Ephesians: Pauline Theology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is indicated by the phrase 'in love he chose us ahead of time for adoption-to-sonship'?

Sonship refers solely to earthly relationships.

Adoption was exclusively for the Jews.

God's love predates our existence. (correct)

God's choice was based on our actions.

Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of being 'sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise'?

It is a temporary state of goodness.

It guarantees eternal security for the believer. (correct)

It symbolizes the believer's physical health.

It provides wealth beyond measure.

What is the significance of 'the eyes of your heart' being opened in prayer?

To enhance physical vision.

To erase past memories.

To achieve fame and fortune.

To gain a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. (correct)

What does the phrase 'to praise the glory of His grace' imply?

A focus on God's unmerited favor. Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul's recounting of the audience’s story of salvation serve in his message?

To provide a basis for faith amid suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'summoning up all things in Christ' suggest about the role of Jesus?

He holds authority over all creation. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the relationship between God's blessings and the believer's experience?

Believers may experience difficulties despite blessings. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a key theme within the segment discussing thanksgiving and prayer?

Recognizing faith and love among the audience. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the writing style of the letter to the Ephesians compared to Paul's other letters?

A un-Pauline literary style Signup and view all the answers

Which theological emphasis is notably absent in Ephesians compared to other letters by Paul?

Righteousization based on trusting God directly in Jesus Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reason for the absence of an emphasis on parousia in Ephesians?

The author wrote after Jesus' expected return Signup and view all the answers

To whom is the letter of Ephesians addressed according to its content?

The saints in Ephesus Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the lack of a distinct body in the letter to the Ephesians?

This supports the view it is an encyclical letter Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary occasion for writing the letter to the Ephesians?

To combat the spread of Colossian syncretistic heresy Signup and view all the answers

What do the correspondences between Ephesians and Colossians primarily indicate?

A shared set of problems requiring attention Signup and view all the answers

What is the parsimonious account for the authorship and purpose of Ephesians?

Written by Paul for the churches in the Lycus Valley region Signup and view all the answers

Which theological focus is emphasized in Ephesians rather than the historical events of Jesus and the cross?

Being raised with Christ Signup and view all the answers

What term does Paul use in Ephesians to refer to a wider collection of believers rather than local congregations?

Ekklesia Signup and view all the answers

What is notably absent in the theological constructs of 1–2 Corinthians when compared to Galatians and Romans?

Righteousization based on faith Signup and view all the answers

Which argument is made against the use of an amanuensis to explain Paul's stylistic quirks?

Absence of a personal autograph Signup and view all the answers

What contrasting theme is argued to be present in Ephesians compared to the typical Pauline contrast?

Grace vs. human effort Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of believers being 'seated together with Christ'?

It indicates they are also above all powers that oppress them. Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul describe the status of the non-Jewish audience before their redemption?

They were dead in their transgressions. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'one new humanity' in the context of Paul's teachings?

A community created through Christ uniting all believers. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul emphasize as the basis for the audience's salvation?

God's grace activated through trust. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'brought near' signify for the non-Jewish audience?

Their inclusion in God's family through Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Christ play in abolishing divisions, according to Paul?

He creates peace between different groups of believers. Signup and view all the answers

In Paul's view, what is the key to understanding his theology?

The audience's history of exclusion from God's promises. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the 'Davidic' Kingdom is Christ described as having victory over?

All competing anti-Kingdom powers. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul emphasize about the gospel in relation to his status as a prisoner?

It is a grace allowing him to be a steward. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Paul's prayer mentioned in 3:1?

For the audience to comprehend their identity. Signup and view all the answers

According to Paul's teachings, what is the significance of the diverse gifts of the Spirit?

They are for the edification of the body’s unity. Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul describe the relationship among believers in Ephesians 4:1-6?

Believers are unified by the one Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as the relational nature of the triune God in Ephesians 4?

Economic proto-trinitarianism as a model for unity. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul mean when he exhorts, 'Therefore, I exhort you…walk…' in Ephesians?

To live in accordance with their new identity. Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul's mention of the audience being non-Jews imply about their relationship with Israel’s heritage?

They are actively participating in Israel’s heritage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of chapters 4 to 6 in Paul's letters?

The ethical treatment of others and community unity. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the nature of the unity mentioned in relation to God, Christ, and the Spirit?

The unity of Christ’s body, empowered by God’s will. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'household code' imply in the context of the gospel?

The incorporation of cultural elements for gradual transformation. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a feature that complicates the evaluation of the letter's authorship?

The unusual body format and absence of explicit references to occasions. Signup and view all the answers

What syntactical distinctives are noted in the critique of the letter's style?

The juxtaposition of participles and linking infinitives with participles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason for challenging the authenticity of the letter?

The use of anachronistic terminology not found in genuine Pauline texts. Signup and view all the answers

How are the parallels to undisputed Pauline letters interpreted?

As potential indicators of clever pseudepigraphy or shared authorship. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hapax legomena' refer to in the context of the letter?

Words that appear only once within a given text. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship issue is raised concerning Ephesians and Colossians?

The letters share similarities that suggest possible common authorship. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ephesians: Expressing the Center of All Pauline Theology

Ephesians is a letter debated in terms of its authorship and intended audience.
It's written at the same time as Colossians and Philemon.
It is an encyclical, meant to address churches in the Lycus Valley.
Paul wrote it as a response to the Colossian syncretistic heresy.
Paul aimed to protect the Lycus Valley churches from this harmful theological trend.
The letter articulates how believers reign supreme through Christ, in the face of anti-kingdom forces.
It focuses on believers' restored, unified humanity in light of the gospel.

Critical Issues (Authorship)

Paul is the author of Ephesians, as evidenced by first-person singular references and identification as Paul within the text (1:1; 3:8-).
The letter self-identifies as written to various audiences in the region.
While some scholars challenge the authorship, Paul is the first interpreter of this document by all measures.
Colossians is accepted as unquestionable Pauline authorship.

Themes and Theology

The letter emphasizes believers' reign supreme with Christ and their role in defeating anti-kingdom forces.
Focuses on their restored, unified humanity in light of christological truths.
Central themes include spiritual oppression and how believers demonstrate the power of the Christ-centered gospel.

Literary Structure and Content

Ephesians is structured like a letter which contains an encyclical style to various audiences.
It includes a lack of a body that is specifically addressed.
This lack of specific addresses made it relevant to the region's various churches.
The letter's literary composition and the problems similar to Colossians imply the same authorship.

Extra Detail Regarding Debate of Authorship

Reasons challenging Ephesians' authorship include a different theological emphasis.
There is a different literary and compositional style than in Paul's undisputed letters.
Scholars argue its style differs significantly from Paul's well-known writing style.

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Description

This quiz explores the themes and authorship of the letter to the Ephesians, examining Paul's responses to theological issues in the Lycus Valley. It delves into the significance of unity and restored humanity in Christ. Test your understanding of this critical aspect of Pauline theology and its context.