It Takes More

Steven’s Scribbles
“It Takes More”
Eph. 2:8-9    
    When studying God’s word and sharing it with others, it takes more than just knowing scripture. There are import questions that need answering when we read any section of scripture. Who? What? When? Where? Why? The answers to these questions can completely change the meaning of a section of scripture. Just simply using the Bible through proof texting, and not answering these important questions, will result in false teaching. Take Ephesians chapter 2 for example. Who? Paul was writing to the “saints who are at Ephesus” (Eph. 1:1). What? When answering what, be careful what “your commentary says.” My bible tells me that “Unlike several of Paul’s other letters, Ephesians does not address any particular error or heresy.” This could not be further from the truth. Just a simple read through chapter 2 tells the reader that Paul was clearly dealing with Judaizers, people who want the bind the old law on Christians. When? The fact that this letter is a “prison epistle,” meaning Paul was in prison when he wrote this, completely changes my understanding and application of this letter. Where? Again, knowing the writer was in Roman prison and the audience was in Ephesus, an important trade city in Asia Minor rife with Paganism, mostly that of Roman false goddess Diana (Greek Artemis), might help me look more into the scriptures about the religious climate of the city (see Acts 19:23-41). Why? To unite the church there and help them understand the teachings of Christ (Eph. 3:4; 4:1-6). Answering all of these questions helps me understand that when someone goes to Eph. 2:8-9 to try to make a referendum on baptism, it might actual be something else going on. First and foremost, the Ephesian converts understood belief and baptism to go together (Acts 19:1-5). Secondly, it makes me look at the context of what comes before and after. Here, Paul is juxtaposing the works of the old law against the faith that is in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:1-2; 15-16). Nowhere does the Bible say that baptism is a work of man, rather Col. 2:12 says it is a work of God, just like faith is a work of God, and we must work the works of God (John 6:26-29). It takes more than just simply reading a verse and thinking you know everything. Always do what we are taught to do with every other type of literature, ask who, what, when, where, and why. I love you all!

In His service,
Steven Hugley