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Epistle of Paul to the Saints (at Ephesus)

(New American Standard Bible, NASB, with minor edits) (NASB additions in underscored italics, mine in italics)

by Frank DeRemer, Ph.D., Programming Linguistics

According to The One-Year Chronological Bible, “Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome. Tychicus carried this letter on the same journey as the letter to the Colossians (see Col. 4:7-9)”, about A.D. 60.

1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, # Authority # Sent one, not by Paul’s choice

To the saints who are # Gentiles: see verses 2:11, 3:1

| (at Ephesus and) # Not in the oldest manuscripts!

| faithful in Christ Jesus: # Faithful saints in Christ (1 of 11)

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. # Charis, shalom from Father, Son

3 Blessed be | |

the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, # Our relation to the Father

who has blessed | # Present # Gr. aorist tense: past, complete

us with every spiritual blessing | # Already; our blessings are in

| in the heavenlies (heavenly places) # spiritual realms (cf. 1:20)

| in Christ, # we as parts of His body, Church 4 | just as He chose | # by God’s choice

us in Him

| before the foundation of the world, that # Choosing Him, He chose us

we would be holy and blameless before Him. # to be h. & b. in good works

| In love # in love for Christ, the Church 5 He predestined # the Church, not individuals (Ro. 8:29-30) # Us who would surrender, bow

us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, # adopted via the work of Christ

| according to the kind intention of His will, # (1) according to His will 6 | to the praise of the glory of His grace, (A) # All praise His grace’s glory

| which He freely bestowed on # also a free gift

us in the Beloved – # His beloved Son

| | 7 | in Him # Our relation to the Son: in Him

we have redemption through His blood, # we are redeemed, ransomed =

| the forgiveness of our trespasses, # totally forgiven (1Pe. 1:17ff)

| according to the riches/wealth of His grace # (2) according to His rich grace 8 | which He lavished on | # Wow, is He lavish!

us (in all wisdom and insight?). | # or does this phrase start the next?

In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to | # Present # We, the Church, now know the

us the mystery of His will, | # mystery (now revealed)

| according to His kind intention # (3) according to His will,

| which He purposed in Him # His purpose in Him 10 | with a view to an administration suitable to # looking forward to fellowship

| the fullness of the times, that is, # (Universalism) Fullness =

| the summing up of all things in Christ, that is, # all things in Christ

| things in the heavens and | # i.e., spiritual

| things on the earth. | # and physical.

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| In Him also # Our relation to the holy Spirit 11 we have obtained an inheritance, | # Present # The Church has already inherited

| having been predestined | # by predestination

| according to His purpose | # (4) according to His purpose

| who works all things after | # who energizes all

the counsel of His will, # His sovereignty (Lu. 7:30) 12 | to the end that | # toward this result:

we who were the first to hope in Christ would be # Paul and the Ephesians

| to the praise of His glory. | (B) # brought praise to His glory

13 | In Him, # Why does Paul switch to “you”?

you also, | # Only in Him after

| after listening to | # having listened to the

| the message of truth, | # true message =

| the gospel of your salvation— # good news

| having also believed, | # and having believed it

you were sealed in Him # Genuine, official: wax stamp

| with the Holy Spirit of promise, # Now, not in heaven someday 14 | who is given as a promise of our inheritance, (cf.2:12) # Earnest, down payment

with a view | # looking forward to being fully

to the redemption of God’s own possession, # ransomed, forgiven; Ro. 8:23

to the praise of His glory. | (C) # not for us but for his praise

15 ¶ For this reason | (cf. 3:1) # This reason = having heard...

I too, | # (Not likely (only) the Ephesians: )

having heard of | # (He had not seen them firsthand)

the faith in the Lord Jesus # their faith in King Jesus

that exists among you and | # and

your love for all the saints, | # their love for each other, others 16 do not cease

giving thanks for you, while | # Paul ever give thanks for them

making mention of you in my prayers to the effect 17 that # while praying A & B for them:

(A) the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, # (A) (which is equivalent to B)

the Father of glory, | # Prayer = reigning w/Christ

may give to you the (a?) spirit | # by inviting God to do things

of wisdom and |

of revelation |

in the knowledge of Him; | # so they will know Him better 18 (B) the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, # (B) their spiritual eyes lit

so that you will know | # A & B so they will know...

what is the hope of His calling, | # Ro5:2,8:18;Tit2:13;2Cor3:16-18

what are the riches of the glory of | # His glory’s riches

His inheritance in the saints, 19 and # His inheritance in us (Jo. 17:22)

what is the surpassing greatness of |

His power toward us who believe, # His power for us

in accordance with |

the working of the strength of |

His might | # His power empowered us 20 which He brought about in Christ # who are in Christ

when He, in this (chrono)logical order,

(1) raised Him from the dead and | # raised Christ – and us (v.2:6a)

(2) seated Him | # seated Christ – and us (v.2:6b)

at His right hand | # at God’s right hand

in the heavenlies, | # in heavenly places (cf 1:3) 21 far above |

all rule and authority and power and dominion, and

every name that is named,

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not only in this age | # Jewish age to end in A.D. 70?

but also in the one to come, # Church age to end in A.D. ???? 22 and He |

(3) put all things in subjection under His feet, and # All subjects of the King

(4) gave Him as head over | # Leader, boss, director over

all things to | # everything, including/through:

the church, 23 which is # also called:

His body, | # with many members (roles)

the fullness of Him who fills all in all. # We are full of Him.

