Ephesians: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary | CC)
Overview
Ephesians is a veritable compendium of Paul’s theology, and among his most influential epistles. In it we learn of the reconciliation of the cosmos and our eternal election in Christ, as well as salvation by grace through faith apart from works, the mystery of salvation for the Gentiles, the divine gift of the holy ministry, the church as Christ’s bride and body, the Christological meaning of marriage, and the resplendent armor of God.
The Ephesians Concordia Commentary from Thomas Winger focuses on how we today—no less than the Ephesians who were recently converted from their pagan lifestyle—need to appropriate these teachings because of the spiritual peril of the environment in which we live. Winger’s commentary unfolds the mysteries of the Gospel by meticulous analysis of the Greek text and reverent exposition of the epistle’s proclamation of Christ and his gifts for the sake of his church.
The Concordia Commentary Series: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture is written to enable pastors and teachers of the Word to proclaim the gospel with greater insight, clarity, and faithfulness to the divine intent of the biblical text. The commentary fully affirms the divine inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture as it emphasizes “that which promotes Christ” in each pericope.
With Logos Bible Software, this volume is enhanced with cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations appear on mouseover in your preferred English translation. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Pick up more Concordia Commentaries with the 23-volume set.
This resource is temporarily unavailable on mobile.
- Provides lengthy introductory material concerning the epistle’s authorship, structure, rhetoric, and more
- Offers theological exposition of Ephesians that affirms the inerrancy and authority of Scripture
- Includes bibliographical references and index
Top Highlights
“What is the significance of the chiasm? First, there is an in-out movement by which the depths of man’s plight are introduced step-by-step and then undone step-by-step by God’s actions. For each failure, lack, or rebellious act on man’s part there is a corresponding act of redemption or gift on God’s part. The old walk in trespasses and sins is replaced by walking in good works. Slavery to the devil is replaced by a new creation in Christ. Desires of the sinful flesh are replaced by God’s gift from outside ourselves. Our sinful nature’s work is replaced by the grace of God. Wrath gives way to salvation.” (Page 298)
“Luther’s idea of vocation (that God calls everyone to God-pleasing jobs and roles in life) is consistent with NT thought, but is never expressed with the vocabulary of καλέω, ‘call.’ The Christian’s calling is not normally a call to do something, but to be someone.17 Thus, Paul encourages the Ephesians to walk in accord with who they are now.” (Page 428)
“εἷς κύριος, μία πίστις, ἓν βάπτισμα—Eph 4:5 is perhaps the central line of the entire epistle.” (Page 434)
“Christ’s enemies are subjected to him involuntarily (Eph 1:20–22; Phil 2:10); Christians are subordinate to him as their Savior with a willing heart, as moved by the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). All proper submission is ultimately submission to God himself, who established the order and stands at its head,21 and refusal to submit is an attitude that arises from a sinful heart in rebellion against God’s Word (Rom 8:7; 10:3).” (Pages 602–603)
“Paul does not simply respond with a series of behavioral guidelines, nor does he ask the Ephesians to transform themselves or encourage them toward lofty goals. He asks them to consider their Baptism and what it has done to them.165 The question is akin to the rhetorical questions ‘What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?’ (Rom 6:1).” (Page 538)
We are gifted with an excellent and reliable explanation of this letter, its formation and contents. There is no question and no problem arising from this letter which Dr. Winger does not take up and discuss. There is no seemingly ‘dark’ sentence or passage left unilluminated. He removes prejudices and opens our eyes to aspects and insights we had never noticed before. We have a sound teaching of apostolic Christology before us and will learn a lot about Baptism, ministry, and the church—right from the apostle’s writing. St. Paul is speaking to us again, quite directly.
—Jobst Schöne, bishop emeritus, Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche (Independent Evangelical-Lutheran Church), Germany
Professor Winger has worked hard to produce this volume. I appreciate his manner of dealing thoroughly with classic scholarship. This solid volume will take a special place on my bookshelf. I warmly recommend it to everyone who appreciates both biblical and Lutheran theology.
—Erkki Koskenniemi, adjunct professor, Åbo Akademi University, University of Helsinki, and University of Eastern Finland
If you want a commentary that takes a traditional approach to Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians—no pseudonymous author here—and one that takes seriously both the Greek and the deep theology of this profound letter, then this is your commentary. Tom is fair in his assessment of positions but you always know where he stands. This is a great addition to the series.
—James W. Voelz, professor of exegetical theology, Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis
- Title: Ephesians
- Author: Thomas M. Winger
- Series: Concordia Commentary
- Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
- Print Publication Date: 2015
- Logos Release Date: 2015
- Pages: 895
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. Ephesians › Commentaries
- Resource ID: LLS:CONCOM70EPH
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-03-06T18:10:44Z
Reviews
2 ratings
Rev. Robert Sundquist
9/20/2018
Peter Marcis
12/9/2015
