Acts Of Ephesians 4: 7-8 Analysis

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD BIBLE COLLEGE

AN EXEGESIS OF EPHESIANS 4:7-16

A PAPER PRESENTED TO

RUTH PHUA-CHNG

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

BS 622: NEW TESTAMENT EXEGESIS

BY

ALVIN LIM

SINGAPORE

MAY 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
I. EXEGETICAL OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS 4:7-16 . . . . . 5
CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
BIBLOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

APPENDIX: 15 STEPS OF FULL EXEGESIS . . . . . . . . . 40
ABBREVIATIONS

NASB – New American Standard Bible
KJV - King James Version
NRSV – New Revised Standard Version
NIV - New International Version
YLT - Young 's Literal Translation
NLT - New Living Translation
Darby- Darby Translation

INTRODUCTION

Paul is the author of the letter to the saints in Ephesus (Eph. 1:1) when he is in prison in Rome (Eph. 3:1; 4:1) around A.D. 61-62. However there is some debate over the authorship as there are questions about linguistic, literary and theological nature of the letter.1 There is a also textual problem as to whether this letter is addressed to the Ephesians as the phrase, "in Ephesus" is missing in the oldest, most reliable manuscripts and in the writings of the church fathers.2 The address in the beginning and ending of the letter does not specify any specific persons or congregation, which is strange since Paul himself spent some time in Ephesus.3 This gives rise to the possibility that the letter could be a general circular letter among house churches or churches and not occasional one in a particular church.4 However, through the content of the letter, the letter could be addressing certain issues or situations in the churches involved. There is the issue of disunity and disputes (4:1-3,11-13; 4:25-5:2); false teachings and teacher (4:14-16; 5:6-14); immorality and sins (5:3-5); drunkedness (5:15-21); authority issues (5:22-6:9); spiritual warfare (6:10-20). This passage occurs in the body of the letter. In this passage, Paul employs the use of Old Testament quotation, chiasm, metaphors, repetition to enforce his message of unity and maturity in Christ. The central theme of Ephesians is on unity. This passage outlines for us what is unity and maturity in the church under Christ. In this passage we see that because Jesus was willing to humble himself to come to earth as a man to die on the cross for our sins, he is now the exalted and victorious Messiah over his adversary. He is now able and worthy to reign over all and give gifts to the church so that it may reach maturity and unity. Did Christ descend to hell? What is the role of ministers? What is the role of lay persons? How do we build the church in unity and maturity? We will answer some of these questions in the paper that have an important impact upon how we serve God.

