Author: Art Davison

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Introduction:

“The subject of this book, and indeed of all the writings of the New Testament, is the Gospel. The Greek word euaggelion signifies a joyful message, good news, glad tidings of good things; such as Christ was anointed to preach, the Angels brought to the shepherds, and the Evangelists, Apostles, and Ministers of Christ published to the world, Isaiah 61:1; 52:7; Luke 2:10. And such is the account given by this inspired writer, of the incarnation, life, actions, ministry, miracles, sufferings, and death of Jesus Christ; whereby peace and reconciliation, pardon and righteousness, atonement and redemption, life and salvation, are obtained for lost, perishing sinners.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

“The four Gospels record the eternal being, human ancestry, birth, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus the Christ, Son of God, and Son of Man. They record also a selection from the incidents of His life, and from His words and works. Taken together, they set forth, not a biography, but a Personality.” — Online Bible Verse Theme Index.

“It is… a marvellous proof of the guidance and control of the Divine Spirit that out of these numerous oral Gospels there should emerge four, each perfect in itself, and together affording, as with the all-round completeness of sculpture, a life-like representation of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is manifestly of great advantage to have these several portraits of our Lord, permitting us to see Him from different points of view, and with varying arrangements of light and shade; all the more that, while three of them set forth in abundant variety of detail that which is more external, —the face, the features, the form, all the expression of that wondrous Life, —the fourth, appropriately called on that account “the Gospel of the heart of Jesus,” unveils more especially the hidden riches of His inner Life.” — Expositor’s Bible Commentary.

Author: Matthew (also called Levi) Luke 5:27, one of the twelve apostles, Mark 2:14. Undoubtedly a Jew who was a publican, or Roman tax collector, Matthew 10:3. When called by Jesus he left all and followed him, Luke 5:27-28. He made a great feast for Christ, who attended it despite the fact that the publicans belonged to a despised class, Luke 5:29.

To Whom Addressed: Primarily to the Jews. This view is confirmed by the fact that there are about sixty references to the Jewish prophecies and about forty quotations from the Old Testament. Christ’s mission to the Jews is especially emphasized, Matthew 10:5-6, “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

15:24.

Key Words: Fulfilled, which is frequently repeated to indicate that the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Christ. The word Kingdom, which appears fifty times and the Kingdom Of Heaven thirty times. King, Jesus as, Matthew 2:2; 21:5; 22:11; 25:34; 27:11, 37, 42.

Apparent Purpose: To show that Jesus of Nazareth was the Kingly Messiah of Jewish prophecy.

Distinctive Features:

1) The Complete Genealogy of Christ beginning with Abraham, Matthew 1:1-17.

2) Incidents and Discourses found only in this Gospel:

a. Ch. 2.

aa. The visit of the Magi [wise men], Matthew 2:1-12.

bb. The flight into Egypt, Matthew 2:13-14.

cc. The slaughter of the Innocents, Matthew 2:16.

dd. The return to Nazareth, Matthew 2:19-23.

b. Ch. 3. The coming of the Pharisees and Sadducees to John the Baptist, Matthew 3:7.

c. Chs. 5-7 The Sermon on the Mount (complete), Matthew 5:1–7:29.

d. Ch. 11. “Come unto me, all ye that labour,” Matthew 11:28.

e. Ch. 14. Peter walking on the sea, Matthew 14:28-31.

f. Ch. 23. The denunciation of the Pharisees, as an extended Discourse, Matthew 23.

g. Ch. 26. The thirty pieces of silver received by Judas, Matthew 26:15.

h. Ch. 27.

aa. The return of the thirty pieces of silver, Matthew 27:3-10.

bb. The dreams of Pilate’s wife, Matthew 27:19.

cc. The appearance of resurrected saints, Matthew 27:52.

dd. The watch at the sepulcher, Matthew 27:64-66.

3) Ch. 28.

a. The bribing of the soldiers, Matthew 28:12-13.

b. The earthquake, Matthew 28:2.

c. The Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20.

d. Miracles found only in Matthew:

aa. The two blind men healed, Matthew 9:28-30.

bb. The tribute money,. Matthew 17:24-27.

