Category: Peterson-2010 - Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry

Ephesians 4:17-32 God's Positive and Negative Commands

6/23/2023

6/23/23

7/30/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 10, “Holiness and the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 4:17-32” Loc. 2120-2316.

Peterson observes Paul’s use of “therefore” at Ephesians 4:1 and again at 4:17 to shift topics. He is making a transition to speak about “us: what we do and the way we do it” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2131). Yet the focus of our life is always Jesus working in the church by the Holy Spirit (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2138). Peterson compares life in the church to rock climbing, an ascent from earth to heaven. God’s commands are the protective devices without which we have nothing to guide us or to grip (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2159). In this context, Peterson finds reason for the negative command, not to live as Gentiles (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2177). There is a right caution about life in Christ. The world around the Ephesians Christians was full of temptation to sin and to arrogance. This served as a backdrop for the positive commands to follow (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2194). Peterson discusses this in terms of “negative space,” a term artists use to refer to what is absent in a work of art (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2230). The prohibitions of Scripture may well serve to avoid clutter and allow us to see the real picture of our life in Christ. In this life centered upon Jesus, Peterson reminds us, we see the true Triune God (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2251). In the Trinity we learn especially that the God who cannot fit into our categories is very present and personal (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2260). This is especially the role of the Holy Spirit whom Peterson sees indwelling all the commonplace events of life, drawing attention to Jesus (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2300).

Life in God's Presence

6/12/2023

6/12/23
7/23/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 9, “One and All: Ephesians 4:1-16” Loc. 1893-2117.

Peterson opens by observing the word “therefore” at the start of Ephesians 4. “The transition is not abrupt. It is not as if we can separate the being of God from being human and treat them separately. But we do separate them” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1899). God is present in life. Peterson again emphasizes the simple and obvious ways human and divine interact, particularly in the context of church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1910). This is the straightforward context for knowing God. Paul pictures this life in church as a “calling” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1935). Peterson views the shift in Paul’s letter at this point as one from kerygma to paraclesis - from proclamation of who God and man are to an urging to life in light of the proclamation (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1950). Peterson’s exposition of the ideas of proclamation, teaching, and urging follows. He contends that this paraclesis goes on among Christians every day and is the heart of our “cure of souls” or “spiritual direction” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1981). The relational element, the knowledge that we are in this life together, is of primary importance to a life of paraclesis (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2001). It is something pursued in community together. This, Peterson suggests, is what ties our theological lives and material lives together. It makes the oneness we see articulated in Ephesians 4 (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2037). As we seek to live together in the community of the church we become one body, growing up in Christ, all together, all growing (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2080).

The Broken Wall - Ephesians 2:11-22

5/11/2023

5/11/23
Scholarly Reflections

7/2/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 6, “Peace and the Broken Wall: Ephesians 2:11-22” Loc. 1214-1457.

Peterson begins this chapter with an observation that our minds are full of information, much of it unintuitive, much that we could never observe, but that we tend to be ignorant of the God who is central to it all (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1226). In this passage Paul tells us of God’s role in all our lives, placing us in his Church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1246). As Paul begins to orient us to the Church, he works in “through the thorny brambles of individualism” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1250). Peterson considers that American individualism is a great hindrance to our growth as Christians. The Christian life, counter to our frequent desires, is based on Jesus, not us (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1267). This life in Jesus, according to Ephesians 1:22-23, is found in the Church. Peterson discusses the visible institution of the Church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1272) with a building and a sign. This seems like a very normal place where normal people assemble. Because it is so normal, Peterson suggests many people lose interest (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1284). He then compares this to observations made in a poem about a bicycle rider who stops to consider churches (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1296). His conclusion is that the Church will always be relevant. “There is far more going on in the matter of church than meets the eye” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1309). Paul uses verbs in this passage which show Jesus doing the work and us as passive recipients. “We acquire our identity not by what we do but by what is done to us” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1316).