EXEGETICAL OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS 4:7-16

We will look at the passage Eph. 4:7-15 progressively verse-by-verse and then word-by-word. We shall first look at verse 7. The de here could indicate contrast, transition or both. Contrast is a more likely option as it is now contrasting the general ejn pasin in verse 6 with the particular eJni eJkast here in verse 7.5 The actor of the passive ejdoqh can be God or Jesus. Markus Barth views the actor as God and the gift as Jesus Christ.6 In Rom. 12:3-6, it is God that gives the gifts. In 1 Cor. 12:11, it is the Holy Spirit that give the gifts. However, in this passage, Jesus Christ as the giver is the most likely translation taking into account verse 8, that says "he gave gifts" and in verse 11, it says, "it was he who gave" referring to Jesus.7 There are five possible interpretations of the meaning of hJ cari" in this verse.8 This grace cannot mean the general grace of salvation available to all. The most likely interpretation is interpretation 2, the privilege of having different gifts and roles (not superiority) available to all believers if we take Rom. 12:6 and verse 11 into consideration.9 There are two possible interpretations of the meaning of to metron.10 Taking into account parallel passages like Rom. 12:3-6, faith and grace is given by God in different measures resulting in different gifts and roles accordingly for their area of service. Another parallel passage is 1 Cor. 12:11, whereby it is the Holy Spirit who gives to each different gifts as he wills. Again, this is not taking about general grace but specific grace of the allocation of gifts in different purposes for different work of God by Christ. There are four interpretations to to; mevtron th '" dwrea '" tou ' Cristou '.11 The most probable interpretation is the first interpretation. We have already maintained earlier that Christ is the giver of the measure of grace. Grace is distributed in different portions to each individual according to Christ 's sovereignty.12 This grace is not the result of works but truly a gift from Jesus.13
Verse 8 begins with dio;, translated 'therefore '. It indicates the ground for the assertion he has made in verse 7 about Christ giving out gifts of grace in different measure to the members of his church. There are four possibilities to the implied subject of levgei.14 It could be God, the Psalmist, scripture or just an impersonal subject like 'it is said '. Some have suggested that it was not necessary that it is an Old Testament quotation but just a hymn like in Eph. 5:14.15 It is not possible to determine the implied subject but it is most likely to be referring to the Old Testament scriptures (considering the similarities to Ps. 68:18) and thus is ultimately God 's word and authority.16 The purpose of the Old Testament quotation from Ps. 68:18 is for the confirmation of assertion made in verse 7 about Christ distributing the various gifts. What is meant by jAnaba;" eij" u{yo" ? The context of this verse in Ps 68:18 is that Yahweh the king when victorious over his enemies ascends Mount Zion leading his captives in triumphal procession and receiving gifts as a tribute. In light of earlier discussion of Christ exaltation in Eph. 1:20-22, it probably refers to Christ having ascended to heaven (Acts 1:1).17 The aorist participle of jAnaba;" denotes an action preceding the principle verb e[dwken . It indicates Christ 's ascension has taken place before he gave gifts. The ascension of Christ and his enthronement at the right hand of God is the source of abundant blessings and gifts.18 This quotation in Ephesians is different from the quotation in Ps. 68:18. The words 'gave gifts ' is used here instead of 'receive gifts '.19 There is also a change of the second person in the Old Testament to a third person here in verse 8.20 'Among men ' is changed to 'to men '.21 'In your train ' is changed to captivity. The genre of the psalm is varied comprising elements of a communal thanksgiving psalm, historical psalm and processional liturgy.22 The picture painted in the psalm is that of a victorious King receiving honour and tribute due from both his loyal and vanquished subjects. Whereas in Ephesians, the picture is change to a victorious King that distributes gifts out of his grace. There are a few possibilities why there is a difference in this quotation from the Old Testament text.23 The first possibility is that Paul deliberately changed the words to advance his theological point. The second possibility is that Paul unintentionally quoted the scripture wrongly from memory. The third possibility is that alternative textual tradition like the Syriac Peshitta and the Aramaic Targum reads 'you gave ' rather than 'you received '. The fourth interpretation is that the Hebrew verb rendered 'receive ' has the sense of 'to take in to give ', however this has linguistic and textual difficulties.24 The fifth interpretation is that Paul reinterpreted Ps. 68:18 since it is quoted from earlier passages in Num. 8:18, 18:6 whereby chosen individuals are taken for the purpose of giving them back to the people for ministry. The sixth possibility not stated here is that it is not supposed to be an Old Testament quotation but a hymn on that verse or some creedal statement.25 The seventh possibility is that Paul is employing the common hermeneutical technique called Midrash Persher where by "the exposition of the text determined the textual form of the quotation itself."26 There is no strong evidence to make a concrete decision. Most probably Paul employed the use of Midrash Persher and oral rabbinic tradition and quoted from Syriac Peshitta and the Aramaic Targum to advance his theological point and yet it is not contradictory to scriptures.27 There are a few meaning to hj/cmalwvteusen aijcmalwsivan. The first interpretation is that he took captives translated by NASB and NIV. The second interpretation translated by KJV and NRSV as captivity itself being captured. The first translation is more likely and it is a metaphor of a triumphant conqueror.28 There are four interpretations as to who are the aijcmalwsivan or captives. Firstly, Peter O 'Brien views this as rebellious Israelites not Gentile foes.29 Second possibility is that it is the souls of man (previously captured by Satan) rescued and saved by Christ since Christ descended to Hades in verse 9.30 Third interpretation is that it refers to spiritual beings and powers that oppose Christ and that Christ has triumphed over. Fourth interpretation is cosmic evil and all forces of evil including Satan, demons, powers, evil men, sin and death.31 The fifth interpretation is both interpretation 2 and 4. Interpretation 3 is the most likely referring to evil principalities, angels and powers from parallel verses in Eph. 1:20-22 and Col. 2:15.32 There is a minor textual problem before 'he gave gifts to men ', some manuscripts have kai; before it and others do not. The gifts in the original psalm refer to captured booty or gifts of homage given to victorious kings by his captured subjects. These gifts in this verse could be are most probably gifts of the Holy Spirit, spiritual endowments. The gifts are given to men, who are these men? One possibility according to the targum version of Ps. 68:18, the object of giving is 'sons of man ' most probably referring to the Jews.33 Another possibility is universal mankind in general. The most probable interpretation is it refers to the members of the church in this context taking verse 12 into account. Let us now look at verse 9.
There are three possible interpretation to to katevbh eij" ta; katwvtera mevrh th '" gh '". The first possibility is that Christ descended to earth at Christ incarnation and death and later ascension on Easter or Ascension Day. The second possibility is that Christ descended into Hades or Sheol and ascended on Easter or Ascension Day (c.f. 1 Pet. 3:19; 4:6; Rom. 10:6-8; Phil. 2:10).34 This view is supported by the apostles ' creed.35 This is a popular view among the church fathers.36 Some see it as Christ painful death and as a symbol of Christ going to those who have not heard the gospel (1 Pet. 3:18-22).37 The third interpretation is that Christ descended into the grave or buried and ascended at Easter or Ascension Day.38 The fourth interpretation is the Christ ascended at Easter or Ascension Day and descended in the Spirit at Pentecost (John 7:39; 20:22; Acts 2:33; 2 Cor. 3:17).39 In this interpretation, Christ ascended first and subsequently descended in the Spirit to give gifts of the Spirit at Pentecost. The first interpretation is the most likely due to some of these reasons. The atmosphere is also considered part of earth in ancient cosmology taking John 3:13 into account (unlike Rom. 10:7; 1 Pet. 3:18-21; Rev. 1:18).40 This can be translated the 'the lower regions, namely the earth ' as a descent from heaven if th '" gh '" is interpreted as genitive of apposition.41 It was only after A.D. 650 that the saying that Christ "descended into
hell" was added into the apostles ' creed and this theology have no explicit evidence in the scriptures.42 There is also the possibility that protovvvvn was added after katebh in some manuscripts because this view gain early, wide acceptance and may even be added to combat Docetism.43 It is another way of indicating the humiliation and abasement in coming to this lowly and earthly region (John 3:13) compared to the glory of heaven. 44 According to Eph. 1:10,20; 2:2, 6:12, the evil spirits and hosts are located in the heavenly places not under the earth.45 If the author wanted to talk about Hades, he should have used the superlative katwtata (Ps. 63:9 and 139:15).46 According to Eph. 1:19-21 and 4:8, the victory of Christ over evil powers was attained by his death, resurrection and exaltation after his descent on earth not by his descent into Hades.47 Interpretation 4 is also unlikely because aorist katevbh suggest a past one-time event and not a continuous action of giving of spiritual gifts. Moreover, Christ gifts are associated with his ascension and not his descent.48 The descent of the Holy Spirit is kept distinct from the descent of Christ (c.f. 1:3,13; 2:20-2; 3:16; 4:4).49
In verse 10, Paul is not stressing that he who ascends is the same as the one who descends, but rather implicitly that the one who humbly descended to earth is now exalted in his ascension.50 This could be a reference to an early heresy known as Docetism, which denied the reality of the Incarnation (cf. 1 John).51 The ascension above the heavens (cf. Heb. 7:26) and not into the heavens (Acts 1:11) could suggests Christ superiority rather than an existential interpretation of heaven (numerous meaning and levels of heavens).52 Refer to appendix (step 4) for the chiastic structure of verse 9 and 10. The purpose of the ascension is that will fill all things (Eph. 1:23; 3:19). This means that the presence of the exalted Christ will pervades every area of life (heaven, earth, principalities, powers and the church).53 His characteristics of love, grace, goodness and salvation is everywhere present.54 He is worthy to bring all things under his sovereignty and free to give gifts of the Spirit to his church.55