Chatper 2

1 ¶ And you were as good as dead (powerless to resist) # Past # Verse 3 says we lived in them

in your trespasses and sins, | # Slips over the line & willfulness 2 in which you formerly walked | # One step/choice at a time

according to the course of this world, | # Conformed to the world

according to | # Directed, led, bossed by

the prince of the authority of the air, # one in charge of the world,

the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. # spirit of disobedience; SoD(1) 3 Among them | # Past # Lived, but as good as dead

we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, # Flesh =

indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, # both flesh and thoughts

and we too were by nature children of wrath, | # Subject to His wrath

even as the rest of the sons of disobedience. # just as others are still; SoD(2)

4 ¶ But God, | # Present # Thank God for “But God...”

being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were as good as dead in our transgressions, # Verse 3 says we lived in them

made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), # By raising and seating us: 6 and raised us up with Him, and | # See verse 1:20 (1). SIT:

seated us with Him in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, # See verse 1:20 (2) and 3:10 7 so that in the ages to come | # From here on # Church age and subsequent

He | # God the Father

might show to us in Christ Jesus # Extend to, bless with

the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and # Present # His grace, our faith: saved

| # Rom 10:17 “f comes by hearing”

that salvation is not of yourselves, | # Grace accessed by trusting Him

it is the gift of God; | # He gave us that salvation 9 you have not been saved as a result of | # Saved? “Thank you, God”

your own works, | # Lost? Only myself to blame:

| so that no one may boast. | # for refusing the gift.

| # Rom 3:27 ~“boasting excluded ... by works? No, by the principle of faith”

| # Rom 4:1-3 Abraham was not justified by works, that he could boast, but by believing God. 10 For we are | |

His workmanship, | # Clay on the Great Potter’s wheel

created | in Christ Jesus # In Christ first,

for good works, | # From here on # then good works come

which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. # Do them one by one

# James “without (good) works faith is dead”; Gal. 5:6 “faith working through love”

# Titus 2:14 “zealous for good works”; 3:1 “ready for every good work”;

# Titus 3:15 “do good by helping others who have urgent needs” (NLT)

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11 ¶ Therefore | # Based on all the above facts

remember that formerly you, | # Past # Prior to your salvation

the Gentiles in the flesh, | # These saints are Gentiles

who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," # Gentiles, Jews

which is performed in the flesh by human hands— # Not of the Spirit, spiritual 12 remember that at that time you were | # Prior to your salvation:

separate from Christ, | # No messiah in Greek religions

(Cit.) excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and # Olive tree, vine, blessings

strangers to the covenants of the promise, (cf. 3:6) # No promise of a messiah, no hope

having no hope and without God | # Hopeless and godless

in the world. | # Not in Christ

| # Present # Already 13 But now in Christ Jesus # You Gentiles:

you who formerly were far off | # Far from the Jews and God

have been brought near by the blood of Christ. # Now near the Jews and God 14 For He Himself is our peace, | # Christ is our peace

who made both groups into one and | # Gentiles, Jews – done: unity

broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, # Done: Temple court wall gone 15 by abolishing in His flesh # Abolished in His flesh

the enmity, which is | # Done: war gone (hostility)

the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, # Enmity was the Law: gone

so that in Himself # His work accomplished:

He might make the two into one new man, # New man = body of Christ

thus establishing peace, 16 and also # Unity, thus peace

might reconcile them both in one body # in one body, so

to God through the cross, | # Cf. v.13

by it [the cross] | #

having put to death | #

the enmity; | # end of hostility 17 and He came and preached | # Continuing v.14: peace

PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND # Reworded: Is. 57:19b-Gentiles

| # indirectly, via disciples^

PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; | # " -Jews 18 for through Him # ^ See also Is. 52:7-Gospel, Peace

we both have our access in one Spirit # Gentiles, Jews (cf. 3:12)

to the Father. | # access Father via Spirit 19 So then | # Metaphor:

you are no longer strangers and aliens, but # Aliens versus

(Cit) you are fellow citizens with the saints, and # One nation # Citizens of New Israel (Church)

you are of God’s household, | # One family # Better: members of house(hold)

| # David to build house for God:

| # God: “No, I will build for you.” 20 having been built on | # One building # Metaphor: building (house)

the foundation of the apostles and prophets, # Foundation # As & Ps then: v.4:11, Rev 21:14

Christ Jesus Himself being # (cf. v.3:5b) (1 Cor 3:11) 21 the corner stone, in whom # Mixed metaphors:

the whole building, | # A single whole

being fitted together, | # Distinct roles

is growing into | # Alive & growing: bio. term

a holy temple in the Lord, # House = Temple of living stones 22 in whom # ^ 1 Pe 2:4-8; Is 28:16;Ps 118:22

you also are | # Stated again:

being built together into | # Distinct roles

a dwelling of God in the Spirit. # God’s Spirit dwells in His Temple

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Chatper 3

1 ¶ For this reason, that is, because God chose me for the task, (cf. 3:14)# ? Or restart of intention in 1:15?