A problem Peterson sees in the church in America is a pragmatic view of the church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1318). If we cannot see its function we assume it is of no value. Our pragmatism results in our attempts to do God’s work for him. It is always a wrong approach (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1327). The remedy Paul proposes is remembering what we were without Jesus (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1336). The Church is what we enter into, not what we create. It has its own identity, which forms us (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1359). This church, Peterson observes, is centered around Jesus, “our peace” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1397).

Grace and Good Works - Ephesians 2:1-10

5/3/2023

5/3/23
Scholarly Notes

6/25/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 5, “Grace and Good Works: Ephesians 2:1-10” Loc. 992-1207.

As we move into Ephesians 2, Peterson observes the sharp contrasts. There are comparisons of death and life (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1005). Peterson compares the shift to a move from reading a travel book to living in the land described. Resurrection brings all to life (Eph. 2:1, Peterson 2010, Loc. 1012). This, he says, is a life of “passivity” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1017), which Peterson contrasts with the drive that leads to fame in our culture. Rather than fight to create our own way from the cultural elements around us, Peterson, using the Hebrew culture as an example, suggests we receive our Christian heritage and guard it (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1044). This is a real life which can thrive and remain pure in the context of even a hostile society. Peterson does not consider this an easy value to impart to people, but a precious one (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1084). Cultivating a view of our lives as a working out of God’s grace is key to life in Christ (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1125). God’s work, a work he allows us to participate in, is, according to Genesis 1, very good. It is a gift, which he hands to us as well (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1147). Peterson concludes the chapter with illustrations of Jesus and us at work in the world, bringing God’s grace to bear.

Ephesians 1:15-23

4/24/2023

4/24/23
Scholarly Notes

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 4, “Paul and the Saints: Ephesians 1:15-23” Loc. 771-991.

In the first half of Ephesians 1 Paul has told of Jesus’ wonders. Now, Peterson states, we submit ourselves to the blessing of God. Our starting point is always God, not ourselves (Peterson 2010, Loc. 779). The language of this process is prayer. “If we are to practice this resurrection prayer, a further renovation of imagination is required: we need to have an existential understanding of prayer as an all-involving way of life” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 781). In prayer, “we bless the God who blesses us” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 795). Peterson then shows that Paul shifts in Ephesians 1:16 to praying for the Ephesians, that God would give them very particular gifts (Peterson 2010, Loc. 805), empowered by the resurrection (Peterson 2010, Loc. 808). Peterson sums the result up with the noun Paul uses - prayer (Peterson 2010, Loc. 817). Prayer is what we do in all of life as we grow in grace.

Peterson goes on to illustrate the nature of the Christian, consistently referred to by Paul as “saint” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 869). This is the way God sees his people. It can and should take us by surprise, as we know our sin and failure. Yet God views his redeemed people as the holy ones. We dignify others by caring for them as well. They are the saints of God (Peterson 2010, Loc. 921).

Ephesians 1:3-14

4/18/2023

4/18/23
Scholarly Notes

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 3, “God and His Glory: Ephesians 1:3-14” Loc. 589-770.

Ephesians 1:3-14 is one sentence consisting of 201 words (Peterson 2010, Loc. 593). Peterson affirms that the sentence is a wonderful outpouring, comparing it to the immensity of the world and the grace of God described in the sentence (Peterson 2010, Loc. 602).

Peterson goes on to discuss the idea that we are all lost in this world, needing to see the work of the Holy Spirit (Peterson 210, Loc. 611). Paul uses his statement here to open our eyes to the world and Christ’s redemption, pointing our way home. To do this he uses simple parts of speech, nouns and verbs (Peterson 2010, Loc. 618). Peterson traces seven verbs from this passage (blessed chose, destined, bestowed, lavished, made known, gathered up) (Peterson 2010, Loc. 633). He then walks through them in order.

