To prepare for our sixth class session:
Read Ephesians 4:1-16, preparing to discuss the Greek text.
I'll provide you with a copy of Ephesians 4:1-16 which is annotated appropriately for relatively inexperienced readers.
Read Winger pp. 424-501
Read Thielman pp. 246-290
Read Peterson pp. 166-186
Some thought prompts:
1) Discuss the concept of imprisonment as Paul uses it at the start of Ephesians 4.
2) How does your broader culture deal with the character qualities Paul endorses in verses 2-3? What are appropriate ways of dealing with any similarities and differences as a Christian?
3) How are each of the seven "one" statements in verses 4-6 important? What significance can you find in the fact that there are seven?
4) Discuss the way Paul uses Psalm 68 in verses 8-9. How does Jesus' movement lead to the passage which follows?
5) Prepare to discuss verses 11-13 in detail.
6) What is the end goal of the work of ministry? Why might Paul choose to use the metaphor of a body rather than a building? Compare Ephesians 4:16 to other places where Paul uses a building or body metaphor.