Nursing Discussion: Interpreting Ephesians

Nursing Discussion: Interpreting Ephesians
The focus of this discussion is from the book of Ephesians chapter 4 verse 17-24which talks about transforming from the old ways to new ways of life. This passage addresses the differences between life before knowing Christ and life in Christianity. I chose this passage because it touches the life of every Christian both in their old life and what is expected in the new life after knowing Jesus Christ. I believe everyone has lived the old life and this passage is an opportunity for those that may want to change their ways.

Details of the Passage

The passage describes the transition of Paul’s teachings on unity with Christ to the way Christians should live their new life. Specific emphasis is put on the lives lived by the Gentiles and how the Christian life should be the exact opposite. In the later part which starts from verse 25 through chapter 5, Paul elaborates the rules for the new life in Christ including the do’s and don’ts of living in Christ (Deffinbaugh, 2004). In the first section which is chapter 17, Paul explains that Christians must not live like the gentiles. He further elaborates by noting that they are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of their ignorance. Paul further notes in verse 19 that they have lost all sense of sensitivity and indulge in every kind of impurity with a continual lust for more.

Upon elaborating on the old ways, Paul then continues to demonstrate how Christians should live the new life by putting aside the old corrupted life. In verse 24, Paul explains that we are created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. The contrast between the two lives gives the passage a good flow clearly showing what is expected of Christians. Regarding the sentence structure and the use of words, Paul uses both complex and compound sentences to effectively communicate his message. The language used in the passage is simple and consists of numerous verbs and conjunctions that support and describe the main ideas. Because the passage describes the old and the new life in Christ, only three nouns including Jesus, God, and Gentiles are mentioned in the excerpt. Paul impresses the way he links concepts from the old and the new life using simple sentences linked with conjunctions. A good example is in verse 20, ‘you, however, did not come to know Christ that way.” Lastly, the passage utilizes a variety of punctuation marks including commas, full stops, and semi-colons to separate ideas and group the passage into verses.

Explanation of the Passage

Historical-Cultural

The book of Ephesians is described by many theologians as the greatest piece of writing in all history. Written by Paul to the holy people in Ephesus, the book seems to provide redemption to the unrighteous by showing them new ways of life. As noted by scholars, Ephesus was known as the center of pagan worship and Paul is observed to have established ministries that spread the word of God (Kugel, 2007). The historical background of the book indicates that Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians to guide them on new ways of living in Christ. In the passage, Paul states “ So I tell you, and insist on it on the Lord, that you must no longer live as gentiles…” (Ephesians 4:17). Paul signals that it is no longer time to live in the old ways, but to put on the armor of God (Deffinbaugh, 2004). The passage also identifies the culture of people in Ephesus that Paul addresses through the letter. For example, Paul identifies them as godless people (Ephesians 4:17), ignorant, and those with hardened hearts (Ephesians 4: 18). He further explains that the new culture should involve truth and new attitudes which should lead to living like God in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4: 24).

Literary

The literary context within a book relates to the flow of ideas, arguments, and the meanings elicited from words and sentences that surround the passage. The book of Ephesians is an Epistle which is a formal letter addressing the people of Ephesus (Kugel, 2007). Although the passage cannot indicate the characteristics of epistles, Chapter 1 begins with an introductory phrase op Paul addressing the church and the people of Ephesus. The passage also utilizes repetition to demonstrate an emphasis on certain points. For example, “ Surely, you heard of him and taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus” (Ephesians, 4: 21).

Conclusion

The book of Ephesians is held in great reverence by both biblical scholars and laypeople. Examining the historical-cultural and literary of the book can help to understand the audience and full depth of the message passed. I have learned that the language of the bible differs across books and chapters and close analysis of this aspect can help in understanding the bible even more.

References

Deffinbaugh, R. (2004). The uniqueness of Ephesians among the epistles. Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/1-uniqueness-ephesians-among-epistles

Kugel, J. L. (2007). How to read the Bible: A guide to Scripture, then and now. Simon and Schuster.

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