4) Parables found only in Matthew:

a. Ch. 13:

aa. The Tares, Matthew 13:24.

bb. The hid treasure, Matthew 13:44.

cc. The goodly pearl, Matthew 13:45.

dd. The draw-net, Matthew 13:47.

b. Ch. 18. The unmerciful servant, Matthew 18:23.

c. Ch. 20. The laborers in the vineyard, Matthew 20:1-16.

d. Ch. 21. The two sons, Matthew 21:28-32.

e. Ch. 22. The marriage of the king’s son, Matthew 22:1-14.

f. Ch. 25:

aa. The ten virgins, Matthew 25:1-13.

bb. The talents, Matthew 25:14-30.

cc. The sheep and the goats, Matthew 25:31-46.

Analysis: From the standpoint of the Kingship of Christ; the King; the story of the Kingly Messiah:

1) His Lineage and birth, Matthew 1.

2) The Search for Jesus Matthew 2:2.

3) The Adoration of Jesus, Matthew 2:11.

4) The herald of Matthew 3:1-12.

5) The spiritual victory of, Matthew 4:1-11.

6) The proclamation of Matthew 4:17.

7) Summoning followers, by, Matthew 4:18-22.

8) The laws and mandates of, Matthew 5:1–7:29.

9) The words and works of, Matthew 8:1-12:50.

10) The parables of, Matthew 13.

11) The murder of his herald, John the Baptist, Matthew 14:1-12.

12) His power over natural forces, and disease, Matthew 14:14-36; 15:32-39.

13) His revelation of the dullness of men, and his own coming sufferings and glory, Matthew 16:1–17:27.

14) His instruction concerning the principles of his kingdom, Matthew 18:1–20:34.

15) His triumphal entry unto the capital, his rejection, parables and prophecies, Matthew 21:1–22:14.

16) His foiling of the plots of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Matthew 22:15-46.

17) His denunciation of the leaders, Matthew 23.

18) His prophecies and parables relating to the future, Matthew 24:1–25:46.

19) The events leading up to his betrayal, Matthew 26:1-46.

20) His trial, Matthew 26:57-75; 27:1-31.

21) His crucifixion, Matthew 27:31-50.

22) The events immediately following his death, Matthew 27:51-56.

23) His Resurrection and his commission to his followers, Matthew 28.

THE EPISTLE TO TITUS–NT SURVEY

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THE EPISTLE TO TITUS

Introduction:

“Titus, to whom this epistle is inscribed, was a Greek, an uncircumcised Gentile, and so remained; nor did the apostle circumcise him, as he did Timothy, when he became his companion; nor did the apostles at Jerusalem oblige him to be circumcised, when Paul took him with Barnabas along with him thither, Galatians 2:1, 3. He was a man of great grace, and large gifts, and very dear to the apostle: he calls him his brother, his partner, and fellow helper, and says he walked in the same spirit, and in the same steps, 2 Corinthians 2:13; 8:23; 12:18.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

He was a messenger of the church at Corinth, 2 Corinthians 8:16-18. He was thoroughly trustworthy and unselfish, 2 Corinthians 12:18; a companion of Paul and Barnabas on a journey to Jerusalem, Galatians 2:1. He was left in Crete by Paul to superintend the churches, Titus 1:5. He was in Rome with Paul during the latter’s imprisonment, 2 Timothy 4:10. He seems to have been a more sturdy man than Timothy and probably more mature.

“The title ‘Pastoral Epistle’ is as appropriate to the Epistle to Titus as to the First Epistle to Timothy. Although there is a good deal in the letter that is personal rather than pastoral, yet the pastoral element is the main one. The bulk of the letter is taken up with questions of church doctrine and government, the treatment of the faithful members of the congregation and of the unruly and erring.” — Expositor’s Bible Commentary.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Main Theme: Counsels and Exhortations relating to Ministerial Duties and Doctrines, with special emphasis laid upon the maintenance of good works.

Key Verses: Titus 1:5, “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:” Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”

Emphatic Thought. The emphasis upon good works is seen in, Titus 1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14. This is a sufficient answer to those who claim that there is a conflict of doctrine between Paul’s epistles and that of James. The character of the Cretians was such that Paul thought it necessary to advise their minister to insist upon consistent Christian living. Nevertheless this epistle does not teach salvation by works, Titus 3:5.

