Resources for the Study of Ephesians 4:11-16

Updates as they are found...

Arnold, Clinton E. Ephesians, Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians in Light of Its Historical Setting. Cambridge ; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

________. "Ephesians." In Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, 3, 301-341. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2002.

Best, Ernest. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Ephesians The International Critical Commentary on the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, ed. J. A. Emerton and C. E. B. Cranfield. London ; New York: T & T Clark, 1998. Reprint, 2004.

Liefeld, Walter L. Ephesians The I V P New Testament Commentary Series ; 10. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

McComiskey, Douglas S. "Exile and the Purpose of Jesus' Parables (Mark 4:10-12; Matt 13:10-17; Luke 8:9-10)." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51, no. 1 (2008): 59-85.

O'Neill, J. C. "'the Work of the Ministry' in Ephesians 4:12 and the New Testament." The Expository Times 112 (2001): 336-340.

Page, Sydney H. T. "Whose Ministry? A Re-Appraisal of Ephesians 4:12." Novum Testamentum XLVII, no. 1 (2005): 26-46.

Saucy, Mark. The Kingdom of God in the Teaching of Jesus: In 20th Century Theology. Dallas, Tex.: Word Pub., 1997.

Vooys, John. "No Clergy or Laity: All Christians Are Ministers in the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:13." Direction 20, no. 1 (1991): 87-95.

Wells, David F. "Christian Discipleship in a Postmodern World." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51, no. 1 (2008): 19-33.

Tag(s): ecclesiology church christian theology

DEEP BELIEFS DETERMINE OUR BEHAVIORS AND EMOTIONS

In a person of integrity, stated beliefs and behaviors correspond to deep beliefs, which in turn correspond to the way things actually are. For most of us (all?), this correspondence is mixed at best. Deep beliefs, which are often unknown to us and to others, reveal themselves in emotions and behaviors that may be inconsistent with stated beliefs and values. These deep beliefs are the framework upon which we make sense of the world. We interpret events and perceptions according to our deep beliefs and that interpretation drives our emotions and behaviors. Our response to these emotions and behaviors provides feedback that either reinforces or undermines deep beliefs.

Example

Say someone claims that something I hold to be true is actually false. I respond in anger and either sulk or explode. If we look behind the behavior (sulking or exploding) and the emotion (anger), we may well find the contours of the deep belief that my being right is the only way I can hold my self-worth intact.

If I respond by questioning my emotions and behaviors, my erroneous deep beliefs are undermined. If I respond by claiming my right to behave and feel thusly or by doing nothing, my deep beliefs are reinforced.

Questions

• How can we correct false deep beliefs?
• How can the faith community participate in this process?

Tag(s): theology "christian education"

UNPACKING THE DANCE--Dykstra and Bass on a theology of Christian practice

Idea for Dancing on the Monkey Bars: The dance is lived theology, the indivisible intermixing of theoria and poiesis that is summed up in praxis (reflective action). Theoria informs poiesis and poiesis informs theoria. In the living of it, the dancers, when honest to the true dance, increasingly become like Jesus, the Master Dancer.
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The chapter summary has been moved to Stuff I've Read.

There is an inherent and essential holism in a truly Christian way of life. In this way of life thought, behavior, and affections function in mutual influence. This holistic way of life forms Christians as persons in community to be conformed to the image of the Son, for the glory of the Father, by the power of the Spirit.

Dykstra and Bass' proposal for a systematic and theological way of thinking about Christian Practices involves theologians and practitioners in an intentional praxis that can assist the Body as it incarnates God's gracious gift of life abundant. Their proposal aims at a way of life that is whole, connected, and transforming.

• Intentional and public partnership between theologians and practitioners models holism before the community.
• Such partnership may also decrease the tendency to overemphasize one aspect of life over another.
  

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Related "monkeybar" posts on Laura's Writings

NOTE: This is a rumination ("1. The act of pondering; meditation. 2. The act or process of chewing cud." American Heritage Dictionary) in search of synergy ("1. The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.")

Tag(s): theology "teaching method" "christian education" praxis

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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/