Exegesis of Ephesians

Study Questions

Eph 1:3-14

1. Note the wordplay in 1:3. What is its significance?
2. What are the possible senses for the infinitive εἶναι (1:4)?
3. What is the symbolism behind the use of the terms ἁγίους καὶ ἀμώμους? What is the theological significance?
4. Note the repetition of the phrase "εἰς ἔπαινον . . . " in 1:6, 12, 14. How would this inform us about the structural development of the passage?
5. What is the significance of the shift from the 1st person to 2nd person in 1:13?
6. To what does the term περιποιήσεως (1:14) refer? What are the options?

Eph 1:15-23

1. Discuss the possible options in the interpretation of the phrase πνεῦμα σοφίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως (1:17)?
2. Discuss the possible options in the interpretation of the perfect participle πεφωτισμένους (1:18).
3. Discuss the theological significance of the use of the 3 genitive phrases in the content of Paul’s prayer (1:18-19).
4. Discuss the theological significance of the relative clause in 1:20.

Eph 2:1-22

1. Discuss the syntactical function of the genitive τοῦ πνεύματος (2:2). To what does it refer?
2. Discuss the different tenses used in 2:2.
3. Note that the same tense is used in the verbs: συνεζωοποίησεν, συνήγειρεν, and συνεκάθισεν in 2:5-6. What implications can we deduce on the nature of our salvation?
4. Why is the clause χάριτι ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι inserted in 2:5 in this manner, and then repeated in 2:8?
5. How is the word ποίημα (2:10) used in the Bible?
6. In what sense were the readers of Ephesians ἄθεοι (2:12)?
7. Discuss Paul’s use of the concept of “new man” (cf. 2:15).
8. What is Christ role in relation to the term εἰρήνη (2:14, 15, 17)?

Eph 3:1-21

1. Discuss the meaning of the term τὸ μυστήριον (3:3).
2. What is Paul referring to when he used the verb προέγραψα (3:3)?
3. In what sense is Paul referring to himself as “τῷ ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ πάντων ἁγίων” (3:8)?
4. Discuss the meaning and relationship between the words: παρρησίαν, προσαγωγὴν, and πεποιθήσει (3:12).
5. What is meant by the phrase: διὰ τῆς πίστεως αὐτοῦ (3:12; cf. 3:17)?
6. What is the object of reference for the description: τί τὸ πλάτος καὶ μῆκος καὶ ὕψος καὶ βάθος (3:18)?

Eph 4:1-24

1. Discuss the meaning of one of the following words: ταπεινοφροσύνης, πραύ̈τητος, μακροθυμίας, (4:2).
2. Where did Paul say that Jesus went by the phrase: εἰς τὰ κατώτερα (4:9)?
3. Discuss the possible options in the interpretation of verb ἔδωκεν (4:11) and their relationship to the nature of spiritual gifts.
4. Discuss the syntax of the phrase τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους (4:11).
5. Discuss the relationship between the 3 prepositional phrases in 4:12. What implications can we draw on the aim of ministry.
6. List the options in the interpretation of the infinitive: ἀποθέσθαι (4:22)

Eph 4:25-5:20

1. Discuss the meaning of the clause ὀργίζεσθε καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε (4:26)?
2. What kind of image does the word συμμέτοχοι suggests (5:7)?
3. Discuss the textual problem involving the word φωτὸς (5:9).
4. Discuss the textual problem involving the word συνίετε / συνίεντες (5:17).
5. Discuss meaning of the prepositional phrase: ἐν πνεύματι (5:18).
6. Discuss the use the 5 participles (λαλοῦντες, ᾄδοντες, ψάλλοντες, εὐχαριστοῦντες, and Ὑποτασσόμενοι) in 5:19-21.

Eph 5:21-6:9

1. Discuss the problem of the absence of a main verb in 5:22.
2. Discuss the meaning of the term κεφαλὴ (5:23)?
3. Discuss the function of 5:26-27. Are they an indication of how a husband should treat his wife?
4. Discuss the function of the prepositional phrase ἐν κυρίῳ (6:1).
5. What is the significance of κατὰ σάρκα being placed after τοῖς (6:5)

Eph 6:10-24

1. Discuss the function of the transitional formula Τοῦ λοιποῦ (6:10).
2. Survey Paul’s references to the spiritual forces named in 6:12.
3. Discuss the use of the verbal form ἀντιστῆναι (6:13)?
4. Why is the word of God likened to a sword (6:17).
5. Discuss the use and function of the final prepositional phrase: ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ (6:24).