Ephesians (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible | BTC)
Overview
The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible encourages readers to explore how the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition inform and shape faithfulness today. In this volume, prominent Reformed theologian Michael Allen offers a theological reading of Ephesians. As with other series volumes, this commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.
- Includes verse-by-verse commentary
- Offers theological analysis of Scripture
- Provides a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups
Top Highlights
“‘Why must Christian ethics contemplate being? In order that our moral lives can be conducted away from idols toward reality. The metaphysical impulse in Christian theology is not a flight from history—far from it: it is an element in the ascesis imposed upon sinners by the gospel, part of the needful dispossession and re-engagement with the truth in which the baptismal form of Christian existence is impressed upon the subjects of God’s redemptive goodness’ (2015b: 15).” (Page 19)
“Eph. 4:1–6:9 he has described the shape of the mature or whole Christian life that is empowered by God in a much more panoramic view, taking in many areas of human life, both individual and corporate, bodily and cosmic. Now in 6:10–18 the apostle turns to describe the means by which God grants strength.” (Page 153)
“God gives what is his own, for God gives nothing less than himself. We must remember that evangelical logic stated bluntly earlier: ‘in him you also’ (1:13; 2:22). Here we might say that 6:10–13 says something equivalent to ‘in his armor, you also possess his strength and might.’” (Page 155)
“Often overlooked in major glossaries of Pauline theology, power dominates the front half of Ephesians.” (Page 31)
For pastors, wanting to get at the theological heart of a text, there is some good stuff. When I am preaching, I usually try to take a peek at the Brazos volume.
—Nijay K. Gupta, Portland Seminary
Douglas Farrow admirably fulfills the stated aims of the Brazos series of commentaries. He constantly respects the Church and its rule of faith. He relates the epistle to the contemporary world. He maintains excellent competence in exegesis. His commentary throbs with his passion for Paul and for this earliest Christian letter. His concern for the whole Church includes regular respect for patristic writers. This volume well combines New Testament studies and Christian theology.
—Anthony C. Thiselton, FBA, emeritus professor of Christian theology, University of Nottingham
How do the earliest letters of the apostle Paul read when interpreted not only in their original setting but in light of the faith and thinking of the great teachers in Christian history? In what may appear to some as reckless abandon, Douglas Farrow shows that the simplest words and phrases of Paul’s writings echo across the centuries in ways that could not be discerned when they were first written. And the message they convey is clear: the wisdom of our age has no place for 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
—Robert Louis Wilken, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor Emeritus of the History of Christianity, University of Virginia
- Title: Ephesians
- Author: R. Michael Allen
- Series: Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
- Publisher: Brazos
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Pages: 183
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. Ephesians › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9781493427499, 9781587430961, 9781587435508, 1493427490, 1587430967, 1587435500
- Resource ID: LLS:BRAZOS70EPH
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-07T23:06:56Z
R. Michael Allen teaches systematic (or dogmatic) theology and theological ethics as a way to train students to delight in the study of God’s mighty deeds (Psalm 111:2). He hopes that integrated study of Bible and theology will help students prepare for faithful ministry in the local church by considering our worship and witness in light of God’s Word. He is especially interested in how Christian doctrine relates to other theological disciplines: biblical theology, historical theology, and moral theology. He grew up in both the South and in South Florida as the son of a Presbyterian pastor. He is presently a candidate for ordination as a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his work in the seminary, he enjoys serving in local churches: teaching classes for children and adults, preaching, and working in the nursery. Prior to joining the faculty at Knox, he taught undergraduate and graduate students at Wheaton College for two years. He has also been active in the American Academy of Religion, the Evangelical Theological Society, and the Society of Biblical Literature.