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Ephesians
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the unity of believers in the inaugurated new creation. He first sets before his audience the salvation freely offered to us through faith in Christ, then applies this truth to their lives, calling them to live lives of love. In this volume, S. M. Baugh approaches this important letter from a first-century perspective, examining ancient sources to determine what Paul's words meant in their ancient context, while also interacting with recent scholarship. The result is a commentary that is academically rigorous and at the same time presents Ephesians as the good news it was meant to be.
About the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series:
The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series incorporates the latest in critical biblical scholarship and is written from a distinctly evangelical perspective. Each comprehensive volume combines historical and literary explanations with insights for understanding the text within the Bible's larger story and applying it to everyday life.
About the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series:
The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series incorporates the latest in critical biblical scholarship and is written from a distinctly evangelical perspective. Each comprehensive volume combines historical and literary explanations with insights for understanding the text within the Bible's larger story and applying it to everyday life.
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648 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2018
A very good technical commentary that is unique for the attention that the author gives to the historical background behind Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2026
This commentary has recently received very high praise from some of the more outstanding individuals in NT studies. My guess is that this is due to the light Baugh sheds on Greek syntax, particularly, the division of the Greek text from the perspective of the ancient audience and readers of the epistle. This is most evident in the introduction, where Baugh discusses the sentence, the colon, and the period.
Baugh argues that the discussion of 'sentences' in Paul is not only misleading, but an anachronistic use of a modern conception of discourse. For instance, Baugh writes that the common "observation" many make about Ephesians 1:3–14 being one, long, sentence is misguided. He argues that ancient writers did not speak of grammatical sentences when discussing the division of a Greek text, but that the colon and the period were the essential building blocks of discourse. (15)
Baugh's expertise in Greek writing is evident and fruitful in a variety of unexpected places throughout the commentary, from his discussion of Pauline authorship to his discussion of whether or not hymns were inserted into the text.
The main benefit of his commentary is his dividing of texts into these periods and cola. For me, this was especially helpful in preaching, especially through the famous text referenced above (Ephesians 1:3–14). I don't have the expertise to evaluate many of Baugh's critiques and claims with regards to ancient Greek syntax, but I often preferred his divisions over the English sentences and versification.
With all of that said, apart from the above strengths, I don't think this commentary excels at much else. That is to say, it is otherwise an average commentary.
Finally, I have to say that I found Baugh weak and disappointing in his treatment of the household codes. Here, especially when discussing Paul's commands to husbands and wives (surprise, surprise), he loaded his introduction with historical information in an effort (my own interpretation) to suggest that we really shouldn't take these commands as seriously as Paul's readers did. It struck me as an attempt to use historical context to flatten the text, and the beautiful theology behind it. At times, Baugh did everything but explicitly apologize for Paul's commands to women. The same kind of treatment was given (unsurprisingly) to Paul's instructions to slaves and masters, where Baugh followed many modern commentators in saying that Paul couldn't condemn slavery without disastrous consequences, but that his teaching led to the abolition of it.
Baugh argues that the discussion of 'sentences' in Paul is not only misleading, but an anachronistic use of a modern conception of discourse. For instance, Baugh writes that the common "observation" many make about Ephesians 1:3–14 being one, long, sentence is misguided. He argues that ancient writers did not speak of grammatical sentences when discussing the division of a Greek text, but that the colon and the period were the essential building blocks of discourse. (15)
Baugh's expertise in Greek writing is evident and fruitful in a variety of unexpected places throughout the commentary, from his discussion of Pauline authorship to his discussion of whether or not hymns were inserted into the text.
The main benefit of his commentary is his dividing of texts into these periods and cola. For me, this was especially helpful in preaching, especially through the famous text referenced above (Ephesians 1:3–14). I don't have the expertise to evaluate many of Baugh's critiques and claims with regards to ancient Greek syntax, but I often preferred his divisions over the English sentences and versification.
With all of that said, apart from the above strengths, I don't think this commentary excels at much else. That is to say, it is otherwise an average commentary.
Finally, I have to say that I found Baugh weak and disappointing in his treatment of the household codes. Here, especially when discussing Paul's commands to husbands and wives (surprise, surprise), he loaded his introduction with historical information in an effort (my own interpretation) to suggest that we really shouldn't take these commands as seriously as Paul's readers did. It struck me as an attempt to use historical context to flatten the text, and the beautiful theology behind it. At times, Baugh did everything but explicitly apologize for Paul's commands to women. The same kind of treatment was given (unsurprisingly) to Paul's instructions to slaves and masters, where Baugh followed many modern commentators in saying that Paul couldn't condemn slavery without disastrous consequences, but that his teaching led to the abolition of it.
May 26, 2022
This is, hands down, the best modern commentary on the book of Ephesians. Baugh tackles the language, history, and exegesis of the text without losing the beauty and devotional nature of Ephesians. I had the honor of having Baugh for my Greek professor in seminary and I assure you that the work and care behind this commentary has produced a doxological work that is the fruit of meditating on Ephesians for years and years.
