This text not only explains Paul’s special role as a steward, but it gives details of how the disciples came to know about the mystery of the gospel. The stewardship of God’s grace for Paul was the revelation of the mystery — “that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body and partakers…
Ephesians 3:1-6 reads, “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the dispensation of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my…
Chapter two starts with a discussion of the Gentile condition in verses 2-3 and comes back to it again in verses 11-12, each followed by the contrast of a new condition. At one time, these uncircumcised Gentiles were “dead” and “afar off” (v. 13), “separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers…
Once again, we struggle to find application to sealed and guaranteed promises that were not made to us, today. As a result of seeking to squeeze us into this same context, some believe His indwelling will manifest itself in miraculous powers but they struggle to provide any proof that what is witnessed today even resembles…
Arrabon is a Phonetian maritime trade word that was used as a pledge granted by the buyer that guaranteed payment to the seller. It was both a pledge and a guarantee but it was not a downpayment because what was pledged was not kept as a first installment. A downpayment is an initial payment that…
The meaning of the word translated “earnest” is most difficult to ascertain. Lexicons, translations or dictionaries are not always as definitive as we might like to believe. In fact, we continue to see people quote definitions to prove opposite views. The way words are used in texts of Scripture is the best way to define…
The effect and purpose of the seal is 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 (Politics1.11). …
The seal of the Holy Spirit accomplished two very important things. First, it authenticated that the message from those empowered by the Spirit, was from God. This was convincing proof that was necessary to produce faith. For example, Acts 14:2-3 reads, But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the…
Seals were used for various purposes. First, the seal was used by princes and kings and nobles in the time of the Bible as a way of securing it for some future time or for certain readers, only. For example, when Daniel ignored the King’s decree and prayed to God as he had always done…
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…