts on.”15 What the text is
referring to is Heaven. Paul is praying that their minds will comprehend the inheritance given to
them. The prayer is to know the weight of hope they have in Christ through the cross and
resurrection.
Continuing the intriguing words, Paul refers to the hope or expectation of Heaven as
an inheritance to Christ followers. The word “inheritance” means something that is rightfully
owned by an heir.16 Because Christ suffered on the cross and rose again, those who believe and
repent will be given an inheritance that belongs to them for they are heirs to it. Heaven is not
only their hope but also their inheritance which will be given to them because God always fulfills
His promises.
This section of text (verses 17-19) clearly indicate one main message: Paul is praying
that the church of Ephesus will know more deeply the hope and inheritance they have through
Christ Jesus which is eternal life with Him in Heaven. Though much of the text uses Old
Testament language, it must be known that the words have great significance in knowing what
14
Chris Kugler, “Faith,” ed. Douglas Mangum, Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible
Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
15
Ceslas Spicq and James D. Ernest, Theological Lexicon of the New Testament (Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson Publishers, 1994), 483.
16
John W. Herbst, “Inheritance,” ed. Douglas Mangum, Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible
Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
Davis 14
Paul actually means–not one’s own interpretation. Paul is praying for enlightenment (or for
hidden truths to be understood by being brought to the light). Paul thanks the church of Ephesus
for following God and His will, but Paul prays that they will continue to learn the weight of the
gift of Heaven which has been given to all Christians as an inheritance through the blood of
Christ Jesus.
III.
Paul prays for the church of Ephesus that they will understand and give thanks to
God for raising Christ from death and giving Him dominion over all things. –
(Ephesians 1:20-23)
20
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right
hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,
and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
As the last verses of the text, Paul clearly uses Old Testament language to express an
idea to the New Testament believers. God raised Christ from the dead. What does this mean?
Francis Foulkes explains, “His raising his Son from the dead is the mark of his approval, the
acknowledgment of him as his Son, and the declaration of him as Lord of all.”17 This coming
back from the dead was prophesied in the Old Testament. However, Paul uses this phrase to
explain how God had to crush Christ for He became sin but then raised Him from the dead to
show that not even death has power. The second act God showed is by setting His son as His
right hand. Psalm 110:1 says, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make
17
Francis Foulkes, Ephesians: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale New Testament
Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1989), 70–71.
Davis 15
your enemies your footstool.’”18 This text explains not only the power and authority Christ has
but also what Paul writes later because all of His enemies are under His foot. Roy B. Zuck
writes, “Whereas Adam lost his headship over Creation when he sinned, Christ was made Head
over all Creation.”19 The text reveals how Christ is King and no one can be compared to His
greatness. Paul then uses future language when he speaks about the next age to come. He says
that Christ has infinite authority in this world and the next life (Heaven and the New Earth).
Christ reigns forever. Christ is referred to as the head of the church which is His body–this
phrase actually comes from Paul in Ephesians 4:22 and 1 Corinthians 11:3.
The picture Paul sets up in these verses reveals an interesting thought from the history
during that time. The picture of setting one’s enemies under their feet shows dominance and
power. John D. Barry reveals, “In ancient times, a king who placed his foot upon the neck of his
defeated foe demonstrated power and victory.”20 This historical language helps to understand
what powerful concepts Paul is trying to express. Jesus showed victory. The true King has placed
His almighty foot on Satan, sin, and death to prove that Christ is the one and only Victor in
eternity. This thinking is more of a military idea than simply saying “Jesus is love.” This is more
violent: in order to win a battle, one must be defeated. This defeat means that Satan and his
demons will be bound in Hell forever when Christ makes His second coming to take His children
home.
Paul uses the word “raised” when he speaks about God raising Christ from the dead.
Raised (awake or ἐγείρω), Douglas Mangum expresses is, “The action of awakening, physically
18
Ps 110:1 (ESV).
Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 621.
20
John D. Barry, Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016), Eph 1:22.
