Ephesians & Colossians (ACNT)
Overview
It is hard to touch anything in Ephesians without encountering—or creating—a problem. The book of Ephesians has touched off a firestorm of controversy in biblical scholarship—authorship, audience, date, theological emphases, and the like. Walter F. Taylor’s commentary on Ephesians brings order out of the Ephesian chaos.
Paul’s letter to the Colossians, however, presents another set of exegetical and interpretive challenges. In a time like ours when syncretistic versions of Christianity beckon alluringly, Colossians has an especially pertinent message. What are its theological emphases and its patterns of thought? In his commentary on Colossians, John H.P. Reumann shows the literary prominence of Christ and his ministry in the words of Paul’s letter.
- Discussion of historical issues, such as authorship, dating, and location
- Textual and literary notes
- Bibliographies and suggestions for further reading and study
- Scripture references linked to your Greek New Testament or English translation
Top Highlights
“That power, moreover, is the very same power and energy God used in raising Christ (v. 20). Thus, while of the greatest cosmic significance, God’s power is at the same time active in believers.” (Page 40)
“God previously hidden but now revealed. Thus the mystery is a mystery only to the outsider.” (Page 36)
“God’s choice of us is prior to the creation of the world.” (Page 34)
“God gives gifts, and it is that thought which links vv. 7 and 8 to each other, as well as v. 8 to vv. 11–16. RSV’S he led a host of captives is weak; literally the phrase reads ‘he took captive captivity.’ The author reapplies the quotation. Christ is the victor; he fought a battle on high and captured his enemies (cf. also 6:10–20). Who are the captives? Probably the aeons and powers of the air already mentioned (2:2, 7; 3:9).” (Page 65)
“Paul is thus a steward who is part of God’s plan of salvation, since to him God’s grace was given for you, that is, for the Gentiles (see Rom. 15:15; 1:5; 12:3; as well as Eph. 3:7–8).” (Page 55)
- Title: Ephesians & Colossians
- Authors: Walter F. Taylor, Jr. and John H.P. Reumann
- Editors: Roy A. Harrisville, Jack Dean Kingsbury, and Gerhard A. Krodel
- Publisher: Augsburg
- Series: Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament
- Publication Date: 1985
- Pages: 175
Walter F. Taylor is Associate Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, he is a graduate of Midland Lutheran College, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and Claremont Graduate School. He also studied at Yale Divinity School. From 1973 to 1976 he was Instructor in Greek at the School of Theology at Claremont; from 1978 to 1981 he was Associate Pastor at First Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. Dr. Taylor edits the Trinity Seminary Review and is a frequent speaker on Paul, Mark, and evangelism.
John H.P. Reumann is a graduate of Muhlenberg College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Ordained in 1950, he has organized mission congregations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has taught at the Philadelphia Seminary for more than thirty years, where he has also served as Dean and Acting President. He has done postdoctoral study at Cambridge and Göttingen Universities and taught in India and Israel. As editor, author, lecturer, and preacher, he is widely known, especially in ecumenical circles, including Catholic dialog, and for his work in the “Word and Witness” program.