Synopsis

I. Instructions Concerning Church Organization and Discipline.

A. The salutation and reference to the glorious hope of the gospel, Titus 1:1-4.

B. The purpose of the assignment of Titus to Crete, Titus 1:5.

C. Church Order and Discipline:

1. The Character and Qualifications of Elders and Bishops, Titus 1:6-9.

2. The Importance of Suppressing “unruly and vain talkers and deceivers,” Titus 1:10-11.

3. The Evil Character of the Cretians Demanded Stern Treatment and Steadfast Adherence to the Truth, Titus 1:12-14.

4. Inward Defilement and Hypocrisy Condemned, Titus 1:15-16.

a. Even their Mind and Conscience is Defiled, Matthew 15:18.

b. Professing to know God, but their works deny that they know Him, 1 Timothy 6:5.

II. Sound Doctrine and Good Works.

A. The Apostle Paul’s Instructions adapted for various classes.

1. Regarding the spirit and behavior of aged men and women, Titus 2:2-3.

2. Those of mature age are to teach young men and women, Titus 2:4-6.

3. Exhortation to Titus concerning his personal example, Titus 2:7-8.

4. The duties of servants, Titus 2:9-10.

B. The Grace of God that Brings Salvation Demands:

1. Self-denial and Godliness in this world, Titus 2:11-12.

2. The Looking for the Fulfillment of the Blessed Hope of Christ’s Coming, Titus 2:13.

3. His People to Live Holy Lives as a Peculiar People, Titus 2:14.

C. The Importance of Enforcing these Truths, Titus 2:15.

III. Additional Instructions Regarding the Doctrine of Good Works and the Divine Method of Salvation.

A. The Duty of Obedience to Authority, Titus 3:1-2.

B. The Gracious Method of Salvation:

1. The Universality of Sin, Titus 3:3.

a. “Once” in our unconverted state, Ephesians 2:3.

• Foolish, Romans 1:21.

• Disobedient, Romans 1:30.

• Deceived, 2 Timothy 3:13.

b. The Goodness of God led us to repentance, v. 4; Romans 2:4.

2. Good works NOT the Basis of Salvation, but redeeming grace according to His Mercy, Titus 3:4-7.

C. The Importance of Good Works Should Be Constantly Taught, Titus 3:8.

D. The Treatment of Foolish Questions and Heresy, Titus 3:9-11.

E. Closing words and benediction, Titus 3:12-15.

THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS–NT SURVEY

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THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS
Introduction:

“The small Turkish village of Cavallo is the Naples of Macedonia, the “Neapolis” at which St. Paul landed, and the sea-port of Philippi, the “first city” which the traveller reached on entering this “part of Macedonia,” and a city of no little importance as a Roman military “colony.” The characteristic of a colonia was, that it was a miniature resemblance of Rome. Philippi is not the first city of this kind to which we have traced the footsteps of St. Paul; Antioch in Pisidia, and Alexandria Troas, both possessed the same character: but this is the first place where Scripture calls our attention to the distinction; and the events which befell the Apostle at Philippi were directly connected with the privileges of the place as a Roman colony, and with his own privileges as a Roman citizen.” — The Life and Epistles of St. Paul by W. J. Conybeare.

The Philippian church was an ideal one in many respects. It was very appreciative and benevolent, Philippians 4:15-16; 2 Corinthians 8:2. It was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey, in the midst of a storm of persecution. The beginnings of the work were small, among a few women at the river side. Lydia, a seller of purple, was the first convert, and she was soon joined by the Philippian jailor and his family. These, and perhaps a few others, became the nucleus of the church, Acts 16:12-40.

As to the characteristics of the Epistle, it is a spiritual love letter to the church. It contains outbursts of warm affection and gratitude. Written under hard circumstances, while Paul was a prisoner, he strikes the keynotes of victory and joy:

1) Rejoicing in Prayer, Philippians 1:4.

2) Rejoicing in the Gospel, Philippians 1:18.

3) Rejoicing in Christian Fellowship, Philippians 2:1,2.

4) Rejoicing in Sacrifices for the Cause, Philippians 2:17,18.

5) Rejoicing in the Lord, Philippians 3:1.

6) Rejoicing for the Loving Care of the church, Philippians 4 10.

Writer: The Apostle Paul.

Date: Probably written from Rome between 60 and 64 A.D.

Central Message: Jesus Christ.

