One of my favorite studies is the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament. Apostle Paul an apostle to gentiles, while talking about his life before Christ, a Pharisee in regard to the law (Philippians 3:5), knowing the law well, writing to the Church at the Ephesus, he alludes and quotes few Old testament passages.
Ephesians | Old Testament reference | Allusion/Quote/Fulfillment |
that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,- Ephesians 1:20 | The Lord says to my Lord:“Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”-Psalm 110:1 | Allusion |
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, - Ephesians 1:22 | You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;you have put all things under his feet - Psalm 8:6 | Allusion |
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. -Ephesians 2:17 | Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him. Isaiah 57:19 | Allusion |
When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. -Ephesians 4:8 | You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in Your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious,that the Lord God may dwell there. - Psalm 68:18 | Quote or Fulfillment? |
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25 | These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace. Zechariah 8:16 | Allusion |
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger - Ephesian 4:26 | Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Psalm 4:4 | Allusion |
Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Ephesians 5:31 | Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 | Quote |
“Honor your father and mother” - Ephesians 6:2,3 | Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 - Deuteronomy 5:16 | Quote |
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephesians 6:14 | He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; - Isaiah 59:17 | Allusion |
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 | How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” - Isaiah 52:7 | Allusion |
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,Ephesians 6:17 | He put on righteousness as A breastplate,and a helmet of salvation on his head; - Isaiah 59:17 | Allusion |
For examining each of the OT references, whether it be allusion or be it a direct quote or a fulfillment (Fulfillment is more of a Gospel of Matthew style Matt 2:15, ), I wish I could take a detailed approach for each of these references and see what the OT context, meaning, and application with the NT context, meaning and application for all of the above references and get to the better understanding of mind of Holy Spirit through Paul in writing to Ephesians. I really like the Dr. G.K.Beale and Dr.D.A.Carson method or 6 step approach ( Commentary of New Testatment use of Old Testament by G.K.Beale and Dr.D.A.Carson) but Frank Thielmann did not go into the details on Ephesians, that I would like to see the purpose of each of these allusions or citation from OT. The 6 questions approach followed was 1. NT Context, 2. OT context, 3. How is quote or citation handled in second temple Judaism or Early Judaism 4. Textual factors like Is NT quoting LXX or MT or Targum? 5. How NT is appealing to OT 6. What theological use does the NT put the OT to use?
For my study on Ephesians I would like to seek what the Holy Spirit God is trying to convey through Paul in the following ways, 1. OT citation or quote made to strengthen a point or argument or is it fulfillment, If the NT context is a fulfillment of OT prophecy or promise we have to figure out the theological understanding of the author and connections from OT to NT 2. OT reference in NT context, Is there a application derived? (Exodus - example: I Corinthians 10:1-6, 2 Peter 2:5-10 - Spiritual lessons from life of Lot and sodom) 3. NT usage variance of the same OT reference - Look at other NT passages that used the same OT reference - Does the context vary or is it same? 4. NT reference of OT quote does it signify the continuity of OT pattern in NT as a practice or is it fulfilled or done away with (obsolete).
Prayer: May the Heavenly Father grant us spiritual understanding, wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Christ Jesus to comprehend his divine plan, and his eternal power through his riches of his grace in him. Amen.
In Christ
Samson S Boodala
http://sboodala.blogspot.com
1 comment:
This is a great listing. Thank you. Very helpful overview.
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