I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — # These saints are Gentiles 2 if indeed you have heard of | # They had not seen Paul

the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, # House mgmt: 1Pet 4:10-11 (gifts)

that is, | # = stewardship 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, # Cf. v.1:9, the mystery of His will

as I wrote before (above?) in brief. (1:9-10) # Or ‘before’ refers to Colossians? 4 By referring to this, that is, that stewardship, #

when you read this letter, | #

you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, # Col. 1:25-26; Ro. 16:25-26; 5 which in other generations | # 1 Cor. 2:6ff; 1 Pet. 1:10-12

was not made known | (cf.3:10) # Not previously revealed

to the sons of men, | # to men

as it has now been revealed # But now is

to His holy apostles and prophets # via apostles & prophets

in the Spirit; # 6 to be specific, here is the mystery of Christ in a nutshell: # Here is the mystery:

that the Gentiles are | # Gentiles are fellow

fellow heirs and | # heirs

fellow members of the body, and # body parts (of the church)

fellow partakers of the promise (cf.1:14) # benefactors of the promise

in Christ Jesus # when they believe in Christ

through the gospel | # when they believe in Christ 7 of which I was made a minister, | # through the good news

(not by my own abilities, but) | (next v.) # (Paul was the least...)

according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me # given by gracious God to Paul

according to the working of His power. # via His powerful work 8 To me, the very least of all saints, | (1 Cor. 15:10) # All accomplishments due to grace

this grace was given, | (see v.2) # Grace = gift of responsibility to

to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and # to proclaim Christ’s riches

to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery, # to ... admin = plan, fellowship,

that is, to explain the fellowship of Jews with Gentile s # working

when both are in Christ, # Unity on when in Christ

which for ages has been hidden in God # Previously hidden

who created all things, # 10 so that | # Why now revealed:

the manifold wisdom of God | # God’s wisdom, many faceted

might now be made known | (cf. 3:5) # Now known, revealed

through the church | # Via the church; Dan. 10:13?

to the rulers and the authorities | # To those in heavenly places

in the heavenlies, | (cf. 2:6) # near Christ’s seat 11 in accordance with the eternal purpose | # By God’s eternal purpose

that He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, # in Christ our King 12 in whom we have # in whom we may approach

boldness and | # boldly and

confident access | (cf.2:18) # (God & grace) confidently

through faith in Him. # in Him 13 (Therefore, in view of His great gift to me, | # Gift of stewarding this mystery

I ask you not to lose heart at | # Be not discouraged

my tribulations on your behalf, | # re my problems:

for they are your glory.) | # Paul’s problems = their glory

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14 ¶ For this reason, that He graced me with this amazing stewardship, (cf.1:15) # Revealing the mystery to Gentiles

I bow my knees before the Father, | # Worship, submission, prayer 15 from whom every family | # Family: Gr. patria, fatherhood

in heaven and on earth | # up there, down here

derives its name, | # Name => character 16 to pray that He would grant you, | # Paul’s call leads to pray for them

according to the riches of His glory, | # grant according to His riches

to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, # strength empowered by Spirit 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and # reason: Christ indwell via f.

that you, | # further:

being rooted and grounded in love, # The love of Christ (v.18, line 5) 18 may be able | # His love enables us

to comprehend (with all the saints in unity) (cf.4:13) # The extent of Christ’s love:

what is the breadth and length and height and depth of, 19 and # Four dimensions!

to know, | # Comprehend, experience

the love of Christ | # Cf. vv. 4:2c, 4:15a, 4:16 (end)

which surpasses knowledge; indeed, # Beyond mere comprehension

that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. # To the end that we are full

20 Now to Him who is able | # Benediction: He IS able

to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, # To do beyond our comprehension

according to the power that now works within us, # Via His now power working in us 21 to Him be the glory in the church and # Glory in the body, because

in Christ Jesus # Glory in the head

to all generations forever and ever. # From here on #

Amen.

# End of the primarily theological/conceptual section; next is practical:

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Chatper 4

1 ¶ Therefore, in view of all the above concepts, # Now to actual practice

I, the prisoner of the Lord, # As the King’s slave

implore each and all of you to walk # One step at a time, successfully

(walk toward a destination: maturity, fullness of Christ: v.13) # Relationships in the Body

in a manner worthy of # Plural “you” (ye):

the calling with which you have been called, # Individually & collectively 2 with all humility and gentleness/meekness, # Strong self-control

with patience/longsuffering/endurance/unconquerable, # Able to retaliate but not

showing tolerance for one another in Christ’s love, # Cf. v.3:18, line 5 3 being diligent to preserve the unity # All that we have in common:

of the Spirit in the bond of peace: (Ro. 3:17) # Definition of unity in Christ: 4 one body and # Body of Christ

one Spirit, # God the Holy Spirit

just as also you were called in

one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, # God the Son, Jesus Christ

one faith, # Belief in Christ

one baptism, # Become a Christian, in His name 6 one God and Father of all # God the Father of us all

who is over all and through all and in all. # All = you/us all (3 times) 7 But to each one of us grace was given | # Here diversity comes to bear:

according to the measure of Christ’s gift. # See 1 Cor. 12:12-26; gift of grace 8 Therefore it says, | # Psalm 68:18 reworded:

"WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH (to heaven), | # Kingly triumph language:

HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND | (demons) # God conquering His enemies

HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." | # Col. 2:15; Ascension gifts 9 (Now this expression, "He ascended", |

what does it mean except that | # Ascended

He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? # Ps. 139:15 womb, incarnation

| # or Ps 63:9, Eze 32:24 the grave 10 He who descended is Himself also | # Jesus Christ

He who ascended far above all the heavens, # Ascended (heavenlies?)

so that He might fill all things. # Significance of filling?