Verse 11 goes back to verse 7 and 8 of what these gifts that Christ gives are. Christ not man being the head of the church gave these ministers as gifts (not just the spiritual gifts or office) to the church although this list is not meant to be exhaustive (1 Cor. 12:28).56 Some see that the apostles and prophets were unique for the initial establishment of the church and did not extend beyond the apostolic age.57 Their roles are replaced by evangelists, pastors and teachers today. This is an imposition of one 's theology and is an argument from silence. Attempts to see apostles, prophets and evangelists as for the universal church and pastors, teachers as for the local church is questionable, because why are elders, bishops and deacons are not mentioned in this list.58 Apostles comes from the verb apostellw which means "to send out." An apostle is therefore someone who has been sent, probably by the church to exercise leadership in spiritual and organisational matters.59 In the New Testament, it is used to refer to the Twelve, Paul, Paul 's associates like Barnabas and James (2 Cor. 8:23; Phil. 2:25) and Christians in general (John 13:16). A prophet in biblical literature is a proclaimer (forthteller) as well as a predictor (foreteller) of the Holy Spirit to a specific community.60 An evangelist is a preacher of the gospel and having the gift of leading individuals to understand and accept the gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5).61 Some see pastors and teachers as one office due to the absence of an article before teachers, better translated as pastor-teacher or teaching shepherds.62 This is a high possibility. Pastors (just a difference in title) function is similar to those of overseers (Phil. 1:1) and elders (cf. Acts 20:17,28; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:17,19), exercising leadership through nurture and teaching of the congregation.63 A good pastor needs to be able to teach the word of God, but a teacher need not be a pastor.64 This pedagogical or pastoral has similarities with the shepherd imagery (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28).65 A teacher is one who is able to explain the truths in the word of God to feed the flock (Acts 15:35; 18:11, 25; Rom. 2:20,21; Col. 3:16; Heb. 5:12).
From this verse 12, we see that the building of the church is not confined to a few elect offices but all Christians are needed for this task.66 There are six interpretations to the purpose of having those offices mentioned in verse 11.67 The first interpretation is that the job of the ministers is for the single purpose of equipping God 's people so that they may fulfil their work of ministry so that they may build up the church.68 The second interpretation has a two-fold view; the ministers may equip the saints to do the work of service so that both ministers and laity can build up the body of Christ.69 The third interpretation is also two-fold, the ministers may equip the saints to do the work of service and the ministers (not the laity) may build up the body of Christ. The fourth interpretation is that the purpose of the ministers are three-folds of equal significance namely to equip the saints, to do the work of service and to build up the body of Christ (KJV; YLT; Darby).70 If the author wanted it to be two-fold, he would have omitted the second and third prepositions and used two complementary infinitives joined by the copula.71 The fifth interpretation is that the job of the ministers are three-folds, equipping the saints is the main task of the minister, the subordinate work of the ministry and building of the body of Christ is still to be undertaken by the ministers. The sixth interpretation is that the job of the ministers are three-folds, equipping the saints and do the work of service is for the ultimate and main purpose of building up the body of Christ. The third interpretation is the most likely. The Greek New Testament of Nestle-Aland and UBS 4th edition does not have a comma after saints meaning that it is not a three-fold purpose, but a two-fold one. The two purposes are parallel and synonymous and are the purpose of the ministers. Lay members do have a part to play in building up the church, but the primary emphasis of verse 12 is on the importance of the role of the ministers rather than the role of the saints.72 Ultimately it is Christ who is the one to build his church through every willing believer and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). There are five possibility of the definition of katartismo;n.73 katartismo;n probably means the preparation and training for perfection and maturity.74 There is two interpretation of e[rgon diakoniva". It could mean general service or the ministry of the word.75 It could refer to both service and ministry. Paul employs both building and body imagery.76 Building means edification and spiritual strengthening and suggests physical effort and resources needed. Body suggests a living organism growing in Christ and is made up of different and important body parts united with Christ as the head to function well (Eph. 4:15; 5:23).
In verse 13 with conjunction mevcri, there are three interpretations of the final corporate goals of the church.77 The first interpretation is more likely as there are three eij", indicating three goals. Believers are to be one in terms of what they believe (common doctrines) and having both cognitive and relational knowledge of Christ.78 This faith is probably referring objective content of faith (body of doctrine) rather than the believer 's exercise of faith.79 The matured adult is probably used as a metaphor for the mature state of the church, of the body of Christ, understood in corporate rather than individual terms and is a contrast to infants in verse 14.80 The fullness of Christ means the total Christlikeness of every member. There is an aspect of eschatological fulfillment and tension in all these objectives. The unity of faith is a tension between the 'already ' and 'not yet '81 It has been proclaimed as something we already have (Eph. 4:3) and yet a goal to be reached. This faith has been given (Eph. 4:5) and yet is not fully united as one. We have a knowledge of the Son of God (Eph. 1:9), yet this knowledge is not yet a complete one. The church is already the fullness of Christ (1:23; 4:10) and yet Paul prayed that we 'may be filled up to all the fullness of God ' (3:19).82 The body needs to be perfect in order to fit the head, the perfect Christ. There are two interpretations as to whether the church is able to attain these goals on our stay on earth.83 The first interpretation is more likely as the church made up of fallible and sinful man will never be completely perfect until the return of Christ.
In verse 14 there are four interpretations to the relationship indicated by conjunction i{na.84 The second interpretation is the most likely because if we are able to reach the goals listed in verse 13, we will not fall into the danger listed in verse 14. Paul uses the metaphor of little children to depict the immature state of the church. This is not relating to pre-conversion state, because Paul uses first plural to include himself and unbelievers are usually described as sinners and under the power of Satan (Eph. 2:1-3).85 They are still immature, unstable, gullible and individualistic. All believers not only the ministers are to resist any evil forces that may seek to corrupt or destroy the unity and growth of the church.86 Paul have used the comparison between maturity and childishness in ethical exhortations (see 1 Cor. 2:6; 3:1-4; Heb. 5:13,14).87 Paul uses another metaphor of the sea and its storms to describe the dangerous and confused situation that the church is in right now (Jas. 1:6).88 This 'wind of teaching ' is not referring to any specific teaching but general false teaching. Another metaphor that Paul used here is the metaphor of dice playing, often associated with dishonesty and deception as these dice are loaded (kubeiva/).89 This deceptive trickery is attributed to man (ajnqrwvpwn) and not the devil.90 These are people who deliberately misrepresent the truth and seek by skilful manipulation to lead believers astray. According to 2 Cor. 11:3, the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, panourgiva/. There are three possible interpretations of th;n meqodeivan th '" plavnh".91 The first interpretation that plavnh" have adjectival force, meaning 'deceitful scheming ' is the most likely as it reveals the explicit motivations of the false teachers to deceive and scheme.
Let us now look at verse 15. The conjunction de indicates positive contrast of verse 15 to verse 14. There are three interpretations to ajlhqeuvonte".92 The first interpretation is that it refers to only verbal and confessional testimony (NASB, KJV, NRSV, NIV). The second interpretation is that it refers to truth and integrity in both deeds and speech (NLT, Darby). The third interpretation is that we are to love the truth. The only other occurrence of ajlhqeuvonte" is in Gal. 4:16 where it is translated as 'speaking the truth ' or 'preaching the truth '.93 It is most probably given the vocabulary and biblical occurrence of the word that it is an allusion to verbal and confessional testimony.94 For the chiastic structure between verse 14 and 15, see appendix . There are four interpretations to the relationship of love with the rest of the verse.95 The most likely interpretation is that love is the manner in which truth should be applied. Where there is no love, the truth of God is rejected. Where there is no truth, love becomes favouritism and conspiracy. Both truth and love needs to co-exist in a balance for mature Christian unity to grow and deception to be corrected. There are two interpretations to the meaning of aujxhvswmen eij" aujto;n ta; pavnta.96 The first interpretation is that it means 'let us grow in all ways to be like Christ '. The second interpretation is that it means 'let us make all things grow towards Christ '. The first interpretation is the most likely as the people of God, the church is to grow in maturity to be like Christ and not be children anymore. The church is in Christ and belongs to Christ and has to grow up towards him. There are three interpretations to the relationship indicated by eij", into him.97 The first interpretation is growing to be like him. The second interpretation is growing in relation to him, in relation to how Christ grows. The third interpretation is growing in union with him. The most probable interpretation is interpretation 1 and 3. Christ 's maturity and growth probably far exceeds us. We are able to grow to be like him and in union with him because Christ is the head of the church. Christ 's headship is understood as both rule and origin.98
Let us now look at verse 16. The phrase ejx ou| refers back to Christ, the head as the ruler and source of growth. There are two interpretations to the meaning and agent of the participles sunarmologouvmenon and sumbibazovmenon.99 The first interpretation is that these two participles are synonymous and parallel and the agent is Christ. The second interpretation is that sunarmologouvmenon refers to the vertical relationship between of the members to the head, while sumbibazovmenon refers to horizontal relation of the members to each other. The first interpretation is the most likely as the two participles are very similar in meaning and is used to enforce his message of corporate unity. The dichotomy of the two participles as referring to different relationship in the second interpretation and having distinct meanings is unfounded, although there is the general idea of vertical and horizontal relationship.100 There are four interpretations to the relationship of the phrase dia; pavsh" aJfh '" th '" ejpicorhgiva" to other words or phrases.101 The most likely interpretation is that it is connected to the first two participles, because the phrase is modifying what is infront. There are two interpretations to the meaning of ejpicorhgiva".102 The first interpretation is that they are the channels in which Christ will supply and equip each individual part. The second interpretation is that it serves the purpose of supporting and joining the body together. Both interpretations 1 and 2 seems plausible and fits the context of the verse. The ligaments join each part of the body and are also the channels that extend nourishment from the head (Col. 2:19).103 This word in Greek carries these meanings and would consist of ligaments, nerves and arteries.104 The ligaments or joints can refer to any general members or the ministers in verse 11.105 It is not explicit from the text, but if a decision has to be made, it would most probably be referring to the ministers. There are six interpretations to the relationship indicated by kata.106 The first interpretation meaning 'all the body is harmoniously fitted and held together according to the energy that corresponds to the capacity of each individual part ' is the mostly likely, as it makes the most grammatical sense looking at the sentence structure and overall meaning. ejn mevtrw means 'according to the energy measured of each individual part '. Due to the two occurrence of body in the verse, body is both the subject and object of the growth, meaning 'all the body makes the growth of the body '. Love for God and men are the indispensable means of building the church and the evidence of growth.107

