Download Ephesians (Powerpoint)

Ephesians
One New Humanity…
Ephesians
• Author…
– Implied author of text is surely Paul
• “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (1:1)
• “This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus
for the sake of you Gentiles—for surely you have heard of
the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you,
and how the mystery was made known to me by
revelation…” (3:1-3)
• “Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was
given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the
boundless riches of Christ…”(3:8)
• “Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be
given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the
gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I
may declare it boldly, as I must speak.” (6:19-20)
Ephesians
• Author…
– But is Paul really the author?
• Ephesians falls into the “disputed” category of
Paul’s letters because so many contemporary
scholars question whether it was Paul who wrote
this letter.
• If the letter presents itself as coming from Paul,
why would anyone question this attribution?
• There are a number of reasons, but let’s begin with
the one that is most clearly evident—Ephesians
appears to be “plagiarizing” the letter of Colossians
(no moral judgment is implied here—”plagiarism”
in ancient and some modern cultures is a
compliment, not a crime)
Ephesians
• Author…
– But is Paul really the author?
• Ephesians falls into the “disputed” category of Paul’s letters
because so many contemporary scholars question whether it
was Paul who wrote this letter.
• If the letter presents itself as coming from Paul, why would
anyone question this attribution?
• There are a number of reasons, but let’s begin with the one
that is most clearly evident—Ephesians appears to be
“plagiarizing” the letter of Colossians (no moral judgment is
implied here—”plagiarism” in ancient and some modern
cultures is a compliment, not a crime)
• Take a look at the handout comparing Colossians and
Ephesians in terms of overlapping subject matter
Ephesians
• Author…
– Ephesians copies Colossians?
•
•
•
•
1570 words in Colossians—34% appear in Ephesians
2411 words in Ephesians—26.5 % appear in Colossians
29 word verbatim agreement: Eph 6:21-22 and Col 4:7-8
7 word verbatim agreement: Eph 1:1,2 and Col 1:1,2; Eph
3:2 and Col 1:25; Eph 3:9 and Col 1:26
• 5 word verbatim agreement: Eph 1:7 and Col 1:14; Eph 4:16
and Col 2:19
– Can best be explained either by one copying another,
both copying a common third letter or outline
• The exact verbal parallels speak against simply following a
common outline and adding a third letter simply adds
unnecessary complexity
• Hence, one copying the other, and here more scholars
conclude Ephesians shows signs of being the later letter.
Ephesians
• Author…
– So that raises the intriguing question, if Paul is the
author of both, why is he copying himself?
– Add to this the nearly universal observation by
scholars that Ephesians has a somewhat different
style, pace, and at times vocabulary and perhaps
even theology than other most definitely Pauline
letters
• No apparent focus on a real problem or situation which called
for a letter
• More “grand theologizing” than typically seen in his other
letters
• Emphasis more on “Church” than “Christ”
Ephesians
• Author…
– Hence three theories of authorship proposed to account for
these qualities in Ephesians
• 1.) Paul is writing this late in his career and life and writing a more
general “Pauline” theology as a sort of legacy or to summarize his
thoughts for the situation the church finds itself near the end of his
ministry; he does this general circular letter at the same time as he
writes a more specific letter to address particular issues in Colossae
(hence sending both by Tychicus; hence the similarity between the
two)
• 2.) Paul has left the writing of this letter to a junior colleague who
writes it up based on Paul’s letter to the Colossians (and perhaps it
is written by the same person also writing Colossians), i.e., Paul has
ghost writers in his entourage later in his career
• 3.) One of Paul’s students has taken it upon himself to write up
another Pauline letter summarizing and applying Paul’s teaching for
the post-Pauline church, using the formula of a Pauline letter to do it
– Either intentionally trying to pass off a forgery, or…
– Using the ancient practice of pseudonymity—where you write in the
name and style of a famous person but your readers understand it is an
authorial persona, not the actual writer
Ephesians
• Author…
– All three theories have scholarly arguments in
their favour
– I personally am more convinced by #2 and #3
than by #1
• The differences in style, tone, and content are
dramatic enough that a “late in life” scenario does
not really carry weight
• The arguments in favour of #1 are constantly
undermined by special pleading for why there are
so many exceptions to what Paul does and says in
other letters accepted as genuine.
Ephesians
• Author…
– Choosing between #2 and #3
• Much depends on whether you see Ephesians reflecting a
relatively later church situation and how much latitude you
imagine Paul would give to someone in his entourage writing
letters on his behalf.
• Emphasis on founding apostles and prophets (e.g., 2:20,
3:5), the transition from egalitarianism (e.g., Gal 3:28) to
patriarchal household code (e.g., 5:21-6:9) and a shift to
church and realized eschatology rather than Christ and
immanent parousia are all seen as indicators of much later
church context (i.e., 80’s or later rather than 60’s). Hence, #3.
• But if you take personal references at face value rather than
as literary device, #2 works better and you could argue (as I
would) that evolutionary models of early church development
are too slow (i.e., institutionalization and shift to stable church
life vs. millenarian fever can happen much quicker
sociologically speaking).