) # be fruitful, multiply, & fill? 11 And He gave # Gifts he gave were people:

some apostles, and Foundat’n (2:20) # Only 12 to Church at large

some prophets, and Foundat’n (2:20) # To establish the Church once

some evangelists, and

some shepherds-and-teachers, Elders: 1Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:28 Teaching shepherds 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, # Equipped for good work

to the building up of the body of Christ; (living stones) # Building again: cf. 2:20-22 13 until we all attain to the unity # Unity again, the goal: cf. 4:3-6

of the faith, and # One faith: cf. 4:5b

of the knowledge of the Son of God, # Knowledge again: cf. 3:18

to a mature man, (when God is finished w/us, the Church), # Goal: a mature body of Christ

to the measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ # Fullness again: cf. 4:10

(until the Body develops up to the level defined by the Head). # Christ Himself is the measure

# How can He return when the

# Church is so far from this

# maturity?

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14 As a result of all that help, equipping, and building,

we are no longer to be children, # Implies they were like children

tossed here and there by waves and # Unstable in all ways (James 1:8)

carried about # For example:

by every wind of doctrine, # misleading teachings

by the trickery of men, # subtle Scripture twisting

by craftiness in deceitful scheming, # interpretive “glasses” 15 but

(I, Paul, am here speaking the truth in Christ’s love) # Better sense than the usual?

we are to | # ^Good example for us to follow

grow up | # Grow up, folks?

in all aspects into Him |

who is the head, even Christ, # Cf. 1:22 (4) 16 from whom the whole body, # Cf. 1:23

being fitted and held together by what # Distinct roles

every joint supplies, # Relationships (rub)

according to the proper working of # working properly

each individual part, # Each and every part

which proper functioning causes

the growth |

of the body for the building up # Cf. 4:12, 1:20-22

of itself in Christ’s love. # Links back to v.12b & 3:18 (l.5)

17 ¶ So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that # By the Lord’s authority, WALK:

you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, # Not one step at a time in

in the futility of their mind, # mental uselessness 18 being darkened in their understanding, # defective comprehension

excluded from the life of God # apart from real life, due to

because of the ignorance that is in them, # ignorance

because of the hardness of their heart; # stony heart 19 and they,

having become callous, # callousness

have given themselves over to shamelessness # sensuality

for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. # greedy for impurity

# Stop being like that! 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way (as the Gentiles also walk), # Learn Christ as learn algebra 21 if indeed you # Some might not yet be Christians

have heard Him and # Not your pastor, but Him

have been taught in Him.

Just as truth is in Jesus, I say, and affirm together with the Lord, # Italics copied from v.17 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, # Extricate yourself from the

you lay aside the old man, # Old man = Adam, i.e. humanity

which is being corrupted # My work (1) # Ro 6:6 “ crucified w/Him;

in accordance with the lusts of deceit, # Ro 5:12, 17 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, # God’s work. # Incorporate yourself in the 24 and that you put on the new man, # My work (2) # New man = Christ

which # 1 Th 5:16-24 # “ humanity (Church) w/new Head

in God has been created # cf. v.2:10, Col 2:2

in righteousness and holiness # Gal 3:27 Baptism = put on Christ

of the truth. # ? # = new man; put off old man

# Ro 6:17 Form = mold = shape of doctrine = how to live # Ro 13:14 Put on Christ;

# Teach to obey, not theology. Transformed heart poured into the mold. # already/be that way

# Mold only = legalism; God must make the character, which gels or solidifies. # Acts 2:41 about 3000 were added

# Once character is formed, the frame/mold/law can be removed; rules now part of who we are: 1Pe 1:14.

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25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, # Put off; Cf v.4:15 re truth in love

SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, # Put on; Zech. 8:16

for we are members of one another. # Reason: part of one body/man 26 BE ANGRY, AND # Put on; Ps. 4:4a (Gr. vs Heb.)

yet DO NOT SIN: do not let the sun go down on your anger, # Put off 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity; # Reason; 2Cor2:10-11,

# 1Sam15:16 Saul’s evil spirit 28 he who steals must steal no longer; but rather # Put off

he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, # Put on – Christian work ethic

so that he will have something to share with one who has need. # Reason 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, # Put off

but only such a word as is good for edification # Put on

according to the need of the moment,

so that it will give grace to those who hear. # Reason 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, # Put off

by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. # Reason 31 Let all

bitterness and # Put off

wrath and # Put off

anger and # Put off

clamor and # Put off

slander # Put off

be put away from you, along with all

malice; # Put off 32 and be ye

kind one to another, # Put on

tenderhearted, # Put on

forgiving one another, # Put on

even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. # Mt 5: 6 “sons of God”

Chatper 5

1 ¶ Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, # Servant leadership: 2 and walk in Christ’s love, just as # One step at a time; Christ’s love

Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, # love = sacrifice self

an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 3 ¶ But sexual immorality or # Put off: Fornication: sexual sin

any impurity or # Put off: Uncleanness: given to lust

greed # Put off: Covetousness;

# He 13:5 “content”

must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints, 4 nor filthiness and silly talk, or # Put of:

coarse jesting, # Put off

which are not fitting,

but rather

giving of thanks. 5 (

For this you know with certainty, that

no immoral or impure person or covetous man, # Put off

who is an idolater,

has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. # Christ is the King

) # appointed by God 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, # Cf. 4:14

for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon # These things = v.5:3-4

the sons of disobedience. # Cf. 2:2, line 5; SoD(3)

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7 Therefore

do not be partakers with them; # Partaker with them of wrath 8 for you were formerly darkness, but # Darkness versus

now you are Light in the Lord; so # Light:

walk as children of Light # One step at a time, in the Spirit 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in #

all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord; # “As it pleases the King”, Esther 11 do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, # No fellowship with them

but instead even

expose them to the Light; He 11:7 # “Noah condemned the world” 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things # by his life, not words

that are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible

when they are exposed by the Light,

for everything that becomes visible is Light. # Reflects? 14 For this reason it says, # Baptism:

"AWAKE, SLEEPER, AND ARISE FROM THE DEAD, # IS. 60:1? No, not in scripture

AND Christ WILL SHINE ON YOU." # Baptismal hymn of early Church?

