Biblical interpretation Ephesians 2:1-10 - Essay Example

SCHOOL SCRIPTURE INTERPRETATION AND MEDITATION OF EPHESIANS 2 10 A SCRIPTURE INTERPRETATION AND MEDITATION PAPER SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT BY FULL NAME CITY, STATE DATE Ephesians is considered an epistle, it being a letter written to by Paul to the followers of Christ in Ephesus. In reading such Biblical genre, interpretations should be done considering themes in a paragraph so as not to mistake understanding the verses. It is not advisable for readers to take just a few verses here and a few there because this usually changes the thought if applied.

Readers should remember as well the historical context of the period the epistle was written to understand further the rationale of the letter. Epistles usually explain and exhort and are generally easy to understand but interpretations can be mistaken when it is made out of the context of historical conditions. In addition, connectives such as and, but, however, and others should be considered in the analysis of the epistle to successfully get the point in phrases, sentences and paragraphs. It is advised as well to use the original language of the epistles that a Greek dictionary would be most helpful because translations could sometimes be misleading especially in our modern vocabulary.

Ephesians 2:1-101 explains to the believers their former and present situation in embracing and following the teachings of Jesus, having been changed from being a sinner to the saint that God has purposed for every man, doing the works as God has prepared for them to do. Author: Paul, formerly called Saul, a soldier of the Roman Army who was a persecutor of the early Christian faith, imprisoning and killing Christ’s followers for his zeal for Judaism2 who then became an ardent follower of Jesus after his conversion after his mysterious encounter at Damascus3.

Date: The letter is dated back when Paul was imprisoned in Rome4. 1. The Holy Bible. 1980. The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 2. Acts 8:1-3. The Holy Bible. 1980. The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 3. Acts 9:1-22. The Holy Bible. 1980. The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 4. Ephesians 1:1. The Holy Bible. 1980. The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Audience: The letter was written for the Christians in Ephesus and could be also addressed to modern Christians around the world.

The assigned verses are a part of encouraging words to all Christians of all ages to remember that which God has done; giving everything that is needed including the very faith that has kept them believing in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. As the whole epistle was written purposely for encouragement and strengthening of the believers, the second chapter does its role in discussing what might have been had Jesus not died on the cross for the sins of the Jews and the gentiles as well. A Christian is said to be dead in his transgressions meaning, he does not do the things he formerly did, sinning against God and men but through the help of the Holy Spirit, sins no more because sins are not alive in him anymore and the Holy Spirit has that life in him instead5.

The past of a Christian, a sinner is a thing that has been dead when the Holy Spirit came alive in his life that his actions and thoughts are not controlled by his fleshly desires but by the power of the Holy Spirit. By this time, we were raised from being sinners to being saints in Jesus Christ seated with Him in the heavenly realms6. It is by faith that God planted in man’s heart that saves a man, believing in the saving grace of God through His works in Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

It is not by works, or good doings that a man is saved, lest he will boast about himself. Instead, it is by the grace of God that one is saved. Good works are just the effects of that faith living in man, the manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit working in man and not that which would really save him. Ephesians reminded me of Solomon who said everything is meaningless7. Indeed everything is meaningless if all we do is for our own glory. However, meaning to a thing a person does comes from the purpose of praising God in everything he does whether it be a personal matter or not.

This has helped me turn my focus again on greater things, succeeding not for my glory but for the Lord’s, working on His behalf, as He planned for me to do. 5. Oxford Bible Church. http://www.oxfordbiblechurch.co.uk/pages/bible-commentary/ephesians/ephesians-21-10. (accessed: January 24, 2011). 6. Ephesians 2:6. The Holy Bible. 1980. The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 7. Ecclesiastes 2:1. The Holy Bible. 1980. The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.