SWBTS

Interpreting the Parables of Luke

During the first nineteen centuries of the Christian church the dominant way of interpreting the parables was by means of the allegorical method. In order to arrive at the “deeper” meanings of the parable the numerous details of the parables were i... Read More »

A Teaching Outline of Ephesians

Address and Greeting (1:1-2) Paul’s Apostleship (v. 1a) Description of the Readers (v. 1b)       Saints At Ephesus Faithful Grace and Peace (v. 2) PART ONE: GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL ( 1:3-3:21) I. Overture of Praise to God for S... Read More »

Proclaiming Ephesians: God’s Order in a Needy World

Introduction The Book of Ephesians is one of the most powerful writings to come from the early church. The book’s lyrical cadences have captivated readers with the wonder and glory of the cosmic Christ, and the grandeur and majesty of the church in the p... Read More »

Interpreting Ephesians 4-6: God’s People in a Walk Worthy of His Calling

Introduction Anyone accustomed to reading Paul knows that his letters can often be divided into two parts, one more theological, the other more practical. Ephesians is a classic example. The letter obviously is of two parts, of almost equal length.[1]The secon... Read More »

Interpreting Ephesians 1-3: “God’s People in the Mystery of His Will”

Introduction “Majesty.” No other word in the English language quite captures the tone and the imagination of Ephesians like this word. Although we are not privy to the occasion of this epistle, we nevertheless recognize that Paul desired to fire th... Read More »

Reading Ephesians: The Glory of Christ in the Church

Introduction Reading the book of Ephesians takes one through a series of clearly defined sections. On one hand, the book divides in half: the presentation of God’s blessings and privileges believers enjoy (Ephesians 1-3) followed by a resulting catalog o... Read More »

Introducing Ephesians: Establishing Believers in Christ

Introduction[1]Some material adapted from the article entitled, “Ephesians, Letter to the,” in Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, edited by G. F. Hawthorne, R. P. Martin, and D. G. Reid (Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993). Used by per... Read More »

The Pastor as Teacher

“It was [Christ] who gave some to be … pastors and teachers, to prepare  God’s people  for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all…become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Chri... Read More »

Prepare to Meet the Lion: The Message of Amos

Introduction Amos’s word fell upon eighth-century Israel the way a hon attacks its prey. When the people were enjoying a period of relative peace in international affairs and economic prosperity at home, Amos sang their funeral song. “Fallen, no mo... Read More »

Listen Up People! The Lion Has Roared: A Study of Amos 1-2

Introduction The words of the Lord through the prophet Amos have teeth in them. They are the words of a lion (Amos 1:2; 3:8). Majestic and regal, this awesome predator roamed the hills of ancient Palestine, inspiring kings, devouring sheep, killing shepherds, ... Read More »