Blessed - God the blessed one blesses us (Peterson 2010, Loc. 635).
Chose - God chose his people to be holy (Peterson 2010, Loc. 644).
Destined - Our outcome is not by chance (Peterson 2010, Loc. 657).
Bestowed - This is a rarely used word, indicating God giving lavishly from his extravagant favor (Peterson 2010, Loc. 690).
Lavished - not a rare term at all (Peterson 2010, Loc. 706).
Made Known - God informs his people (Peterson 2010, Loc. 715).
Gathers - God collects his world together from his glory (Peterson 2010, Loc. 730).

Peterson observes that Jesus is the one who does all these verbs. He is the one who is active and in all this world. All that happens in our world should finally point “to the praise of his glory,” repeated three times in this sentence (Peterson 2010, Loc. 753).

Ephesians - Growing in Christ

3/29/2023

3/29/23
Scholarly Notes

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Part 1 “Ephesus and the Ephesians.” Chapter 1, “The Church of Ephesus: Ephesians 1:1-2.” (Loc. 141)

Peterson observes that in our Christian life we often fail to understand growing in Christ, something which, in his introduction, he cited Wendell Berry as terming “practice resurrection.” Eventually we need to deal with the church. “Many Christians find church to be the most difficult aspect of being a Christian. As many drop out - there may be more Christians who don’t go to church or go only occasionally than who embrace it, warts and all” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 145). Yet this is the place God has appointed for Christians to live together and witness to Christ. The church is the place of resurrection in a world of death (Peterson 2010, Loc. 153). “But the practice of resurrection, by its very nature, is not something any of us are very good at” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 163). What is the solution to these failings? Peterson suggests “we look at what has been given to us in our Scriptures and in Jesus and try to understand why we have a church in the first place, what the church, as it is given to us, is” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 177).

This church which we never really see is revealed to us in Ephesians. “It is an inside look at what is beneath and behind and within the church that we do see wherever and whenever it becomes visible” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 183). Peterson observes that the apostle Paul was in Ephesus from 52-55. The letter to the Ephesians speaks especially to the inner workings, even the inner life of the church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 193). Of all the New Testament letters to churches this is the only one which was not provoked by a problem in the church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 195). The emphasis Peterson finds is “that church is not what we do; it is what God does, although we participate in it” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 212).

Lest we assume the church at Ephesus was perfect, Peterson reminds us that Timothy was sent there as a pastor and found a church in disorder (1 Timothy) (Peterson 2010, Loc. 228). There is alway much to be done as even a well-functioning church grows in Christ.

After a lengthy discussion of Peterson’s own experiences with idealism and church marketing, Peterson leaves us with Ephesians, a description of God’s grace at work.

Pragmatism - How Is It Working for You?

7/2/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament - 7/2/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 6, “Peace and the Broken Wall: Ephesians 2:11-22” Loc. 1214-1457.

Peterson begins this chapter with an observation that our minds are full of information, much of it unintuitive, much that we could never observe, but that we tend to be ignorant of the God who is central to it all (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1226). In this passage Paul tells us of God’s role in all our lives, placing us in his Church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1246). As Paul begins to orient us to the Church, he works in “through the thorny brambles of individualism” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1250). Peterson considers that American individualism is a great hindrance to our growth as Christians. The Christian life, counter to our frequent desires, is based on Jesus, not us (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1267). This life in Jesus, according to Ephesians 1:22-23, is found in the Church. Peterson discusses the visible institution of the Church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1272) with a building and a sign. This seems like a very normal place where normal people assemble. Because it is so normal, Peterson suggests many people lose interest (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1284). He then compares this to observations made in a poem about a bicycle rider who stops to consider churches (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1296). His conclusion is that the Church will always be relevant. “There is far more going on in the matter of church than meets the eye” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1309). Paul uses verbs in this passage which show Jesus doing the work and us as passive recipients. “We acquire our identity not by what we do but by what is done to us” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1316).

A problem Peterson sees in the church in America is a pragmatic view of the church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1318). If we cannot see its function we assume it is of no value. Our pragmatism results in our attempts to do God’s work for him. It is always a wrong approach (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1327). The remedy Paul proposes is remembering what we were without Jesus (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1336). The Church is what we enter into, not what we create. It has its own identity, which forms us (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1359). This church, Peterson observes, is centered around Jesus, “our peace” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1397).