CONCLUSION

In this passage we see that because Jesus was willing to humble himself to come to earth as a man to die on the cross for our sins, he is now the exalted and victorious Messiah over his adversary. He is now able and worthy to reign over all and give gifts to the church so that it may reach maturity and unity.
For the church to reach unity and maturity, every member in the church is given a gift from Christ. We are to know and use this gift that Christ has given to us to serve God to the best of our abilities. Christ has given a special group of ministers to equip the saints and to build up the church. We should always strive to equip and be equipped. We must also learn to speak the truth in love so as to combat false teachings and foster unity.
From the exegetical findings, we realise that Christ did not descend to hell but rather to earth. As the ascended Christ, he has authority to reign and give gifts to the church. He gave the church ministers to equip and build up the church. Lay persons have to be equipped for the work of service and ministry. Although the state of being a mature and united church may never be fulfilled in its perfection before the coming of Christ, we are to strive towards it.

SERMON REPORT FORM
Text: Ephesians 4:7-16
C.I.T.: The basic meaning of the text was teaching Christian unity and maturity of the church under Christ.
Thesis: We can all learn how to attain Christian unity and maturity in the church under Christ by looking at the principles outlined in this passage.
Major Objective: The major objective of the sermon is devotional.
Specific Objective: To help the church attain Christian unity and maturity in the Church under Christ
Title: No Longer Babies
Body:
I. We can all learn how to attain Christian unity and maturity in the church under Christ by appropriating the gift of Christ in our lives (v. 7-10)
Explaination: Jesus Christ, although God humbly took the form of man to come to earth to serve and die for the sins of man. Because of this God raise him from the dead and exalted him above all to reign as a victorious king that have conquered the principalities. After he 's ascension, he did not leave the church without help but gave gifts to the church to bring it to unity and maturity. Each of us is given a different measure of grace and gift by Christ for the job that God wants us to do. Everybody has a gift and this gift is sufficient for each of us to perform the task. No one is more superior than another, but just having different roles. Clergy is not superior to lay members. We all have a different function to perform. God loves all the same without partiality. He does not practice favouritism.
Illustration: In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25). God loves the three servants the same because every servant is given a talent even though he gave different amount of talents to each. More is given, more is required (Luke 12:48). When you have more, means you have more responsibility. God is equally happy with the first two servants even though one earned five and the other only two talents, because they both doubled their initial talents and made the best use of their available resources. The central message is that we make full use of the gifts and talents that God has given to us, and he will multiply our gifts and reward us. If we do not, even the little talent and gift that we have will be taken away from us. We would have wasted our lives because we are ignorant of the gifts that God have already given to each of us.
Application: We are to be aware of the strengths and gifts that God has already given to each one of us. We are to make full use of these gifts to serve God and expand his kingdom. We are to be grateful to Jesus Christ for these gifts that he has given us. These gifts are not be taken lightly because Christ went through a lot on earth in order to save and bless us with these gifts.
II. We can all learn how to attain Christian unity and maturity in the church under Christ to equip and be equipped (v. 11-13)
Explaination: God gives the church a special group of people to equip and build up the church. They are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. They are not necessarily people who serve in a full-time capacity. Some of us are functioning in these roles. They are to be treated with respect and submit to their authority. They have an important role to play in equipping and maturing the people of God. Only when God 's people are equipped, can they fulfil the work of service and ministry. Only then can the church be build up.
Illustration: We live fast changing society just as computers are backdated as soon as they are out of the production line. Information doubles every five years. We live in a world of fast food and microwave ovens. We are facing a different generation that has a very different worldviews and values from us. As a church we need to stay relevant to the needs of today. We need to be equipped for the challenges of the future.
Application: We are to desire to be equipped to be better servants of Christ. We are to have a thirst for the word of God, to learn of the things of God. We are to be teachable and have an attitude to learn, no matter how old we are or how experienced. If we are gifted to be in a position to equip others, we are to do it with honour and excellence.
III. We can all learn how to attain Christian unity and maturity in the church under Christ by speaking the truth in love (v. 14-16)
Explaination: There will always be false teachers and prophets around that will prey on a church that is not equipped and strong in the word of God. There will be people who will tell us what we like to hear instead of the complete gospel. It is true yesterday, it is true today. We need both love and truth to combat this attacks on the church that jeopardises the unity of the church. Love without truth is flattery and favouritism. Truth without love is legalism.
Illustration: In recent years, the faith movement is creating waves in the church by preaching wealth and health for every believing believer. It presents a gospel that is one-sided and man-centred. On the surface, it seems biblical and uplifting, but it hides a reluctance to put Christ as Lord. If members of the church embrace these teachings, it is our fault that the truth has not been taught deeply for them to spot the difference.
Application: We are always to speak the truth in love. Although the truth hurts, it has to be said. When it is spoken in love, the other person will be receptive to the message. Nobody will care how much you know till they know how much you care. How true! Are we afraid to speak the truth in the fear of offending someone? Do we speak the truth like a Pharisee without any love in our hearts? In order for the church to be united and mature, let us speak the truth in love.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature; 2d ed.; ed. by W.F. Arndt, F. W. Gingrich, F.W. Danker. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.

Best, Ernest. The International Critical Commentary: Ephesians. Scotland: T & T Clark, 1998.

Feedman, David Noel, ed. The Anchor Bible Commentary. Vol. 34A Ephesians 4-6, by Markus Barth. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc, 1974.

Gordon, T. David. ""Equipping" Ministry in Ephesians 4" Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 37.1 (March 1994): 69-78.

Graham, Glenn H. An Exegetical Summary: Ephesians. Dallas, Texas: Summer Institute of Linguistics, 1997.

Grudem, Wayne. "He did not Descend into Hell: A Plea for Following Scripture instead of the Apostles ' Creed." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 34.1 (March 1991): 103-113.

Harris, W. Hall III. "The Ascent and Descent of Christ in Ephesians 4:9-10." Bibliotheca Sacra 151.602 (June 1994): 198-214.

Hubbard, David A., ed. Word Biblical Commentary. Vol. 42 Ephesians, by Andrew T. Lincoln. Dallas, Texas: Word Books, Publisher, 1990.

Hughes, R. Kent. Preaching the Word. Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1990.

Mays, James Luther. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Vol. 45. Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon, by Ralph P. Martin. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1989.

O 'Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999.

Patzia, Arthur G. Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon. New International Biblical Commentary, ed. David J. Williams. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1984.

Perkins, Pheme. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Ephesians. Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1997.
Scaer, David P. "He did Descend to Hell: In Defense of the Apostles ' Creed." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 35.1 (March 1992): 91-99.

Schnackenburg, Rudolf. The Epistle to the Ephesians. A Commentary. Scotland: T & T Clark, 1991.

Taylor, Richard A. "The Use of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8 in Light of the Ancient Versions." Bibliotheca Sacra 148.591 (July 1991): 319-336.

APPENDIX: 15 STEPS OF FULL EXEGESIS

STEP 1: SURVEY THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT IN GENERAL

Author:
EPH 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

Paul had to assert his authority as an apostle.

Recipients:
1:1 to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: (1:15-19)
Tychicus was the bearer of this letter (6:21)

Paul does not seem to have direct contact with the Christians in Ephesus, he has only heard of their faith. Although in Acts, we know that he has close direct contact with the people in Ephesus.

Purpose:

There is the issue of disunity and disputes (4:1-3,11-13; 4:25-5:2); false teachings and teacher (4:14-16; 5:6-14); immorality and sins (5:3-5); drunkedness (5:15-21); authority issues (5:22-6:9); spiritual warfare (6:10-20).

Annotated Outline:

Settings:
1:1 Ephesus

I. Salutations (1:1-2)

II. The Divine Purpose: The Glory and Headship of Christ (1:3-14)

III. Prayer That Christians May Realize God 's Purpose and Power (1:15-23)

IV. Steps Toward the Fulfillment of God 's Purpose (chs. 2-3) A. Salvation of Individuals by Grace (2:1-10) B. Reconciliation of Jew and Gentile through the Cross (2:11-18) C. Uniting of Jew and Gentile in One Household (2:19-22) D. Revelation of God 's Wisdom through the Church (3:1-13) E. Prayer for Deeper Experience of God 's Fullness (3:14-21)

V. Practical Ways to Fulfill God 's Purpose in the Church (4:1-6:20) A. Unity (4:1-6) B. Maturity (4:7-16) C. Renewal of Personal Life (4:17-5:20) D. Deference in Personal Relationships (5:21-6:9) 1. Principle (5:21) 2. Husbands and wives (5:22-33) 3. Children and parents (6:1-4) 4. Slaves and masters (6:5-9) E. Strength in the Spiritual Conflict (6:10-20)

VI. Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (6:21-24)

STEP 2: CONFIRM THE LIMITS OF THE PASSAGE

UBS3, NA26, NKJV, NIV, NASB, NRSV limits the passage from Eph. 4:7-16

STEP 3: BECOME THOROUGHLY ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR PARAGRAPH / PERICOPE

Provisional translation:

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore it says, "When he ascended on high, he led captive a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."
9 But what does it mean, "He ascended," except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.
11 And He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors-teachers,
12 to equip the saints for the work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ;
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
14 that no longer we are to be children, tossed about, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness to the systematising of the error;
15 but speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ,
16 from whom all the body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint of supply, according to the proper working of each individual part, the increase of the body makes the building up of itself in love.

Provisional list of exegetical difficulties:

Grammatical Difficulties

Verse 7: th '" dwrea '" tou ' Cristou '.

Verse 8: levgei Verse 9: katwvtera mevrh th '" gh '"

Verse 11: tou;" de; poimevna" kai; didaskavlou",

Verse 12: eij" Verse 16: aJfh '" th '" ejpicorhgiva"

Lexical Issues

Verse 7: hJ cavri" to; mevtron

Verse 8: aijcmalwsivan Verse 9: plhrwvsh Verse 12: katartismo;n diakoniva"

Verse 13: mevtron hJlikiva" a[ndra tevleion plhrwvmato" tou ' Cristou '

Verse 14: th '/ kubeiva panourgiva/ meqodeivan plavnh" Verse 15: ajlhqeuvonte" kefalhv

Verse 16: sunarmologouvmenon sumbibazovmenon aJfh '" ejpicorhgiva" Paragraph in several translations:

NASB – New American Standard Bible
KJV - King James Version
NRSV – New Revised Standard Version
NIV - New International Version
YLT - Young 's Literal Translation
NLT - New Living Translation
Darby- Darby Translation

Red – Occurs only in one translation
Blue – Occurs only in two or three translation
Black – Occurs in more then three translation

NASB
KJV
NRSV
NIV
YLT
NLT
Darby
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ 's gift.
8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high, he led captive a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."

EPH 4:9 (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of
Christ;

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.

14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,

16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
EPH 4:7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ 's gift.