1) As the source of spiritual fruit, Philippians 1:11.

2) As the theme of preaching, Philippians 1:18.

3) As the highest motive of Christian service, Philippians 1:20-21.

4) As exhibiting the only perfect spirit and example, Philippians 2:5-11.

5) The knowledge of whom, is the supreme prize for which to struggle in life, Philippians 3:7-14.

6) At whose appearing, believer’s bodies shall be fashioned anew, Philippians 3:20-21.

7) Whose power is limitless in Christian lives, Philippians 4:13.

8) Who is the channel of divine supplies for every need, Philippians 4:19.

Synopsis:

A. The salutation, Philippians 1:1-7.

B. A personal disclosure by the apostle, of his inner life and his attitude toward the church at Philippi.

1. His solicitude for its spiritual development, Philippians 1:8-11.

2. His assurance that his bonds have proven a blessing to many, Philippians 1:12-19.

3. His expectation and desire, and whatever may be the outcome of his imprisonment, that Christ may be magnified by his life or death, Philippians 1:20.

4. His realization of the gain of death for the believer, but feeling that his work is unfinished, he is hoping to visit the Philippian church once more, Philippians 1:21-25.

5. His chief concern is for the faithfulness of the church in the midst of her persecutions, Philippians 1:27-30.

C. Exhortations in respect to Christian life and character:

1. To unity, humility, and self-forgetfulness, Philippians 2:1-4.

2. To the seeking of the mind of Christ, Philippians 2:5-13.

3. To cooperation with God, in working out personal salvation, and to live as the approved sons of God in an evil world, Philippians 2:12-16.

D. The apostle’s commendation of his messengers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:19-30.

E. Warnings against Judaizers, Philippians 3:1-3.

F. A narrative of the apostle’s experiences:

1. As a high class, zealous Jew, who had abandoned, as worthless, all his legal righteousness, to accept the Righteousness of God by faith in Christ, Philippians 3:4-9.

2. His supreme ambition being, to know Christ and partake of his resurrection and reach the final goal of a Christlike character, Philippians 3:10-14.

G. Further exhortations to the church:

1. To follow the apostolic example, Philippians 3:15-17.

2. To beware of enemies of the cross, Philippians 3:18-19.

3. To be heavenly citizens, looking forward to a great change at the coming of the Lord, Philippians 3:20,21.

4. To steadfastness, unity, helpfulness, moderation, freedom from anxious care, prayerfulness, high thinking, Philippians 4:1-8.

H. Closing words of appreciation, a promise of divine supplies for every need, the salutations and benedictions, Philippians 4:10-23.

THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS–NT SURVEY

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THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS
Introduction:

The persons to whom this epistle is written were not such who made up a single church only, in some certain town or city, but were such of which several churches consisted, in a region or country called Galatia, as is evident from Galatians 1:2 and the members of these churches seem to be chiefly, if not altogether Jews, since the apostle includes them with himself; as having been under the law, under tutors and governors, and in bondage under the elements of the world, and to whom the law had been a schoolmaster, though now they were no longer under it as such, Galatians 3:23-25; 4:1-3 or however, though some of them might have been originally Gentiles, yet, previous to their conversion, had become proselytes to the Jews, and now were returning to Judaism again, as appears from Galatians 4:8-10. — John Gill’s Expositor.

This epistle has been called by some writers “The Magna Charta of the Church.” The main argument is in favor of Christian liberty in opposition to the teachings of the Judaizers. These false teachers insisted that the observance of the ceremonial law was an essential part of the plan of salvation.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Date: Probably between 55 and 60 A.D.

To Whom Addressed: To the churches in Galatia, a district in Asia Minor, the exact boundaries of which are uncertain.

Main Themes:

1) A Defense of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith.

2) Warnings against Returning to Judaism.

3) A Vindication of Paul’s Apostleship.

Key Text: Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Emphatic Words: “Faith,” “Grace,” “Liberty,” “The Cross”

Outline of the Book:

I. The salutation and introduction, Galatians 1:1-9.

II. Paul’s Experiences Supporting His Claim to True Apostleship.

A. The gospel which he preached came directly by revelation from Christ, while he himself was a zealous Jew persecuting the church, Galatians 1:10-16.