15 Therefore, based on all the above facts,

be careful how you walk, namely: # One step at a time, in the Spirit

not as unwise men (people) # Wives are addressed below, too

but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, # Da 2:8 “gain time”: “redeem”,

because the days are evil. # “stall”, retard decay to buy time 17 So then #

do not be foolish, but # Repeat, second way to say unwise

understand what the will of the Lord is, 18 and # This is wisdom; cf. v.5:10

do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but # Really unwise

be filled with the Spirit, by # Different kind of “wine”: power 19 speaking to one another # Manifestation #1

in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, # to others

singing and making melody # Manifestation #2

with your heart to the Lord; # to the Lord 20 always giving thanks for all things # Manifestation #3

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ # in the Lord’s name

to God, even the Father; # to God, the Father 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. # Within roles set up by God1 21 OR: be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. # Alternate parse in some versions

# (see Romans 13:1, in particular: # “be subject” = “submit” =

# submit even to unbelievers in governmental roles) # “ranking self below”

# Opposite: rebellion; 1 Pet 3:1-6

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22 Wives, each as # First example: wives2

# an ezer cenegdo (Hebrew) to your husband, # ezer: help/helper, power/strength

# an equal complement with the power/strength to help # ce-negdo: like/corresponding to

# choose, in that strength and role, to # -stand in presence; equal

be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Why? # Marriage roles are modeled on, 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, # and display to the world,

as Christ also is the head of the church, # the Christ-church relationship.

He Himself being the Savior of the body. # Thus, body = church

# Head =Greek “kephale” # 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 1:21-22 24 But as the church is subject to Christ in everything, # Implicit

so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything # Explicit

# (See 1 Corinthians 12:14-27: all parts of the body equal but different roles.) # As equals

# But, lest the husbands mistake their Savior-like role implied above: # 1 Pet 3:7 Not lording it over, but: 25 Husbands, love your own wives, # Love is not submission

3, but

just as Christ also loved the church # Love is defined by:

and gave Himself up for her, # her first, sacrifice self: Savior 26 so that He might sanctify her, # How sanctified:

having cleansed her

by the washing of water with the word, # As “with soap”? 27 that He might present to Himself the church # Presented how?

in all her glory, # Her Glory =

having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing, # no spot, no wrinkle, but

but that she would be holy and blameless. # holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives # The two shall become

as their own bodies; # one flesh (Genesis 2:24b)

he who loves his own wife # (see also 1 Cor. 6:16b)

loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but

nourishes and cherishes it, # Love = nourish, cherish

just as

Christ also does the church, # The church = His body 30 because we are members of His body. # = us 31 “FOR THIS REASON # The Son left his Father A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND

SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND # to be joined to the church

THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.” # Quotation of Genesis 2:24 32 This mystery, that is, the marriage relationship, is great; # Wow, how can we do it?

but I am speaking with reference to # We need the Spirit’s power

Christ and the church

as the perfect model. 33 Nevertheless, in the power of the Holy Spirit it is possible, so

each individual husband among you

also is to love his own wife

even as himself, and

the wife must see to it that she respects her own husband. # Ties back to v.22

# End of subsection on wives.

# Parenthesis on husbands defines “headship”, the corresponding role.

# Cf. v.1:22 on headship of Christ over the church.

- 12 -

Chatper 6

1 Children, # Second example: children

obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right, that is, # Obedience = submission 2 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER # Honor = submission; 1 Tim 5:4

(which is the first commandment with a promise: ) # Exodus 20:12; Deut. 5:16 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU (all), # Wellness, wholeness

AND THAT YOU (all) MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH (LAND). # Corporate long life due to peace 4 Fathers, # Fathers do not submit to children

do not provoke your children to anger, but

bring them up # Proverbs 22:6, train up a child

in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. # in the way he should go...

# End of subsection on children.

# Parenthesis on fathers addresses a potential (likely?) problem.

5 Slaves, # Third example: slaves/employees

be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, # Obedience = submission

with fear and trembling,

in the sincerity of your heart,

as to Christ; # As we all submit to Christ 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers,

but as slaves of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart. # His will: cf. v.1:8 7 With good will render service,

as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does,

this he will receive back from the Lord,

whether he is slave or free. # Slave or employee/worker 9 And masters, # Masters do not submit to slaves

do the same things to them, and

give up threatening,

knowing that

both their Master and yours is in heaven, and

there is no partiality with Him.