8 Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people."

EPH 4:9 (When it says, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.)

11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people 's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.

15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body 's growth in building itself up in love.
EPH 4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (gift is missing)

8 This is why it says:

"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."

EPH 4:9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?

10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

12 to prepare God 's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

7 and to each one of you was given the grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ,

8 wherefore, he saith, `Having gone up on high he led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men, ' --

9 and that, he went up, what is it except that he also went down first to the lower parts of the earth?

10 he who went down is the same also who went up far above all the heavens, that He may fill all things –

11 and He gave some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] proclaimers of good news, and some [as] shepherds and teachers,

12 unto the perfecting of the saints, for a work of ministration, for a building up of the body of the Christ,

13 till we may all come to the unity of the faith and of the recognition of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a measure of stature of the fulness of the Christ,

14 that we may no more be babes, tossed and borne about by every wind of the teaching, in the sleight of men, in craftiness, unto the artifice of leading astray,

15 and, being true in love, we may increase to Him [in] all things, who is the head -- the Christ;

16 from whom the whole body, being fitly joined together and united, through the supply of every joint, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body doth make for the building up of itself in love.
7However, he has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ.

8That is why the Scriptures say,
"When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people."

9Notice that it says "he ascended." This means that Christ first came down to the lowly world in which we live.

10The same one who came down is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that his rule might fill the entire universe.

11He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

12Their responsibility is to equip God 's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ,

13until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God 's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.

14Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth.

15Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

16Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

But to each one of us has been given grace according to the measure of the gift of the Christ.

8 Wherefore he says, Having ascended up on high, he has led captivity captive, and has given gifts to men.

9 But that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same who has also ascended up above all the heavens, that he might fill all things;

11 and *he* has given some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some shepherds and teachers,

12 for the perfecting of the saints; with a view to [the] work of [the] ministry, with a view to the edifying of the body of Christ;

13 until we all arrive at the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at [the] full-grown man, at [the] measure of the stature of the fulness of the Christ;

14 in order that we may be no longer babes, tossed and carried about by every wind of *that* teaching [which is] in the sleight of men, in unprincipled cunning with a view to systematized error;

15 but, holding the truth in love, we may grow up to him in all things, who is the head, the Christ:

16 from whom the whole body, fitted together, and connected by every joint of supply, according to [the] working in [its] measure of each one part, works for itself the increase of the body to its self-building up in love.

STEP 4: ANALYZE SENTENCE STRUCTURES AND SYNTACTICAL RELATIONSHIPS

Sentence flow (English, NIV):
7
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
8
This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
9
What does "he ascended" mean (A) except that he also descended to the lower, (B) earthly regions?
10
He who descended is the very one (B ') who ascended higher than all the heavens, (A ') in order to fill the whole universe.
11
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
12
to prepare God 's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
16
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Sentence flow (Greek, UBS 4th):

7
JEni;
de; eJkavstw/ hJmw 'n ejdovqh hJ cavri" kata; to; mevtron th '" dwrea '" tou ' Cristou '.
8
dio; levgei, jAnaba;" eij" u{yo" hj/cmalwvteusen aijcmalwsivan, e[dwken dovmata toi '" ajnqrwvpoi".
9
to; de; jAnevbh (A) tiv ejstin eij mh; o{ti kai; katevbh eij" ta; katwvtera mevrh th '" gh '" (B)
10
oJ kataba;" aujtov" ejstin kai; (B ') oJ ajnaba;" uJperavnw pavntwn tw 'n oujranw 'n, (A ') i{na plhrwvsh/ ta; pavnta.
11
kai; aujto;" e[dwken tou;" me;n ajpostovlou", tou;"; de profhvta", tou;" de; eujaggelistav", tou;" de; poimevna" kai; didaskavlou",
12
pro;" to;n katartismo;n tw 'n aJgivwn eij" e[rgon diakoniva", eij" oijkodomh;n tou ' swvmato" tou ' Cristou ',
13
mevcri katanthvswmen oiJ pavnte" eij" th;n eJnovthta th '" pivstew" kai; th '" ejpignwvsew" tou ' uiJou ' tou ' qeou ', eij" a[ndra tevleion, eij" mevtron hJlikiva" tou ' plhrwvmato" tou ' Cristou ',
14
i{na mhkevti w\men nhvpioi, kludwnizovmenoi kai; periferovmenoi panti; ajnevmw/ th '" didaskaliva" ejn th '/ kubeiva/ tw 'n ajnqrwvpwn ejn panourgiva/ pro;" th;n meqodeivan th '" plavnh",
15
ajlhqeuvonte" de; ejn ajgavph/ aujxhvswmen eij" aujto;n ta; pavnta, o{" ejstin hJ kefalhv, Cristov",
16
ejx ou| pa 'n to; sw 'ma sunarmologouvmenon kai; sumbibazovmenon dia; pavsh" aJfh '" th '" ejpicorhgiva" kat j ejnevrgeian ejn mevtrw/ eJno;" eJkavstou mevrou" th;n au[xhsin tou ' swvmato" poiei 'tai eij" oijkodomh;n eJautou ' ejn ajgavph/.

STEP 5: ESTABLISH THE TEXT

WORKSHEET FOR TEXTUAL VARIANT ANALYSIS

PASSAGE: Eph. 4:8 (ejdwken)
APPARATUS USED: UBS 4TH
(Option I)

CLASSIFICATION OF WITNESSES

Variant Reading
Alexandrian (Alnd I-II)
Western (Aland IV)
Unclassified (Aland III)
Byzantine (Aland V)
Showing Dates Only
2d
P46
Irenaeus

Justin Marcion
3d

4th
Copsa

Cop bo

Eusebius Ambrosiaster Hilary Ambrose Varimandum
5th
A C
D Augustine

itb, d vg Theodorelat Hesychius Rufinus Jerome Quodvultdeus
6th-10th
33
F G

1241 2464 itar, f, g, mon
11th-16th

1962 l593 ito

PASSAGE: Eph. 4:8 (kai ejdwken)
APPARATUS USED: UBS 4TH
Option II)

CLASSIFICATION OF WITNESSES

Variant Reading
Alexandrian (Alnd I-II)
Western (Aland IV)
Unclassified (Aland III)
Byzantine (Aland V)
Showing Dates Only
2d

3d

4th
B

Victorinus-Rome
5th
C
Augustine

Chrysotom syrp geo Cyril
6th-10th
81 1175 1739 104
D

K L P syrh 075 0150 459 1912
11th-16th
6 424 1881 2127

256 263 365 436 1319 1573 1852 2200

PASSAGE: Eph. 4:8 (kai ejdwka")
APPARATUS USED: UBS 4TH
(Option III)

CLASSIFICATION OF WITNESSES

Variant Reading
Alexandrian (Alnd I-II)
Western (Aland IV)
Unclassified (Aland III)
Byzantine (Aland V)
Showing Dates Only
2d

3d

4th

5th

6th-10th

eth

11th-16th

l598 l751 l884

EVALUATION OF EXTERNAL EVIDENCE

1. Date:
Option I is the reading that has the earliest attestation.

2. Geographical Distribution:
Option I has the widest geographical attestation.

3. Textual Relationships
Both Option I and II has Alexandrian witness. Option I and II has Western witness. Option III has unclassified witness. Option I and II has Byzantine witness.

Summary of the External Evidence

Looking at the external evidence, option I seems to be the most favourble reading.

EVALUATION OF THE INTERNAL EVIDENCE

1. Transcriptional Probabilities, i.e. what scribes likely did when copying the N.T.
a) Shorter/Longer Reading
Option I is the shorter reading

b) Reading Different from Parallel
No relevant parallel passage is applicable

c) More Difficult Reading
Option I is the more difficult reading because kai should be included.

d) Reading which best explains origin of others(s)
Because kai should be added, scribes might have assisted the text by adding it.

2. Intrinsic Probabilities, i.e. what the author himself likely wrote.

It is difficult to determine the intrinsic probability of the author.

Summary of Internal Evidence

Option I has the strongest internal evidence.

CONCLUSION

Option I is chosen as the most probable reading as it has the strongest internal and external evidence. This is in agreement with USB 4th with a certainty of B rating.