NOTE: “Probably this took place during the three years, in part of which he sojourned in Arabia (Galatians 1:17-18), in the vicinity of the scene of the giving of the law; a fit place for such a revelation of the Gospel of grace, which supersedes the ceremonial law (Galatians 4:25).” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

B. For years he was away from the church at Jerusalem and labored independently of the other apostles, Galatians 1:17-23.

NOTE: Paul finally left Damascus “to see Peter,” “to make the acquaintance of” (Greek) Peter. Paul stayed only 15 day, a short time when you consider the three years he labored independently for the LORD in Damascus. “The plots of the Jews prevented him staying longer (Acts 9:29). Also, the vision directing him to depart to the Gentiles, for that the people of Jerusalem would not receive his testimony (Acts 22:17-18).” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

C. He was under divine direction in his work among the Gentiles, and in the case of Titus, the Greek, had insisted that he should be free from the observance of the ceremonial law, Galatians 2:1-5.

D. The church at Jerusalem indorsed his apostleship, and work among the Gentiles, Galatians 2:7-10.

NOTE: “To each apostle was assigned the sphere best suited to his temperament: to James, who was tenacious of the law, the Jerusalem Jews; to Peter, who had opened the door to the Gentiles but who was Judaically disposed, the Jews of the dispersion; to Paul, who, by the miraculous and overwhelming suddenness of his conversion, had the whole current of his early Jewish prejudices turned into an utterly opposite direction, the Gentiles. Not separately and individually, but collectively the apostles together represented Christ, the One Head, in the apostleship.” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

E. He had not hesitated to rebuke Peter, Barnabas and other Christian Jews, when he saw that they were yielding to ritualistic tendencies, Galatians 2:11-14.

III. Paul’s Defense of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Apart from the Works of the Law.

A. By Showing the Folly of Christian Jews Abandoning their new faith and light, and returning to the old legalism, Galatians 2:15-21.

B. By Appealing to the Former Spiritual Experience of the Galatians, Galatians 3:1-5.

C. By Showing that Abraham was Justified by Faith, Galatians 3:6-9; Romans 4.

D. By Showing that the Law had NO Redeeming Power, but brought a curse upon the disobedient, from which Christ redeemed believers, Galatians 3:10-14.

E. By Proving that the Law could NOT Disannul the Covenant of Salvation by Faith, Galatians 3:15-18.

F. By Indicating the Purpose of the Law as a Schoolmaster to prepare the way for Christ, Galatians 3:19-25.

G. By Showing the Losses of Those Who Surrender their faith in Christ, and Relapse into Legalism.

1. They lose the blessing of their inheritance as children of God, and return to the bondage of Ceremonialism, Galatians 3:26-4:11.

2. They have lost the sense of appreciation for labors performed in their behalf, Galatians 4:11-16.

3. They were acting like the children of Abraham after the flesh, instead of the children of promise, Galatians 4:19-31.

4. They would not only lose their spiritual liberty, but make Christ’s sacrifice of no avail for them, Galatians 5:1-6.

NOTE: “ye are fallen from grace;” that is, either from that grace which they professed to have; for there might be some in these churches, as in others, who were only nominal Christians, and formal professors; who had declared they saw themselves lost and undone sinners, destitute of a righteousness, and professed to believe in Christ alone for righteousness and strength, but now trusted in themselves, and in the works of the law: or from the scheme of grace in the whole of man’s salvation, which will admit of no mixture of works; either it is one or the other, it cannot be both;..” — John Gill’s Expositor.

