Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon (Understanding the Bible Commentary | UBC)

by Arthur G. Patzia

Publisher:

Baker

, 2011

Overview

Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon discusses the origin, authorship, purpose, and contents of these New Testament letters. Scholarly, yet easy to understand, this volume explores the nuances of Paul’s messages to the church, which deal with many of the same issues faced by the church today.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Humility (tapeinophrosynē) is that attitude of mind that enables one to see people other than oneself.” (Page 229)

“To ‘put on’ (6:11, 13) is a call for believers to utilize what they already possess.” (Page 287)

“Election to salvation does not imply that God, therefore, predestines the rest of humanity to damnation; nor should election lead to spiritual pride among the elect. Election simply affirms that personal faith rests upon the prior work (grace) of God, so that, with respect to salvation, God has taken the initiative to claim a people for himself. An individual is free to choose God only because God has already decided for such a person from eternity. Likewise, election should not lead to spiritual complacency; it is a privilege and responsibility that is unto holiness of life and for good works (1:4; 2:10).” (Page 152)

“‘Truthing in love’ suggests the idea of living out the truth in a spirit of love. Some congregations may have all ‘the truth,’ but no love; others may have considerable love, but no truth. What is needed is a combination and balance between the two. Stott makes a fitting and astute statement on this point when he writes: ‘Truth becomes hard if it is not softened by love; love becomes soft if it is not strengthened by truth. The apostle calls us to hold the two together.… There is no other route than this to a fully mature Christian unity’ (p. 172).” (Page 246)

“Third, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. The imagery behind this phrase comes from the ancient custom of sealing (sphragizō), in which personal possessions (e.g., animals, household goods, slaves) received a mark or stamp of ownership in much the same way that things are branded or identified today. This act also confirmed or authenticated something as genuine. A seal on a letter or document, for example, declared that it was legally valid.” (Page 158)

Product Details

• Title: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon
• Author: Arthur G. Patzia
• Series: Understanding the Bible Commentary Series
• Publisher: Baker
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2012
• Pages: 336
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Ephesians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Colossians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Philemon › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781441251916, 9780801047398, 144125191, 0801047390, 144125191X
• Resource ID: LLS:NIBCNT70EPH
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-12-12T21:58:50Z

About Arthur G. Patzia

Arthur Patzia is the former senior professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, Northern California, and in retirement serves as an adjunct professor. A distinguished scholar, he is the author of several books, including The Making of the New Testament, The Emergence of the Church, and the Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Terms.