WORKSHEET FOR TEXTUAL VARIANT ANALYSIS

PASSAGE: Eph. 4:9 (katebh)
APPARATUS USED: UBS 4TH
(Option I)

CLASSIFICATION OF WITNESSES

Variant Reading
Alexandrian (Alnd I-II)
Western (Aland IV)
Unclassified (Aland III)
Byzantine (Aland V)
Showing Dates Only
2d
P46
Irenaeus Clement Tertullian

3d

Origen

4th

Lucifer Victorinus-Rome Ambrosiaster Hilary

5th
A C I Cyril
Augustine

itd Jerome Palagius
6th-10th
6 33 copsa
D F G cop bo eth

082 1739 itar, b, g, mon,
11th-16th
81, 424

1241 1881 l1439

vgmss

PASSAGE: Eph. 4:9 (katebh prwton)
APPARATUS USED: UBS 4TH
(Option II)

CLASSIFICATION OF WITNESSES

Variant Reading
Alexandrian (Alnd I-II)
Western (Aland IV)
Unclassified (Aland III)
Byzantine (Aland V)
Showing Dates Only
2d

3d

4th
B copsa
Eusebius Didymus vg 5th
C

syrp geo
Chrysostom
Theodore Theodoret
6th-10th
1175 2464

syrh
K L P
075 0150 1912 itf
11th-16th
104 2127

256 263 365 424 436 459 1319 1573 1852 1962 2200 l170 ito

EVALUATION OF EXTERNAL EVIDENCE

1. Date
Option I has the earliest witness

2. Geographical Distribution
Option I has the widest geographical witness

3. Textual Relationships
Option I and II, both have Alexandrian, Western and Unclassified witness. Option II has Byzantine witness

Summary of the External Evidence
Option I have the strongest external evidence

EVALUATION OF THE INTERNAL EVIDENCE

4. Transcriptional Probabilities, i.e. what scribes likely did when copying the N.T.
a) Shorter/Longer Reading
Option I has the shortest reading.

b) Reading Different from Parallel
There is no relevant parallel passage

c) More Difficult Reading
Option I is the more difficult reading as option II is more reasonable to say that Jesus first descended then he ascended.

d) Reading which best explains origin of others(s)
Scribes unable to reconcile that Jesus descended and ascended at the same time, so they added the word first to say that Jesus descended first and then ascended later.

5. Intrinsic Probabilities, i.e. what the author himself likely wrote.

It is difficult to a ascertain the intrinsic probabilities of the writer.

Summary of Internal Evidence

Option I has the strongest internal evidence

CONCLUSION

Option I is the most probable reading as it has the strongest internal and external evidence. This is in agreement with USB 4th with and A rating.

WORKSHEET FOR TEXTUAL VARIANT ANALYSIS

PASSAGE: Eph. 4:9 (merh)
APPARATUS USED: UBS 4TH
(Option I)

CLASSIFICATION OF WITNESSES

Variant Reading
Alexandrian (Aland I-II)
Western (Aland IV)
Unclassified (Aland III)
Byzantine (Aland V)
Showing Dates Only
2d

3d

4th
B

Eustathius
5th
A C Cyril
D Augustine

Chrysostom
Theodorelat Theodoret Palagius
6th-10th
6 33 1175 1739 2464

075 0150 itf Syrh Copbo

1910
11th-16th
81 104 424 1241 1852 1881 2127

436

256 263 365 459 1319 1573 2200

PASSAGE: Eph. 4:9 (without merh)
APPARATUS USED: UBS 4TH
(Option II)

CLASSIFICATION OF WITNESSES

Variant Reading
Alexandrian (Alnd I-II)
Western (Aland IV)
Unclassified (Aland III)
Byzantine (Aland V)
Showing Dates Only
2d
P46

3d
Clement from Theodotus
Irenaeuslat Tertullian

Origenlat
4th

Eusebius Lucifer

Victorinus-Rome Ambrosiaster Hilary
5th

D

itb d Jerome
6th-10th
copsa
F G

itar g mon o
11th-16th

l921 eth

EVALUATION OF EXTERNAL EVIDENCE

1. Date
Option II has the earliest witness.

2. Geographical Distribution
Both options I and II have about the same geographical distribution.

3. Textual Relationships
Both options I and II have Alexandrian, Western and Unclassified witness. Option I have Byzantine witness.

Summary of the External Evidence

Option II have stronger external evidence.

EVALUATION OF THE INTERNAL EVIDENCE

4. Transcriptional Probabilities, i.e. what scribes likely did when copying the N.T.
a) Shorter/Longer Reading
Option II is the shorter reading

b) Reading Different from Parallel
There is no relevant parallel passage for comparison.

c) More Difficult Reading
Option II is the more difficult reading because the adjective is without a noun.

d) Reading which best explains origin of others(s)
Scribes may have added mere to the adjective katotera to complete the meaning. Option II seems to be able to explain the origin of Option I.

5. Intrinsic Probabilities, i.e. what the author himself likely wrote.

It is difficult to ascertain the intrinsic probability of the author.

Summary of Internal Evidence

Option II seems to have stronger internal evidence.

CONCLUSION

Option II is the most probable reading as it has the strongest internal and external evidence although UBS 4th edition and Nestle Aland have chosen option I with a rating of C.
STEP 6: ANALYSE THE GRAMMAR

Text
Lexical Entry
Parsing
Uses
Meaning
(4:7) Jeni; ei|" Num Dat Mas/Neu
Dative of Indirect Object
To one de; de;
Conj
Contrast but eJkavstw/ eJkavsto" Adj Dat Sin Mas
Dative of Indirect Obj
To each hJmw 'n ejgw Pers-Pron Gen 1 Pl
Genitive of possession
Of us ejdovqh didwmi
Verb Aor Pass Ind 3 Sin
Constantive Aorist
Declarative Indicative
Was given hJ cavri" cavri" hJ
Art Noun Nom Sin Fem
Predicate Nominative

Grace kata; kata;
Prep
Correspondence
According to, inconformity with to; mevtron mevtron, to;
Art Noun Acc Sin Neu
Acc of Direct Object
The measure, quantity, number th '" dwrea '" dwrea, to;
Art Noun Gen Sin Fem
Gen of Possession
The gift, bounty of God (B210) tou ' Cristou '.
Cristo", oJ
Art Name Gen Sin
Gen of Possession
The Christ
(4:8) dio; dio; Conj
To introduce a conclusion (inference)
Therefore, wherefore levgei, levgw
Verb Pres Act Ind 3 Sin
Descriptive Present
Declarative Indicative
He says jAnaba;" jAnabainw
Verb Nom Mas Sin Part Aor Act
Substantive Part

(He) having ascended, upward, go up eij" eij"
Prep
Space
On
u{yo" u{yhlo" Noun Sin Neu

High, heights, world above sky, heaven hj/cmalwvteusen Verb Aor Act Ind 3 Sin
Constative Aorist
Declararive indicative
He led captive, to capture, to capture someone in war, to take a host of captives aijcmalwsivan, Noun Acc Sin Fem
Acc of direct object
Captivity, captives, many captives, prisoners e[dwken didwmi
Verb Aor Act Ind
Constative Aorist
Declarative Indicative
He Gave dovmata dwron
Noun Pl Neu

toi '" ajnqrwvpoi" ajnqrwvpo", oJ
Art Noun Dat Pl Mas
Dative of Indirect Obj
To the men
(4:9) to; to; Art Neu Sin
Article
The de; de;
Conj
Transition
Now
jAnevbh jAnabainw Verb Aor Act Ind 3 Sin
Constative Aorist
Declarative Indicative
He ascended, upward movement, go up (B50)` tiv tiv"
Sin Neu
Interrogative pron
What
ejstin eijmi Verb Pres Ind 3 Sin
Descriptive present
Declarative Indicative
He is eij eij
Conj
1st Class
If (since) mh; mh;
Particle
Negative particle
Not
o{ti o{ti Conj
Complement Noun Clause
That
kai; kai; Conj
Adjunctive
Also katevbh katabainw
Verb Aor Act Ind 3 Sin
Constative Aorist
Declarative Indicative
He went down, descended, come down, climb down (B408) eij" eij"
Prep
Space
Into
ta; katwvtera katw Art Adj Comp Neu Pl
Positive for comparative
Lower
mevrh

Noun Neu Pl

Parts, regions, territory th '" gh '"… gh, h;
Art Noun Gen Sin Fem
Gen of Apposition namely, the earth
(4:10) oJ oJ Nom Mas Sin Art