# End of subsection on slaves/employees.

# Parenthesis on masters: you share an impartial Master in heaven with them.

# End of list of three examples of submission.

- 13 -

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might; # Here’s how: 11 put on the full armor of God, so that # and why:

you will be able

to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, # STAND 12 for our struggle is

not against flesh and blood, # Parallels imply:

but against the rulers, # Rulers =

against the powers, # Powers =

against the world forces of this darkness, # Forces =

against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenlies. # Spirituals. 13 Therefore,

take up the full armor of God, so that # Repeated

you will be able # Repeated

to resist in the evil day, # New: resistance

and having done everything, # New: in all ways

to stand firm. # Repeated 14 Stand firm therefore, # Armor defined:

HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and # Belt: Is. 11:5

HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and # Breastplate: Is. 59:17

having shod YOUR FEET # Shoes: Is. 52:7

WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; # Know the gospel 16 in addition to all,

taking up the shield of faith # Shield: ref?

with which you will be able

to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, 17 and

take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and # Helmet: Is. 59:17

take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. # Sword: Heb. 6:5; v.5:26 18 With all prayer and petition

pray at all times in the Spirit, and

with this in view, # This = all the above?

be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf,

that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth

to make known

with boldness

the mystery of the gospel, # the mystery that is the gospel. 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, # Paul in prison when writing

that in proclaiming it I may speak

boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, that is, how I am doing,

Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord,

will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you

for this very purpose:

so that you may know about us,

and that he may comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith,

from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ. # Do they love with:

With incorruptible love, --Paul # Or is that Paul’s salutation?

- 14 -

Still to be responded to:

http://www.churchofgoddfw.com/monthly/paul&women.shtml

...

Paul uses the first married couple as his example. "For Adam was formed first, then Eve," verse 13. Paul is saying, "Wives can't be superior to husbands! Adam, the first hus-band, was formed before his wife, Eve! Next Paul argues in 1 Tim 2:14, "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman (wife) being deceived was in the transgression." Not only was Adam formed first, he was also not deceived, but his wife was deceived! (Here Paul presents a doubtful argument, as both were tricked by Satan.)

...

Paul tells Elder Women to Teach

Yet in Titus 2:3, Paul tells Titus that elder women should be teachers of the right way of life:

"Likewise, teach the older women (elder women) to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good," (or, to be a "teacher of the right" way of life).

Paul says elder women are to be "teachers of the right" in the original Greek phrase "ka-lodidaskalos" Strong's 2567, a teacher of the right. He suggests they start with instruct-ing the younger women, but he does not limit them to teaching only women.

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as be-

cometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine,

teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love

their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their

own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (AV)

Again submission (obedience) is taught even by older women

even to non-Ephesian (where was Titus?) young women

(wives). In this prescriptive (?) text, Paul mentions only teach-

ing by older women of younger women; there is not a hint of

them teaching other than younger women.

- 15 -

Paul was not against all women everywhere teaching, he was against Ephesian women teaching female superiority as was one of the many problems in Ephesus. Paul argues that Adam was formed before Eve, and therefore wives can't be superior to hus-bands. Also he reassures Ephesian wives that God will save them during childbirth!

Paul is reacting to a local problem. He is not dealing with dedicated Christian women teaching the Ten Commandments and true doctrines.

In Paul's second recorded letter to Timothy, 2 Tim 2:2, he writes, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable 'anthroopois' (men and women, Strong's 444-- defined by Thayer's Greek Definitions as 'a human being, whether male or female') who will also be qualified to teach others." If a per-son, male or female, is reliable, sound, and qualified-- then Paul says he or she should teach others God's truth!

Point well taken, but this verse is not defining roles, but assumes

any to be defined elsewhere. Thus, if other Scripture passages

define roles, this passage is only saying that whatever teaching a

person in his or her proper role does should be that taught by

Paul and passed on to Timothy. All people teach, but some may

teach only certain students, and that is not in conflict with this

verse.

There are many instances of Paul praising women who teach the truth such as Priscilla, see Acts 18:2,18,26; 1 Cor. 16:19; and Romans 16:3; Phoebe, a "diakonon" servant/minister in Romans 16:1, Junia in Romans 16:7, "outstanding among the apos-tles" Nympha, and "her house church"-- the only leader mentioned by name in Laodi-cea, Col. 4:15. Also Euodia and Syntyche who "contended at my side in the cause of the gospel" Phil. 4:1-3. He hails many other women as co-workers in Christ Jesus. Had Paul issued a blanket edict against all women teaching everywhere he would have rep-rimanded these women instead of praising them!

Priscilla, see Acts 18:2,18,26; 1 Cor. 16:19; and Romans 16:3:

2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having

recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because

Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. ...

Priscilla is not teaching here, but accompanying her husband.

- 16 -

18 ¶ Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the

brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were

Priscilla and Aquila. ...

Priscilla is not teaching here, but still, in context, accompanying her husband.

26 and he [Apollos] began to speak out boldly in the synagogue.

But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside

and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, clearly is teaching here. Certainly as a team, they were teaching Apollos. Priscilla was not alone teaching Apollos. Is it significant that her name is listed first? Perhaps, but we do not know for sure. Nor is this a pre-scriptive text, but a history. History often reports things without commenting as to whether they are right or normative.

19 ¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute

you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Priscilla is not stated to be teaching here. All we are told is that she and her husband hosted a church in their home. We are not told who did the teaching. Perhaps, as indi-cated in the verse addressed above, they team taught, or another taught and they did not.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I

give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles;

5 also greet the church that is in their house. ...

Priscilla and Aquila, as a team, are mentioned as co-workers with Paul. Again, Pricilla is not stated to have been teaching alone. They hosted a church and may have team-taught it, but the actual teacher is not stated.

Phoebe, a "diakonon" servant/minister in Romans 16:1:

1 ¶ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of

the church which is at Cenchrea:

- 17 -

2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that

ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for

she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

From this we can see that a woman was a servant or minister to the church. I presume this is the same word that was used of Steven and Philip, who clearly taught others in addition to their other duties in serving. Hence, this passage comes the closest to show-ing that a woman taught in the early church, assuming that all “diakonon”s taught. However, even it falls short of actually stating that she taught.