Working Out Grace

6/25/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament. This post was prepared 5/29/15 for publication 6/25/15.

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 5, “Grace and Good Works: Ephesians 2:1-10” Loc. 992-1207.

As we move into Ephesians 2, Peterson observes the sharp contrasts. There are comparisons of death and life (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1005). Peterson compares the shift to a move from reading a travel book to living in the land described. Resurrection brings all to life (Eph. 2:1, Peterson 2010, Loc. 1012). This, he says, is a life of “passivity” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1017), which Peterson contrasts with the drive that leads to fame in our culture. Rather than fight to create our own way from the cultural elements around us, Peterson, using the Hebrew culture as an example, suggests we receive our Christian heritage and guard it (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1044). This is a real life which can thrive and remain pure in the context of even a hostile society. Peterson does not consider this an easy value to impart to people, but a precious one (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1084). Cultivating a view of our lives as a working out of God’s grace is key to life in Christ (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1125). God’s work, a work he allows us to participate in, is, according to Genesis 1, very good. It is a gift, which he hands to us as well (Peterson 2010, Loc. 1147). Peterson concludes the chapter with illustrations of Jesus and us at work in the world, bringing God’s grace to bear.

God's View of His People

6/18/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament. This post was prepared 5/29/15 for publication 6/18/15.

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 4, “Paul and the Saints: Ephesians 1:15-23” Loc. 771-991.

In the first half of Ephesians 1 Paul has told of Jesus’ wonders. Now, Peterson states, we submit ourselves to the blessing of God. Our starting point is always God, not ourselves (Peterson 2010, Loc. 779). The language of this process is prayer. “If we are to practice this resurrection prayer, a further renovation of imagination is required: we need to have an existential understanding of prayer as an all-involving way of life” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 781). In prayer, “we bless the God who blesses us” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 795). Peterson then shows that Paul shifts in Ephesians 1:16 to praying for the Ephesians, that God would give them very particular gifts (Peterson 2010, Loc. 805), empowered by the resurrection (Peterson 2010, Loc. 808). Peterson sums the result up with the noun Paul uses - prayer (Peterson 2010, Loc. 817). Prayer is what we do in all of life as we grow in grace.

Peterson goes on to illustrate the nature of the Christian, consistently referred to by Paul as “saint” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 869). This is the way God sees his people. It can and should take us by surprise, as we know our sin and failure. Yet God views his redeemed people as the holy ones. We dignify others by caring for them as well. They are the saints of God (Peterson 2010, Loc. 921).

What Verbs Did Jesus Do?

6/11/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament. This post was prepared 5/28/15 for publication 6/11/15.

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 3, “God and His Glory: Ephesians 1:3-14” Loc. 589-770.

Ephesians 1:3-14 is one sentence consisting of 201 words (Peterson 2010, Loc. 593). Peterson affirms that the sentence is a wonderful outpouring, comparing it to the immensity of the world and the grace of God described in the sentence (Peterson 2010, Loc. 602).

Peterson goes on to discuss the idea that we are all lost in this world, needing to see the work of the Holy Spirit (Peterson 210, Loc. 611). Paul uses his statement here to open our eyes to the world and Christ’s redemption, pointing our way home. To do this he uses simple parts of speech, nouns and verbs (Peterson 2010, Loc. 618). Peterson traces seven verbs from this passage (blessed chose, destined, bestowed, lavished, made known, gather up) (Peterson 2010, Loc. 633). He then walks through them in order.

Blessed - God the blessed one blesses us (Peterson 2010, Loc. 635).
Chose - God chose his people to be holy (Peterson 2010, Loc. 644).
Destined - Our outcome is not by chance (Peterson 2010, Loc. 657).
Bestowed - This is a rarely used word, indicating God giving lavishly from his extravagant favor (Peterson 2010, Loc. 690).
Lavished - not a rare term at all (Peterson 2010, Loc. 706).
Made Known - God informs his people (Peterson 2010, Loc. 715).
Gathers - God collects his world together from his glory (Peterson 2010, Loc. 730).