The kataba;" katabainw
Verb Nom Mas Sin Part Aor Act
Substantive Part modifying oJ
Having descended, come down, go down, climb down (B408) aujtov" aujtov"
Pers pro Nom Mas Sin
Identical Adjective
The same ejstin eijmi
Verb Pres Ind 3 Sin
Descriptive present
Declarative Indicative
He is kai; kai;
Conj
Adjunctive
Also
oJ oJ Art Nom Mas Sin
Subject Nominative
The
ajnaba;" jAnabainw Verb Nom Mas Sin Part Aor Act
Substantive Part modifying oJ
Having ascended, upward movement, go up uJperavnw uJper
Prep
Substitution
Far above, beyond, higher than, over, speriority pavntwn pa"
Adj Gen Pl Mas
Genitive of possession
All
tw 'n oujranw 'n, oujranw, oJ
Art Noun Mas Gen Pl
Genitive of possession
The heavens i{na i{na
Conj
Purpose
That
plhrwvsh/ plhrow Verb Aor Act Sub 3 Sin
Constantive Aorist
Purpose Subjunctive
He might fill ta; to
Art Nom/Acc Pl Neu
Article
The pavnta. pa"
Adj Mas Acc Sin/ Neu Acc Pl/ Neu Nom Pl
Direct object
Substantive adjective
All things kai; kai;
Conj
Simple additive
And
aujto;" aujto;" Per-pron Nom Mas Sin
Subject Nominative
He, himself e[dwken didwmi
Verb Aor Act Ind 3 Sin
Constantive Aorist
Declarative Indicative
Gave
tou;" oJ Art Acc Pl Mas
Direct Object
The
me;n me;n Postpositive participle
Better left untranslated

ajpostovlou", ajpostovlo" Noun Mas Acc Pl
Direct Object
Apostles, sent one, delegate, envoy, messenger, a group of highly honoured believers who had a special function. (B99) tou;" oJ
Art Mas Acc Pl
Direct Object
The
de; de; Conj
Simple additive
And
profhvta",
Profhvth"
Noun Mas Acc Pl
Direct Object
Prophets, proclaimer and interpreter of divine revelation tou;" oJ
Art Mas Acc Pl
Direct Object
The
de;; de;; Conj
Simple additive
And
eujaggelistav", eujaggelisth" Noun Mas Acc Pl
Direct Object
Evangelists, preacher of the gospel (B318) tou;" oJ
Art Mas Acc Pl
Direct Object
The
de de; Conj
Simple additive
And
poimevna" poimevnh" Noun Acc Mas Pl
Direct Object
Shepherds, pastor (B684) kai; kai;
Conj
Simple additive
And
didaskavlou", didaskavlo" Noun Mas Acc Pl
Direct Object
Teachers
(4:12) pro;" pro;" Prep
Space
To to;n oJ
Art Mas Acc Sin
Direct Object
The
katartismo;n katartismo" Noun Mas Acc Sin
Direct Object
Equipping, (through training and discipline) (B418), completing, training, discipling, perfecting, uniting tw 'n aJgivwn aJgivo", oJ
Art Gen Mas Pl
Genitive of possession
Of the saints eij" eij"
Prep
Benefaction
For
e[rgon e[rgon Noun Acc Sin Neu
Direct Object
Work
diakoniva", diakoniva Noun Gen Sin Fem
Genitive of possession
Of service, practical service, ministry (B184) eij" eij"
Prep
Benefaction
For
oijkodomh;n oijkodomh; Noun Acc Sin Fem
Direct Object
Building up, edification, spiritual strengthening (B559) tou ' swvmato" swvma, to
Art Noun Gen Sin Neu
Genitive of possession
Of the body (the Christian community and church as a unified entity) (B800) tou ' Cristou ',
Cristo", o;
Art Name Gen Sin Mas
Genitive of possession
Of the Christ
(4:13) mevcri mevcri Prep

Until katanthvswmen katantaw
Verb Aor Act Subj 1 Pl
Constantive Aorist
Subjunctive of desire
We may arrive oiJ o;
Art Nom Mas Pl
Subject Nominative
The
pavnte" pa" Adj Nom Mas Pl
Subject Nominative
All
eij" eij" Prep
Space
into th;n eJnovthta eJnovthth", hJ
Art Noun Acc Sin Fem
Direct Object
The Unity, bond of unity (B267) th '" pivstew" pivsti", h;
Art Noun Gen Sin Fem
Genitive of Possession
Of the faith, trust (B663) kai; kai;
Conj
Simple additive
And
th '" ejpignwvsew" ejpignwvsi", h;
Art Noun Gen Fem Sin
Genitive of Possession
Of the knowledge (of God) (B291) tou ' uiJou ' uiJo", o;
Art Noun Gen Sing Mas
Genitive of Possession
Of the son tou ' qeou ', qeo", o;
Art Noun Gen Sin Mas
Genitive of Possession
Of the God eij" eij"
Prep
Space into a[ndra a[nhr Noun Acc Sin Mas
Direct Object
A man tevleion, tevleio"
Adj Acc Mas Sin
Attributive Adjective
Direct Object
Mature, complete, perfect, having attained the end or purpose (B809) eij" eij"
Prep
Space into mevtron mevtron Noun Acc Sin Neu
Direct Object
Measure
hJlikiva" hJlikiva Noun Gen Sin Fem
Genitive of Possession
Of Stature, bodily stature (B345) tou ' plhrwvmato" plhrwvma, to
Art Noun Gen Sin Neu
Genitive of Possession
Of the fullness, completeness (B672) tou ' Cristou ',
Cristo", o;
Art Gen Sin Mas
Genitive of Possession
Of the Christ
(4:14) i{na / i{na /
Conj
Purpose
That
mhkevti mhkevti Adv
Negative participles
No longer w\men ei´mi
Verb Sub Pres Act 1 Pl
Descriptive present
Subjunctive of desire
We may be nhvpioi, nhvpio"
Adj Nom Mas Pl
Subject Nominative
Infants
kludwnizovmenoi

Verb Nom Mas Pl Part Pres Mid
Attributive Participle modifying nhvpioi
Descriptive Present
Being tossed, tossed back and forth, storm-tossed, tossed here and there, to and fro kai; kai;
Conj
Simple additive
And
periferovmenoi periferw Verb Nom Mas Pl Part Pres Mid
Attributive Participle modifying nhvpioi
Descriptive Present
Being carried about, to be carried here and there, to be whirled around, panti; pa"
Adj Dat Mas Sin
Adverbial dative (Instrumental)
By every ajnevmw/ ajnevmo"
Noun Dat Mas Sin
Adverbial dative (Instrumental)
Wind, gust, shifting wind, new gust th '" didaskaliva" didaskaliva, h;
Art Gen Sin Fem
Genitive of possession
Of the teaching, of that which is taught (B191), doctrine, ejn ejn
Prep
Means
By
th '/ kubeiva/ kubeiva, hJ
Art Noun Dat Sin Fem
Adverbial dative (Instrumental)
The Trickery, craftiness (B456), cunning, deceit, fraud, sleight tw 'n / ajnqrwvpwn ajnqrwvpo",/ o;
Art Noun Mas Gen Pl
Genitive of Possession
Of the Men ejn ejn
Prep
Means
By
panourgiva/ panourgiva Noun Dat Sin Fem
Adverbial dative (Instrumental)
Craftiness, cunning, trickery, exclusively in an unfavourable sense (B608), treachery pro;" pro;"
Prep
Space
To
th;n meqodeivan meqodeiva hJ
Art Noun Acc Sin Fem
Direct Object
The systematizing, in an unfavourable sense, scheming, craftiness, deceitful scheming (B 499), wicked plotting th '" plavnh", plavnh, hJ
Art Noun Gen Sin Fem
Genitive of Possession
Of the error, deceptive belief, deception
(4:15) ajlhqeuvonte" ajlhqeia Verb Nom Mas Pl Part Pres Act
Substantive Participle
Descriptive Present
Holding the truth, speaking the truth, to cherish, to maintain, to do, to live the truth de; de;
Conj
Contrast
But
ejn ejn Prep
Space
In ajgavph/ ajgavph
Noun Dat Sin Fem
Indirect Object
Love
aujxhvswmen aujxanw Verb Aor Act Sub 1 Pl
Constantive Aorist
Subjunctive of desire
We may grow up eij" eij"
Prep
Space
Into
aujto;n aujto;" Pers-Pron Acc Sin Mas
Direct Object
Him
ta; to Art Acc Pl Neu
Direct Object
The
pavnta, pa" Adj Acc Pl Neu
Substantive Adjective
Direct Object
All things o{" o{"
Rel-Pron Nom Sin Mas