19
Davis 16
arising to stand erect; metaphorically, coming alive after being dead.”21 This word indicates that
God awakened Christ. This gives the idea that one wakes from his sleep. However, in this sense,
the dead has been brought to life. From eyes that were shut to having them opened with full
breath–that is the picture. Showing His almighty power over all things, God brought the King of
kings back to life and gave Christ authority over all things.
Moving from the context, it is important to acknowledge why Paul actually wrote the
text. Theology is important to Paul. The Holy and Perfect God judged Christ for the sinned He
took upon Himself. Being a just God, God had to crush Christ. Did Christ stay dead? No, He rose
again by the power of God according to the will of God. Paul is still praying that they will be
enlightened by these things and feel the weight of who Christ is and what He has done for them.
When Christ ascended into Heaven, He sat at the right hand of God indicating His authority and
power to rule over all things with perfect justice. Being raised from the dead revealed how Christ
has become the victor: no one will ever defeat Him. Christ will always win, and He will never
lose. Because of this dependability, Christ became not only the head of the church but the church
itself. Christ controls the church. All Christians are apart of the body of Christ which is the
church. Paul prays intently for God to give the knowledge of the cross and its impact clearly to
the Christians at the church of Ephesus so that they will become more like Christ in all things.
Douglas Mangum and Joshua Spoelstra, “Resurrection,” ed. Douglas Mangum, Lexham Theological
Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
21
Davis 17
Application
Many will drop the context and see a word that sounds good to which they will change
its meaning to something they would rather it mean. However, this is not interpreting the Bible
correctly. In order for proper application of the text at hand, the context must be held together.
For instance, today’s generation is not Ephesus. Paul is not writing to people today but to people
back then. With that in mind, how can what Paul wrote to the church of Ephesus apply to today’s
generation in a way that still keeps the context in alignment with the actual meaning of the text?
The careful exegesis taken in knowing the context will help identify key principles for the
Christian to practically live out. There are three mean applications that a Christian can live out
practically: encourage fellow Christians with Christ, pray that fellow Christians will grow
spiritually, and then know that Christ is the head over the church.
The first key application of the text in Ephesians is encouraging fellow brothers and
sisters. Paul was encouraging the church of Ephesus for keeping to God’s word and loving one
another. Instead of tearing down and causing dissension, speak with love. When a mean thought
about someone arises, repent and keep your mouth shut. Do not tear fellow brothers down. The
Bible is clear that if you tear down the brother (or hate the brother) you have seen, you cannot
love the God whom you have not seen.22 Stop tearing down your brothers because you are
blaspheming the name of God. Instead, lift each other up and spur them on to do good things for
the sake of the Gospel.
22
1 Jn 4:20
Davis 18
Praying that fellow Christians will grow spiritually is the second application. Maybe
you need someone to pray for you or maybe you need to pray for someone specifically. Take
time in the day to pray that your brother or sister will grow–that they will learn the truth, be
convicted, and transformed by having the truth revealed to them. Paul was a strong Christian,
and His life was centered on prayer; Jesus lived similarly by praying constantly for not only
Himself but for others.
The final application deals with pride in the church (thinking oneself better than
another in the church). Christ is the head of the church, not the pastor, youth pastor, deacons,
elders, or the congregation. Christ is the head and He is the leader. Do not think you are better
than others in the church simply because of your job title or how much money you have given.
God is the head, and we are all under Him. Just remember, you are nothing. Christ in you is the
leader. He is great, you are nothing. Live in humility. Do not walk around thinking you are
amazing. Instead, step back and remember who the boss is in the context of your local church.
Bibliography
Barry, John D. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.
Duvall, Scott J. and Daniel J. Hays. Grasping God’s Word. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012.
Foulkes, Francis. Ephesians: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament
Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1989.
Hoehner, Harold W. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures.
Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition.
Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014.
Lexham Theological Wordbook: Lexham Bible Reference Series. Editor Douglas Mangum.
Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.
Spicq, Ceslas and James D. Ernest. Theological Lexicon of the New Testament. Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson Publishers, 1994.
Summers, Ray. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers,
2003.