The effect and purpose of the seal are defined by this Greek word, “arrabon” that is translated “earnest”, “pledge”, or “guarantee”. This Greek variant of the ancient term is extant in various papyri and ostraca, where it sometimes takes on the meaning of “deposit,” “earnest money,” or “down payment.” We find it also in Aristotle’s…
To summarize, Ephesians 1: 3-11 discusses how God chose Israel, predestinated them to adoption, provided redemption, and became the vessels through whom salvation came into the world. The personal pronouns in verses 3-11 are significant because it distinguishes the “we” from the “you” as participants. The Gentiles are being added to the promise of the…
We have already emphasized the irrevocable nature of God’s plan and promises that elicit thoughts of hope and assurance. His promises are as good as done. On the one hand, Peter, speaking by the Holy Spirit, told those Jews on Pentecost to “repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins and you will receive…
The phrase, “heavenly places” is mentioned five times in this epistle. Those who are described as being “in Christ” belong to this realm and enjoy every spiritual blessing. Therefore, there are two separate realms of existence that form a tension for the child of God; namely, the temporary physical existence on earth and spiritual existence…
Ephesians 1 is a great introduction of the book as it deals with the scheme of redemption and the product of God’s design being the ekklesia, the called-out people of God. Also, it describes the role of the Holy Spirit. The longest single sentence in our English translations is Ephesians 1:3-15. It is significant to…
The list is as follows: PROPHECY Divinely inspired teaching (reproof, admonish, comfort, reveal) designed to make known His will and purposes to influence MINISTERING “Serving” from Gr. diakonian translated “deacon” TEACHING Skilled in providing meaning, context, and application of the Word EXHORTATION “Encouragement” describes the consistent reminders given to heed God’s Word and follow…
Some of these gifts were a part of the same system, sharing a specific task. Since all divine power was not given to anyone person (except Jesus), they were all needed in sharing their gift. 1 Corinthians 12:27-30 reads, Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles,…
As early as Acts 9, the Spirit was active in the lives of the early saints. The called out in Judea walked in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (9:31). In Antioch, the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (13:52). If, as we have shown from Acts 2:38b-39, the Holy Spirit is…
Several references in Acts speak of people being full of the Holy Spirit. Some of this is as a result of the laying on of an apostle’s hands. Stephen was stoned to death in Acts 7:59. Chapter 6 tells us that he had the hands of the Apostles laid on him. As he was being kicked,…
Laying on of hands is a practice used as a means of contact to confer a blessing from one person to another. There is an identification with the object/person through the contact whereby the anointed hands become a channel through which something from the Holy Spirit is transferred from one to the other. The usage…