IV. Warnings, Instructions, and Exhortations.

A. Warnings in regard to false teachers, and the misuse of liberty, Galatians 5:7-13.

B. Exhortations concerning the spiritual life.

1. The Conflict between the Flesh and Spirit, Galatians 5:17-18.

2. The Works of the flesh which exclude from the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:19-21.

3. The fruits of the Spirit which should be manifest in Christian life, Galatians 5:22-26.

NOTE: “Paul changes the figure from works (erga) in verse 19 to fruit as the normal out-cropping of the Holy Spirit in us. It is a beautiful tree of fruit that Paul pictures here with nine luscious fruits on it: Love, 1 Corinthians 13; Joy, the Holy Spirit gives the joy in the midst of the tribulations as Paul learned (Romans 5:3); Peace, (eirhnh), is more than the Hebrew shal“m so common in salutations. One recalls the “peace” that Christ leaves to us (John 14:27) and the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7)” —A.T. Robertson; longsuffering, 1 Corinthians 13:4, opposed to a hastiness to revenge, and inclining us patiently to bear injuries; Gentleness or “kindness,” “a very rare grace, often wanting in many who have a considerable share of Christian excellence. A good education and polished manners, when brought under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace with great effect.” —Adam Clarke’s Commentary. Goodness, The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil, but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability; faithfulness, Same word as “faith” in Greek text, “here used for fidelity—punctuality in performing promises, conscientious carefulness in preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner, in transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend, nor disappointing the confidence of our employer;” — Adam Clarke’s Commentary. meekness, “A person is meek when he is not quick to get angry. Many things occur in daily life to provoke a person’s anger, but the Christian gets over his anger by meekness;” —Luther. Temperance, one holding control or holding in; the Greek root implies self-restraint as to one’s desires and lusts; Against such—not persons, but things, as in Galatians 5:21; no law—confirming Galatians 5:18, “Not under the law” (1 Timothy 1:9-10). The law itself commands love (Galatians 5:14); so far is it from being ‘against such.’” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.\

C. The characteristics of the spiritual life:

1. Charitableness, and burden bearing, Galatians 6:1-2.

NOTE: If ye, legalists, must “bear burdens,” then instead of legal burdens (Matthew 23:4), “bear one another’s burdens,” literally, “weights.” Distinguished by BENGEL from “burden,” Galatians 6:4 (a different Greek word, “load”): “weights” exceed the strength of those under them; “burden” is proportioned to the strength. — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

2. Humility, self-examination, self-reliance and benevolence, Galatians 6:3-6.

3. The law of sowing and reaping holds good in the moral realm, Galatians 6:7-9. “God does not suffer Himself to be imposed on by empty words: He will judge according to works, which are seeds sown for eternity of either joy or woe.” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary.

D. The Contrast between the Doctrine of the False Teachers (Judaizers) and that of the Apostle Paul, Galatians 6:12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:12.

1. The doctrine of the false teachers: glory in ceremonial rites and the marks in the flesh, Galatians 6:13, “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.”

2. The doctrine of the Apostle Paul: in the cross, and the marks of the Lord Jesus.

THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS–NT SURVEY

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THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS
Introduction:

“The city of Ephesus is, by Pliny, called the other light of Asia; Miletus was one, and Ephesus the other: it was the metropolis of the lesser Asia, and one of the twelve cities of Ionia, and the first and chief of them: it is said to be built by the Amazons: it was famous for the magnificent temple of Diana; and the inhabitants of it were very much given to superstition and idolatry, and even to devilish arts, Acts 19:19.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

“It was this temple which gave unity to the city, and to the character of its inhabitants. Oxford in England is not more Oxford on account of its University, than Ephesus was Ephesus on account of the Temple of Diana. The highest title the city could have assumed, and that which was impressed on its coins, was newkopov, Temple-sweeper, —servant of the great goddess. One of the most lucrative occupations of the people was the manufacture of miniature representations of the temple, wrought in silver, which being carried about by travellers, or reverenced at home, found an extensive sale, both foreign and domestic.” — Charles Hodge.

“Paul’s first visit to Ephesus (on the seacoast of Lydia, near the river Cayster) is related in Acts 18:19-21. The work, begun by his disputations with the Jews in his short visit, was carried on by Apollos (Acts 18:24-26), and Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). At his second visit, after his journey to Jerusalem, and thence to the east regions of Asia Minor, he remained at Ephesus “three years” (Acts 19:10, the “two years” in which verse are only part of the time, and Acts 20:31); so that the founding and rearing of this Church occupied an unusually large portion of the apostle’s time and care; whence his language in this Epistle shows a warmth of feeling, and a free outpouring of thought, and a union in spiritual privileges and hope between him and them (Ephesians 1:3, etc.), such as are natural from one so long and so intimately associated with those whom he addresses. On his last journey to Jerusalem, he sailed by Ephesus and summoned the elders of the Ephesian Church to meet him at Miletus, where he delivered his remarkable farewell charge (Acts 20:18-35).” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Date: Probably written at Rome between 60 and 64 A.D.

Paul’s Ministry at Ephesus:

1) His first visit, Acts 18:18-21.