Who ejstin ei´mi
Verb Pres Ind 3 Sin
Descriptive Present
Is
hJ kefalhv, hJ kefalhv,
Art Noun Nom Fem Sin
Subject
The head, to denote superior rank (B 430)
Cristov",
Cristov",
Name Nom Mas Sin
Subject
Christ
(4:16) ejx; ejk Prep
Space
From ou| oJv"
Rel-Pron Gen Sin

Whom pa 'n pa" Adj Acc Sin Neu
Attributive adjective modifying sw 'ma
Direct Object
All
to; sw 'ma to; sw 'ma
Art Noun Acc Sin Neu
Direct Object
The Body sunarmologouvmenon Verb Sin Neu Part Pres Mid
Attributive Part modifying sw 'ma
Being fitted together, fitted together, bonded together kai; kai;
Conj
Simple additive
And
sumbibazovmenon

Verb Sin Neu part Pres Mid
Attributive Part modifying sw 'ma
Being joined together, knit together, brought together dia dia
Prep
Agency
By
pavsh" pa" Adj Gen Sin Fem
Attributive adjective
Every
aJfh '" aJfh Noun Gen Sin Fem
Genitive of Possession
Joint, ligament, connection th '" ejpicorhgiva" ejpicorhgiva, hJ
Art Noun Gen Sin Fem
Genitive of Possession
Of the supply, support, strength, provision, kat« kata
Prep
Corresponding
According to ejnevrgeian ejnevrgeia
Noun Acc Sin Fem
Direct Object
Working, effective functioning, activity, practice ejn ejn
Prep
Space
In
mevtrw/ mevtron Noun Dat Sin Neu
Locative of sphere
Measure, capacity, needs, function eJno;" ei|"
Num Card Gen
Genitive of Possession
One
eJkavstou eJkavsto" Adj Gen Sin
Genitive of Possession
Of each, every, mevrou" mevro"
Noun Gen Sin Neu
Genitive of Possession
Part, component, element, members th;n au[xhsin au[xanw, hJ
Art Noun Acc Sin Fem
Direct Object
The increase, growth tou ' swvmato" swvma, to
Art Noun Neu Gen Sin
Genitive of Possession
Of the body poiei 'tai poiew Verb Pre Mid Ind 3 Sin
Descriptive Present
Declarative Indicative
Makes for itself eij" eij"
Prep
Space
To
oijkodomh;n oijkodomh Noun Acc Fem Sin
Direct Object
Building up, construction, edification eJautou ' eJautou Refl-Pron Gen Sin
Genitive of Possession
Of itself ejn ejn
Prep
Space
In, unto, for, so that ajgavph/. ajgavph
Noun Dat Sin Fem
Locative of sphere
Love

STEP 7: ANALYZE SIGNIFICANT WORDS

Verse 7: hJ cavri" to; mevtron

Verse 8: aijcmalwsivan Verse 9: plhrwvsh Verse 12: katartismo;n diakoniva"

Verse 13: mevtron hJlikiva" a[ndra tevleion plhrwvmato" tou ' Cristou '

Verse 14: th '/ kubeiva panourgiva/ meqodeivan plavnh" Verse 15: ajlhqeuvonte" kefalhv

Verse 16: sunarmologouvmenon sumbibazovmenon aJfh '" ejpicorhgiva" (For the range of meanings of these words, refer to Appendix VI)

STEP 8: REASEARCH THE HISTORICAL-CULTURAL BACKGROUND

Docetism that denies the incarnation of Jesus Christ may be the prevalent heresy in the church then.

STEP 9: DETERMINE THE FORMAL CHARACTER OF THE EPISTLE

This passage occurs in the body of the letter. In this passage, Paul employs the use of Old Testament quotation, chiasm, metaphors, repetition to enforce his message of unity and maturity in Christ.

STEP 10: EXAMINE THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT IN PARTICULAR

Paul is the author of the letter to the saints in Ephesus (Eph. 1:1) when he is in prison in Rome (Eph. 3:1; 4:1) around A.D. 61-62. However there is some debate over the authorship as there are questions about linguistic, literary and theological nature of the letter.108 There is a textual problem as to whether this letter is addressed to the Ephesians as the phrase, "in Ephesus" is missing in the oldest, most reliable manuscripts and in the writings of the church fathers.109 The address in the beginning and ending of the letter does not specify any specific persons or congregation, which is strange since Paul himself spent some time in Ephesus.110 This gives rise to the possibility that the letter could be a general circular letter among house churches or churches and not occasional one in a particular church.111 However, through the content of the letter, the letter could be addressing certain issues or situations in the churches involved. There is the issue of disunity and disputes (4:1-3,11-13; 4:25-5:2); false teachings and teacher (4:14-16; 5:6-14); immorality and sins (5:3-5); drunkedness (5:15-21); authority issues (5:22-6:9); spiritual warfare (6:10-20).

STEP 11: DETERMINE THE LITERARY CONTEXT

Ephesians can be divided into three major parts. Chapter 1 is the salutations, glory of Christ and prayer. Chapters 2 and 3 is about steps towards the fulfillment of God 's purposes. Chapters 4 to 6 is about practical ways to fulfil God 's purpose in the church. All this is done for the ultimate goal of unity, maturity and love.

STEP 12: CONSIDER THE BROADER BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL CONTEXTS

The central theme of Ephesians is on unity. This passage outlines for us what is unity and maturity in the church under Christ. In this passage we see that because Jesus was willing to humble himself to come to earth as a man to die on the cross for our sins, he is now the exalted and victorious Messiah over his adversary. He is now able and worthy to reign over all and give gifts to the church so that it may reach maturity and unity. The greatest contribution in this passage relates to the role clergy and lay persons play in the church.

STEP 13: ACCUMULATE A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SECONDARY SOURCES AND READ WIDELY

Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature; 2d ed.; ed. by W.F. Arndt, F. W. Gingrich, F.W. Danker. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.

Best, Ernest. The International Critical Commentary: Ephesians. Scotland: T & T Clark, 1998.

Feedman, David Noel, ed. The Anchor Bible Commentary. Vol. 34A Ephesians 4-6, by Markus Barth. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc, 1974.

Gordon, T. David. ""Equipping" Ministry in Ephesians 4" Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 37.1 (March 1994): 69-78.

Graham, Glenn H. An Exegetical Summary: Ephesians. Dallas, Texas: Summer Institute of Linguistics, 1997.

Grudem, Wayne. "He did not Descend into Hell: A Plea for Following Scripture instead of the Apostles ' Creed." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 34.1 (March 1991): 103-113.

Harris, W. Hall III. "The Ascent and Descent of Christ in Ephesians 4:9-10." Bibliotheca Sacra 151.602 (June 1994): 198-214.

Hubbard, David A., ed. Word Biblical Commentary. Vol. 42 Ephesians, by Andrew T. Lincoln. Dallas, Texas: Word Books, Publisher, 1990.

Hughes, R. Kent. Preaching the Word. Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1990.

Mays, James Luther. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Vol. 45. Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon, by Ralph P. Martin. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1989.

O 'Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999.

Patzia, Arthur G. Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon. New International Biblical Commentary, ed. David J. Williams. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1984.

Perkins, Pheme. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Ephesians. Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1997.
Scaer, David P. "He did Descend to Hell: In Defense of the Apostles ' Creed." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 35.1 (March 1992): 91-99.

Schnackenburg, Rudolf. The Epistle to the Ephesians. A Commentary. Scotland: T & T Clark, 1991.

Taylor, Richard A. "The Use of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8 in Light of the Ancient Versions." Bibliotheca Sacra 148.591 (July 1991): 319-336.

STEP 14: PROVIDE A FINISHED TRANSLATION

7 But to each one of us is given different measure of grace as a gift from Christ. 8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high, he led captive a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."
9 But what does it mean, "He ascended," except that He also had descended into the lower parts, namely the earth? 10 He who descended in humility is Himself also He who is exalted far above all the heavens, that He might reign supreme over all things. 11 And He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 14 in order that we are no longer to be children, tossed about, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all ways to be like Him and in union with Him, Christ who is the head, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every ligament supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

STEP 15: WRITE THE PAPER

In addition to the textbooks, I have completed reading:

Harvey, John D. Listening to the Text: Oral Patterning in Paul 's Letters. Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1998. 357 pages.

Bressler, Charles E. Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1994. 204 pages.