• My best guess--#3 may have slight advantage but I would not
discount #2.
Ephesians
• Author…
– Choosing between #2 and #3
• Much depends on whether you see Ephesians reflecting a
relatively later church situation and how much latitude you
imagine Paul would give to someone in his entourage writing
letters on his behalf.
• Emphasis on founding apostles and prophets (e.g., 2:20,
3:5), the transition from egalitarianism (e.g., Gal 3:28) to
patriarchal household code (e.g., 5:21-6:9) and a shift to
church and realized eschatology rather than Christ and
immanent parousia are all seen as indicators of much later
church context (i.e., 80’s or later rather than 60’s). Hence, #3.
• But if you take personal references at face value rather than
as literary device, #2 works better and you could argue (as I
would) that evolutionary models of early church development
are too slow (i.e., institutionalization and shift to stable church
life vs. millenarian fever can happen much quicker
sociologically speaking).
• My best guess--#3 may have slight advantage but I would not
discount #2.
Ephesians
• Who was it written to?
– Two complicating factors
• Who wrote it?
– If Paul or assistant in his lifetime and sent by Tychicus, it
would have been headed to same region as Colossae,
namely Asia Minor
– If later copy of Colossians letter by pseudonymous
author, then any place or no place in particular is
possible
• Textual variants in 1:1
– “in Ephesus” does not appear in some key ancient
manuscripts
– However, “to the saints who are also faithful in Christ” is
a bit awkward
– Lincoln (and others) have suggested an original twofold
destination “to the saints [in x] and the faithful [in y]”.
Ephesians
• Who was it written to?
– The problem with Ephesus as the destination if this is
either Pauline, Pauline commissioned or PseudoPauline is the letter appears to imply the recipients do
not necessarily have personal knowledge of Paul and
his ministry nor does the author seem to presume first
hand knowledge of his audience (e.g., 1:15, 3:2)
whereas both Paul’s genuine letters and Acts speak
of considerable time spent in Ephesus.
– I would argue that given its general nature, whether
Pauline or post-Pauline, a more generic letter
probably indicates a widespread intended readership,
but if a location has to be determined, there are hints
that Asia Minor (also the location of Colossae) is
probably the best choice.
Ephesians
• Who was it written to?
– Some scholars argue that there are specific social and religious
conditions in Western Asia Minor that are reflected in the letter’s content
• Roman power brought the Eastern Hellenistic world an external political and
economic unity but individuals in this environment had lost social integration
and a sense of belonging. In the more crowded cities people felt uprooted
and alienated and old traditions, including religious traditions, were
inadequate. Instead of being well ordered, the cosmos was perceived as
hostile and inhabited by malevolent spiritual forces. In this religious milieu
you had a rise of new religious movements and syncretism. A sort of
monotheism arose, one God in heaven just like one emperor on earth—but
like the distant emperor, so the one God was equally distant. In this universe
salvation was found in escaping from this world to the upper realms of the
cosmos. A religious context such as this was fertile breeding ground for
mystery religions and magical rites which offered protection for malevolent
spiritual forces and offered ascent forms of salvation while also speculating
on the nature of the cosmos. Some such religious syncretism is frequently
seen lurking behind the letter to the Colossians and Ephesus had a
reputation as a great centre for magic in the ancient world. (See Lincoln,
Ephesians)
• This is possible, but other scholars argue that much of the teaching of
Ephesians is equally plausible as a natural extension and development of
Pauline theology in a post-Pauline context rather than being so context
specific. (this is Lincoln’s preferred position, Ephesians)
Ephesians
• Why was it written to?
– Again, answering the “who wrote” and “to
whom written” will determine this in part
– A much more general letter and so typical
mirror reading techniques that work so well in
the Corinthian letters or Galatians are not as
useful here
– The “why written” ends up being merely a
summary of the more general theological and
ethical contents of the letter, i.e., people
needed to hear the message and
encouragement presented in Ephesians
Ephesians
•
See for example Lincoln’s summation:
– “…the letter was intended to reinforce its readers’ identity as participants in the
Church and to underline their distinctive role and conduct in the world. In
reminding the readers of their identity and roots, the writer tells them that they
are part of a universal Church, one new humanity out of Jew and Gentile. They
owe this status, in large part, to Paul and his insight into the gospel. But the
movement of which they are a part is not just another new cult. It is linked with
God’s previous working within Israel and is a decisive stage in the completion of
his purposes in Christ. Indeed, ultimately it is rooted in his electing purposes from
before the foundation of the world. The Church of which the readers are
members is not just one among a number of competing movements. Through
their relationship with Christ they are in touch with the God who is the Creator of
the whole cosmos and whose plan of salvation includes that cosmos and its
harmony in Christ. In fact, the salvation they have already experienced is an
essential part of the outworking of that plan, and what has been accomplished in
the Church’s unity is an anticipation and pledge of final cosmic unity.