Junia in Romans 16:7, "outstanding among the apostles":

7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowpris-

oners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in

Christ before me.

This states that Junia was a Jew (kin of Paul) and a fellow prisoner of Paul’s, and that the apostles took note of her. It does not hint that she taught.

Nympha, and "her house church"-- the only leader mentioned by name in Laodicea, Col. 4:15:

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and

the church which is in his house.

She hosted a church in her house, but it is not stated who taught.

Euodia and Syntyche who "contended at my side in the cause of the gospel" Phil. 4:1-3:

1 ¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my

joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the

same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women

which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and

- 18 -

with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of

life.

Paul here beseeches these two women to “be of the same mind in the Lord”, indicating that they had apparently been disagreeing. He also indicates that they labored with Paul in the gosp[el, but he did not specify how. Teaching is not mentioned nor implied.

The Words of Jesus

Jesus tells us "...whoever practices and teaches these commands (the Ten Com-mandments), will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:19. Jesus put no gender restrictions on teaching, but said "whoever" and promises greatness for both men and women who teach the commandments. Paul was not dealing with dedicated Christian women teaching the true gospel, he was dealing with false teachers teaching myths and wrong ideas learned from the religion of the goddess Diana of the Ephesians.

Again Jesus’ statement could be assuming proper roles. IF women are restricted to only teach younger women and children, then this statement applies perfectly to them.

Jesus praised the woman of Samaria that publicly preached the words of Jesus to the men and women of her village. He did not tell her to stop teaching them because she was a woman! Jesus praised her and told the disciples that they were harvesting where she had sowed. As a result, "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, ...." John 4:39. Her public witness --her teach-ing-- resulted in conversions, and Jesus praised her and held her up as an example for the disciples!

This Samaritan woman is not stated to have taught anyone, rather she gave her own personal testimony. Jesus did not have to stop her from teaching because she was not teaching.

1 Notice that Paul says we should all submit to each other (implicitly, within roles defined by God). Then he

gives three examples of roles that are to submit: wives, children, and slaves. In each case, he also addresses the role

of the one to whom the person is to submit: husband, father, and master. None of the heads are said to submit to the

one in the subordinate role. Indeed, in the first case the submission is likened to us, the church, subjecting ourselves

to our head, Christ. The wife is in no sense implied to be inferior to the husband in her role. Rather, Paul references

Genesis, where the woman (wife) is described as an equal complement with the power to help her husband. Paul

asks each wife, in that power and equality, to choose to submit to her own husband, not men in general.

Notice also that neither Genesis 2 nor this passage addresses the issue of the role of an unmarried woman, a

widow, or a divorced woman. Perhaps the man leaving his father and mother to be joined to a woman includes his

leaving their authority, and it is implied that the woman is leaving her parents’ authority to come under the authority

of her husband?

- 19 -

Presumably, the not-yet-married woman is still under her parents’ authority, no matter how old she is, so any

career she might desire should be agreeable to her parents and subject to their advice and encouragement. The wife

and mother who has raised her children is still under her husband’s loving authority, as is a wife who has had no

children, so any career she might desire should be agreeable to her husband and subject to his advice and encour-

agement. Perhaps the divorced woman should return to the authority of her parents if they are still alive? (I’m not

sure the Bible addresses that issue.)

My coverage of these issues is woefully inadequate here. Mostly I wanted to analyze the text and address what

I see as errors in certain web articles. For a much more thorough treatment of the issues, listen to Steve Gregg at

www.thenarrowpath.com: select Topical Lectures at the left, then scroll down to “Toward a Radically Christian

Counterculture”, then choose lectures 19 and 20 on “The Privileged Role of Women”.

2 In http://www.shawnaatteberry.com/2007/05/25/does-it-really-mean-helpmate/#more-37 Shawna Atteberry

makes a strong case that what is translated “helpmate” in Genesis 2:20 has a deeper meaning than is usually ascribed

to it: a complementary equal who has the power and strength to help. Hear, hear. I have incorporated that concept

in notes above on verse 5:22. Then Atteberry says, “In the Hebrew “help” comes from one who has the power to

give help—it refers to someone in a superior position. ... God helps Israel because they do not have the power to

help themselves.” Of course, when God “helps” Israel, it is indeed from a superior position, but when a woman

“helps” her husband, it is not as a superior but as an equal, as Atteberry had just argued.

Atteberry wants “to defend from those who say woman was created to be a wife and mother, and only a help-

mate for her husband”. Notice the pejorative “only”. If God’s original intent was that normally woman would be

wife and mother, albeit as an equal complement, this is hardly an “only” role. Rather, it a very privileged position

that seems to correspond to the anatomical ways she differs from her husband. Those differences are specifically for

bearing and nurturing children, and they are unused and superfluous if she chooses not to be a wife and mother.

Atteberry says of the Hebrew phrase translated helpmate, “Ezer cenegdo does not mean or even imply to mean

one who is subordinate or inferior—in creation or in function. Woman was created to be a power equal to man; an

autonomous being that God created so that the man would have someone like him, and equal to him, to share his life

with.” (Underline added.) I can agree with all of that except “autonomous”. Our trying to be autonomous is what

sin is all about. We are all meant to be subjects of the King, not autonomous.

That concept comes up again in this quote: “The woman was not created to be a subordinate helper to her hus-

band. She was created as an autonomous being; she was a complete human being, just as the man was.” (Underline

added.) Of course, she is a complete human being, but because roles are not about equality (e.g., the Father and the

Son), it does not follow that she was not created to hold a privileged, protected position under the authority of (first

her father and then) her husband. Indeed, Ephesians 5 asserts quite the contrary.