2) His second visit, the Holy Spirit is given to believers who were baptized “Unto John’s baptism,” Acts 19:2-7.

a. His continuance of the work with remarkable success, Acts 19:9-20.

b. His conflict with the silversmiths, Acts 19:23-41.

3) His last visit and his address to the Ephesian elders, Acts 20:17-35.

Historical Occasion of the Writing: The converted Jews in the early churches were inclined to be exclusive, and separate themselves from their Gentile brethren. This condition of affairs in the church at Ephesus may have led to the writing of this epistle, the keynote of which is Christian Unity.

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:13, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

Main Theme: the unity of the church at Ephesus, especially between Jew and Gentile believers. This is shown by the recurrence of certain words and phrases, such as:

1) The word, “together:”

a. Gathered Together, Ephesians 1:10;

b. Quickened Together, Ephesians 2:5}

c. Raised up Together, sitting Together, Ephesians 2:6}

d. Builded Together, Ephesians 2:22}

2) The word, “one,” indicating unity:

a. One new man, Ephesians 2:15}

b. One body, Ephesians 2:16}

c. One spirit, Ephesians 2:18}

d. One hope, Ephesians 4:4}

e. One Lord, One faith, One baptism, One God and Father of all, Ephesians 4:5-6.

Other Recurrent Words and Phrases:

1) “In Christ,” Ephesians 1:1, 3, 6, 12, 15, 20; 2:10, 13; 3:11; 4:21.

2) “In heavenly places,” Ephesians 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10.

3) “Riches,” of grace, Ephesians 1:7; 2:7.

4) Riches,” of glory, Ephesians 1:18; 3:16.

5) “Riches,” of Christ, Ephesians 3:8.

Synopsis:

I. The Church and the Plan of Salvation.

NOTE: Paul in discussing the plan of salvation in the different epistles, somewhat varies the emphasis. In Romans he especially dwells upon faith apart from works. In Galatians, faith apart from ceremonial observances. In Ephesians he lays great stress upon the unity of believers.

1) The salutation, {#Eph 1:2}

2) The divine origin of the church, {#Eph 1:3-6}

3) The plan of salvation.

3a) Through the redemptive work of Christ, {#Eph 1:7,8}

3b) Universal in its scope, {#Eph 1:9-10}

3c) Insuring a rich spiritual inheritance, {#Eph 1:11-14}

3d) Prayer that believers might be fully enlightened as to the riches of its provisions, {#Eph 1:15-23}

3e) The plan provides for a spiritual resurrection from sin and the exaltation of the believer into heavenly places, {#Eph 2:1-6}

3f) It is wholly of grace and not of works, {#Eph 2:7-10}

3g) It embraces the Gentiles who were far from God, but were brought nigh by the blood of Christ, {#Eph 2:11-13}

3h) It removes all barriers between Jews and Gentiles and unites them into one body for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, {#Eph 2:14-22}

3i) The mysteries of the divine purpose revealed to Paul, and his appointment as apostle to the Gentiles, {#Eph 3:1-12}

3j) Paul’s second prayer for the spiritual fullness of the church and her enlightenment concerning the matchless love of Christ. {#Eph 3:14-21}

II. Practical Application.

A. The Divine Plan Calls for the Unity of Believers:

1. In the Spirit, Ephesians 4:1-3.

2. The Seven Unities Mentioned, Ephesians 4:4-6.

3. Diversity of Gifts but unity “for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:7-16.

B. The Divine Plan Calls for Consistent Christian life, the believers’ walk:

1. Not as Other Sinful People, Ephesians 4:17-21.

2. In Newness of Life, Abandoning the Old Sins, Ephesians 4:22-32.

3. Walking in Love and Purity, Ephesians 5:1-7.

4. Walking in the Light, Ephesians 5:8-14.

5. Walking Circumspectly, Filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:15-21.

C. The Divine Plan for Home life:

1. Duties of Husbands and Wives, Ephesians 5:22-33; Ch. 6.

2. Duties of Children, Fathers, Servants and Masters, Ephesians 6:1-9.

D. The Divine Plan for Spiritual Warfare:

1. Source of Strength, Ephesians 6:10.

2. The Armor and the Enemy, Ephesians 6:11-18.

E. Concluding words and benediction, Ephesians 6:19-24.