The readers are to be proud of such an identity and such a calling and are to live
them out. They are to have an awareness of God’s global or cosmic purposes,
but are then to act locally in a way that is appropriate to this unique community’s
role in the world. They should not, therefore, simply accommodate themselves to
surrounding values. Instead, the writer sets out some of the ethical distinguishing
marks of the new humanity God has created in Christ and indicates that, as his
readers embody these, they will discover that their life in their community
illuminates some of the surrounding darkness.” (Lincoln, Ephesians)
Ephesians
• Prominent themes in Ephesus
– Emphasis on already achieved salvation
(“realized eschatology”)
– Emphasis on Christ as already ruling in
heavenly realm
– Emphasis on the individual’s and Church’s
participation and identification with the risen,
exalted, ruling, heavenly Christ (rather than
emphasis on crucified, suffering Christ—as
per, say, Romans 6)
– Extensive teaching on lifestyle and household
conduct
Ephesians
•
If this represents classic Pauline eschatology, Ephesians offers a theology
that emphasizes “the age to come”
– “God has put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and
seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and
authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not
only in this age but also in the age to come” (1:20-21)
•
Some scholars speak of Ephesians as having a “realized eschatology” but
that is overstating it—there is still a future component in Ephesian’s picture
of Christ’s work, even it is nearly overshadowed by the dominant picture of
Christ’s present rule in the heavenly realm. (e.g., 1:14)
Ephesians
• Emphasis on Church and Individual identified with risen,
exalted, and ruling Christ; Church is headed and filled by
the victorious ruling Christ.
– E.g., “And he has put all things under his feet and has made him
[Christ] the head over al things for the church, which is his body,
the fullness of him [Christ] who fills all in all” (1:22)
– E.g., “But God….made us alive together with Christ—by grace
you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us
with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” (2:4-6)
– E.g., Speaking of the church the writer says, “In him the whole
structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the
Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a
dwelling place for God” (2:21-22).
– E.g., “so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich
variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in
the heavenly places” (3:10).
Ephesians
• Very extensive teaching on living “Christian
life”—morality and ethics, including a “household
code”, and prayer
– Writer sees the victorious life in which the church and
its believers are identified with the exalted cosmic
Christ as needing to be expressed in terms of faith
community, family life and spiritual struggle.
• Unity of Christians (4:1-16)
• Giving up immoral practices associated with pre-Christian
pagan lifestyle (4:!7-5:20)
• “Household Code” offers instruction on living with husbandwife, parent-child, master-slave relationships (5:21-6:9)
• Emphasis on prayer in the spiritual battle (6:10-20)
Ephesians
• “Household Code”—distinct to Colossians and Ephesians
– Most likely Ephesians version copied from Colossians
– Many scholars assume the code is borrowing from existing GrecoRoman versions of household codes but with a “Christian gloss” added
– The codes can be read as an attempt to ensure mainstream
“respectability” of the Christian community within an increasingly hostile
Greco-Roman environment.
– Are read by some scholars, especially those influenced by feminist
reading strategies, as a sell out of the church to patriarchy of GrecoRoman culture from its original egalitarianism
– It certainly only makes sense in terms of speaking to (and perhaps out
of) a classic ancient patriarchal authority structure, however there are
two possible responses to this particular feminist critique.
• One could apply an even more rigorous feminist critique and argue that
original egalitarianism in Pauline Christianity is itself a utopian myth by
contemporary Christian feminist scholars, i.e., the household code gives
away the patriarchal structure that was there from the beginning since
Christianity is born in a patriarchal society
• One could argue that these texts are the first steps out of patriarchal
authority structures—namely, in each case of the dominant figure in the
binary pairs it is the party with the power to change the relationship that is
called to do so (husband, father, master); furthermore, “submission” is the
task of all believers as per 5:21.
Ephesians
• Is there one unifying theme to the epistle?
– Any time you reduce a book to one theme it says as
much about the interpreter as the book…but here is
my best effort anyway…
– I chose “One New Humanity” on the opening slide
– This is inspired by what I regard as the climax of
Paul’s opening “theological treatise” 2:11-22 and
especially 2:15-17
• “He has abolished the law with its commandments and
ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity
in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile
both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus
putting to death that hostility throu it. So he came and
proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those
who were near; for through him both of us have access in
one Spirit to the Father”
Ephesians
• Is there one unifying theme to the epistle?
– This theme of “one new humanity” is signaled right from the start
with his language of God having planned to have a people he
would save from “before the foundations of the earth” (1:4; 1:314); God’s mercy expressed in Christ who creates this humanity
in his saving resurrection (1:15-2:10); it has motivated Paul’s
apostolic ministry (3:1-21); and it must find expression both in
the church’s worship and corporate life (4:1-5:20); within the
Christian’s household (5:21-6:9); and it will win and stand firm
until the end through God’s protection (6:10-20).
– If expressed theologically so powerfully in 2:11-22, it is
expressed ethically in 4:1-6.
• “…lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one
another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you
were called ot the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all
and in all.”
Ephesians
• Any specific questions on content?