Atteberry paraphrases the status quo: “men are not raised to believe that marriage should be their primary pu r-

pose and goal in life. For men their main purpose is a career.” That is indeed true in our fallen world and it is a

tragedy. If Genesis 2 implies that woman was created and made to be a wife and mother, then it equally implies that

man was created and made to be a husband and father. God intended that as his main function. His career is sec-

ondary and only for the purpose of providing for his wife and children. His career is so insignificant that he is al-

lowed to choose (under God’s authority, of course), but hers is such a high calling that it is defined by the Bible and

her anatomy.

“Whether or not [women] want to marry is irrelevant—they will, that is God’s plan for every woman.” Well,

that was his original, perfect plan, as no other option is stated or implied in Genesis.

“Certainly marriage is a part of God’s design, and marriage is to be the ultimate expression of love, fidelity, and

sexuality, but it is just one of many relationships. As Christians we must remember that marriage is not the supreme

relationship—the supreme relationship of any believer’s life is with God; our relationship with God is what makes

us whole and complete.” (Underline added.) “Just one of many” hardly seems an appropriate description of the

only relationship characterized in the Bible as modeled on the Christ-church relationship. Certainly it is not superior

to our relationship with God, but it is the supreme human-human relationship, according to the Bible.

“The doctrine of salvation through Christ alone means that any hierarchal structure that is a result of the Fall is

now done away with—all of us have equal standing before God.” God defined the marriage relationship before the

Fall. Man and woman had equal standing before God, while also having a structured relationship: she was made for

him, as an equal complement with power to help. That structure, those roles, were not post-Fall artifacts.

“In the Synoptic Gospels, those women are all identified by their sons, not their husbands. This leads me to be-

lieve that they were widowed; they were single. It is possible that there were single women proclaiming the death,

- 20 -

resurrection, and ascension of Christ on the day that 3,000 were saved.” I agree and say that it is more than likely –

virtually certain! But proclaiming the good news to others is not leading a church; it is personal witnessing, in to-

day’s terminology. And for cultural reasons, they may well have witnessed only to other women.

“Whether one is married or single, male or female, is irrelevant in the Kingdom of God. All that is required is

obedience to the call and the will of God.” Those issues are irrelevant as to equality in the Kingdom, but not neces-

sarily to roles in the institutions of marriage and local churches. God stated his will in defining marriage, which has

the woman as a complementary equal with the power to help her husband, and from which he desires godly off-

spring. That is the general call to all women except perhaps in unusual circumstances.

In summary, Atteberry seems to confuse equality with roles, as if the Son is inferior to the Father due to his

submission to the Father. Nothing could be further from the case.

3 In http://www.tagnet.org/adventist.fm/articles/women.htm and in reference to Ephesians 5:25, Phil Ward says,

“If we try to think with Paul's Hebrew mind, we see that he specifically says husbands are to submit to their wives'

needs.” This statement is nonsensical because one does not submit to needs, but to another person in autho rity or to

the law behind that person.

Yes, “For wives to submit to their husbands is merely an example of the command to "submit to one another."”,

but along with that example are two more: children submitting to parents and slaves submitting to masters. In no

way is Paul suggesting that husbands submit to their wives, parents to their children, nor masters to slaves. On the

contrary, in each case Paul instructs each of those three as to his complementary role. The point is that Paul is say-

ing “submit to one another” according to the roles God has defined for you. He also says for Christians to submit to

government authorities in Romans 13:1. By that he is certainly not implying that Christians are inferior to non-

Christian government employees.

Ward also says, “submitting is how Christ loved us”. That statement is true but it does not imply that Christ

was submitting to us! Rather, he was submitting to his Father, according to the role defined for him. He is not

inferior to his Father just because he has a subordinate role. Nor are wives inferior to their husbands because God

defined for them a subordinate role to their husbands. Ward falsely reduces the head-body model of Christ-church

to a mere close relationship. Jesus Christ is our King and we are to submit to him, and NOT vice versa. Likewise,

the passage clearly defines the husband as the head of the wife. Although the term “boss” is loaded, just as Chist is

the Christian’s boss, so the husband should be to the wife. However, he should be the same kind of “boss” as Christ

is to us, giving himself for her, not oppressing her, not lording it over her. He should provide for her, protect her,

and empower her to reach her God-given and God-defined potential, just as Christ does for the church.

Ward states that the poetic structure (parallelism) equates “submit” with “love”, but such poetic structure is also

often used to emphasize contrasts, hence the literary structure here cannot be stated to be equating the two. Nor

does the poetic structure suggest a new paragraph at verse 21, as Ward claims; rather that verse is part of the passage

starting with verse 17, as indicated by its beginning with “and”. However, it is true that the instruction to wives is

an example of the command to “submit to one another” (in God-defined roles).

Yes, “The man leads out in his areas of strength, and the woman [voluntarily submitting to him as her equal]

leads out in her areas of strength”. That is not “both being mutually submissive”, rather he submits to Christ, and

she submits to him. Yes, “There is no male or female. You are all equal in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) We are

all of equal value in Christ, but we do not all have the same role. There is the role of an eye, and the role of an ear,

etc.: God-defined roles.

We can quarrel about who gets “the best role”, as did the disciples, but I am in the best place if I am pleasing

my King, and I do so by submitting to him and fitting into and fulfilling the role he has given to me. That always

includes serving others no matter what roles they have relative to mine (Mark 9:35), but it certainly includes accept-

ing the role God has given me.