THE LETTER WE KNOW AS EPHESIANS has always been a magnet for me. Its description of life with and in Christ has intrigued and challenged me. Part of the challenge was to understand; part was to obey. Ephesians has also provided a sense of peace and hope, surely one of the reasons the apostle Paul wrote the letter. Upon invitation to write for the NIV Application Commentary Series, I did not have to wonder which New Testament book to select. I chose Ephesians, or rather Ephesians had chosen me years earlier. Even the mission statement of the school where I teach, North Park Theological Seminary, focuses on Ephesians 1:10: “to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”
My first serious work on Ephesians started in seminary, and for almost thirty years since this letter has been a topic of interest. I have taught it often in seminary and in churches, and it has been the focus of my preaching more than any other New Testament book. Yet I have no illusion that I have grasped all the letter has to offer. Many other questions could have been treated. The issues I did treat are ones I felt most important for pastors and church leaders. Discussion of more technical items can be found in the major critical commentaries.
My explanation of the NIV translation is based on the Greek text; in fact, during the course of the study I became even more convinced of the value and importance of working with the original languages when studying Scripture. In their effort to help, all translations mislead. I have tried to be as explicit as possible to help readers of the NIV know how the Greek text functions and where questions need to be addressed.
I am fully aware how much about Ephesians I have learned from others, both from teachers and especially from commentaries and monographs. I make no claim to originality. Even where my sources are not specifically cited, they have contributed to my thinking.
I must express gratitude to several people. My work has been supported by both the administration and the faculty of North Park Theological Seminary. This community and the biblical faculty of the college provide a collegial context for my work. My colleague in theology, John Weborg, has been a particularly helpful dialogue partner. Sonia Bodi and Ann Briody, North Park librarians, went well beyond the call of duty in helping to locate resources. Nathan Pawl, my teaching assistant and friend, saved me an enormous amount of time and helped make the work enjoyable. In addition to expected responsibilities, he read and commented on the entire manuscript and prepared the indices. John Painter of LaTrobe University in Australia read an early version of the treatment of chapter one and made several helpful suggestions. Carey Newman of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who has done his own extensive study of Ephesians, also graciously read almost the entire manuscript and made copious notations. Such investment from colleagues is of enormous benefit. I have also profited from my discussions with students at North Park as we have worked on Ephesians together. The editors on this project—Terry Muck, Marianne Meye Thompson, and Scot McKnight—and the people from Zondervan—Jack Kuhatschek and Stan Gundry—all helped in clarifying my thinking. Particular thanks go to Marianne for reading several early sections and pushing me not to be so abstract. Appreciation goes as well to Verlyn Verbrugge, who helped make the commentary more readable. To all these people I express my thanks.
Most of all I thank my wife, Phyllis, for supporting me for many years now. She has done way more than anyone could ask and has made the journey fun along the way.
Klyne Snodgrass
Paul W. Brandel Professor of New Testament Studies
North Park Theological Seminary
Chicago, Illinois