Peterson observes that Jesus is the one who does all these verbs. He is the one who is active and in all this world. All that happens in our world should finally point “to the praise of his glory,” repeated three times in this sentence (Peterson 2010, Loc. 753).

Worthy of Christ?

6/4/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament. This post was prepared 5/21/15 for publication 6/4/15.

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 2, “The Message to the Ephesians: Ephesians 4:1,7.”

Peterson leaps to Ephesians 4, verses 1 and 7. Paul tells the Ephesians their lives are to be worthy of Christ, who has given them great gifts. Belief and behavior are to be linked together in our lives. Yet as we view our lives carefully we see many ways belief and behavior are broken apart (Peterson 2010, Loc. 372). Peterson turns his attention to the concept of a worthy life, reasoning that the word ἄξιος in 4:1 is the center word and pivot point for the letter. Based on the potential meaning of “a balance scale” Peterson views a spiritual metaphor. “The items balanced in the Ephesians (sic) scales are God’s calling and human living” (Ibid., Loc. 386). When all is in balance we are living rightly before God. It is important to Peterson that this is a call of God, not an explanation. He calls and we answer (Ibid., Loc. 394). As we respond, Peterson suggests “we soon find ourselves developing the language of intimacy with God” (Ibid., Loc. 420). We also grow in community with others (Ibid., Loc. 430). Peterson says this community draws us into corporate worship, which shapes us and makes us grow (Ibid., Loc. 435). He sees the Christian worship as that which gives order and focus to our life (Ibid., Loc. 459(.

Peterson then discusses the power of Paul’s allusion to Psalm 678 found in Ephesians 4. The worship described in the Psalm is that of attention to the mighty Lord. It is never focused on the people but on God (Ibid., Loc. 490). Peterson goes on to comment on the ideas of God ascending and giving gifts, observing that Paul made changes in the wording to reflect his understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Psalm.

Practice Resurrection

5/28/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament. This post was prepared 5/20/15 for publication 5/28/15.

Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Part 1 “Ephesus and the Ephesians.” Chapter 1, “The Church of Ephesus: Ephesians 1:1-2.” (Loc. 141)

Peterson observes that in our Christian life we often fail to understand growing in Christ, something which, in his introduction, he cited Wendell Berry as terming “practice resurrection.” Eventually we need to deal with the church. “Many Christians find church to be the most difficult aspect of being a Christian. As many drop out - there may be more Christians who don’t go to church or go only occasionally than who embrace it, warts and all” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 145). Yet this is the place God has appointed for Christians to live together and witness to Christ. The church is the place of resurrection in a world of death (Peterson 2010, Loc. 153). “But the practice of resurrection, by its very nature, is not something any of us are very good at” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 163). What is the solution to these failings? Peterson suggests “we look at what has been given to us in our Scriptures and in Jesus and try to understand why we have a church in the first place, what the church, as it is given to us, is” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 177).

This church which we never really see is revealed to us in Ephesians. “It is an inside look at what is beneath and behind and within the church that we do see wherever and whenever it becomes visible” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 183). Peterson observes that the apostle Paul was in Ephesus from 52-55. The letter to the Ephesians speaks especially to the inner workings, even the inner life of the church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 193). Of all the New Testament letters to churches this is the only one which was not provoked by a problem in the church (Peterson 2010, Loc. 195). The emphasis Peterson finds is “that church is not what we do; it is what God does, although we participate in it” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 212).

Lest we assume the church at Ephesus was perfect, Peterson reminds us that Timothy was sent there as a pastor and found a church in disorder (1 Timothy) (Peterson 2010, Loc. 228). There is alway much to be done as even a well-functioning church grows in Christ.

After a lengthy discussion of Peterson’s own experiences with idealism and church marketing, Peterson leaves us with Ephesians, a description of God’s grace at work.