June 17, 2017
If you are looking through and evangelical commentary on Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians then, Ephesians, by S.M. Baugh published by Lexham Press is what you are searching for. This commentary is a recent volume in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series edited by H. Wayne House, a new series which is quickly becoming synonymous with excellent exegesis and superior application, this volume continues the budding legacy. The Ephesians volume is one of the most articulate and practical modern commentaries on the book of Ephesians. Baugh is a ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church as well as being a distinguished professor of the New Testament at Westminster Seminary California. He is no stranger to scholarly pursuits but this is his first foray into this first-rate commentary series and his pastoral and scholarly demeanor shine bright making this volume a must own commodity.
Ephesians, begins with the typical study into the introductory matters of this book of the Bible, this is common place in Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series and at length (48 pages) discusses matters of great importance to the pastor and scholar alike, and enters the ranks as one of the best interactions with critical scholarship while giving evangelical conclusions. This works dives into history and recent scholarship, of epistle to the Ephesians so that the student of scripture can understand the book in it’s proper cultural and historical context.
The structure of the commentary on the text is unique, and highly desirable to those with a knowledge of Greek, yet it is not inaccessible to those without. Baugh gives a short introduction to each and every periscope of the text, giving a structural analysis of the Greek text, as well as giving a outline useful to teaching and preaching. Then Baugh tackles an analysis the Greek text itself looking at it from a textual criticism angle. Next there is a commentary on the periscope itself, which is very through and insightful. Lastly there is a section dedicated to application and devotional implications, which are not only practical but a gold mine for pastors and teachers. I recently used this commentary in preparation to teach sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 and found this an invaluable tool.
With regard of recommending, Ephesians, to others I would whole heartily recommend this commentary to students of scripture, with one caveat. By this I mean I recommend this work to Pastors, Bible Teachers, Bible College Students, and to a limited extent educated Laymen looking to teach a Sunday school class, there is enough scholarly weight to this work to understand a particular issue in the text while giving aid to pastors in preaching the text. There are many commentaries about the Ephesians at this moment but, Ephesians, of the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary is a giant leap above all other commentaries on this book of the Bible. I look forward to each subsequent volume in this series.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Lexham Press in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary
© 2016 by S.M. Baugh
Publisher: Lexham Press
Page Count: 672 Pages
ISBN: 978-1577996569
Ephesians, begins with the typical study into the introductory matters of this book of the Bible, this is common place in Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series and at length (48 pages) discusses matters of great importance to the pastor and scholar alike, and enters the ranks as one of the best interactions with critical scholarship while giving evangelical conclusions. This works dives into history and recent scholarship, of epistle to the Ephesians so that the student of scripture can understand the book in it’s proper cultural and historical context.
The structure of the commentary on the text is unique, and highly desirable to those with a knowledge of Greek, yet it is not inaccessible to those without. Baugh gives a short introduction to each and every periscope of the text, giving a structural analysis of the Greek text, as well as giving a outline useful to teaching and preaching. Then Baugh tackles an analysis the Greek text itself looking at it from a textual criticism angle. Next there is a commentary on the periscope itself, which is very through and insightful. Lastly there is a section dedicated to application and devotional implications, which are not only practical but a gold mine for pastors and teachers. I recently used this commentary in preparation to teach sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 and found this an invaluable tool.
With regard of recommending, Ephesians, to others I would whole heartily recommend this commentary to students of scripture, with one caveat. By this I mean I recommend this work to Pastors, Bible Teachers, Bible College Students, and to a limited extent educated Laymen looking to teach a Sunday school class, there is enough scholarly weight to this work to understand a particular issue in the text while giving aid to pastors in preaching the text. There are many commentaries about the Ephesians at this moment but, Ephesians, of the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary is a giant leap above all other commentaries on this book of the Bible. I look forward to each subsequent volume in this series.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Lexham Press in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary
© 2016 by S.M. Baugh
Publisher: Lexham Press
Page Count: 672 Pages
ISBN: 978-1577996569
March 22, 2018
Here’s another fine, helpful, conservative volume in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC) series published by Lexham Press, this time on Ephesians by S. M. Baugh. It dives deep into the scholarly issues while retaining readability. Along with the other volumes released so far in this series, this book encourages you to believe that this series when complete will be a major asset and will live up to both the “evangelical” and “exegetical” labels.
Mr. Baugh begins the Introduction by discussing the authorship of Ephesians. He explains that no one doubted Paul as the author until the mid-19th century. He provides a listing of the five main issues that critical scholars use to attack the authorship of Paul. The fifth issue (“the Greek style of Ephesians versus the other Pauline Epistles”) is one where he will make an in-depth, scholarly contribution to the discussion. His explanation of the Greek style in Ephesians might be more than some pastors will care to get into but they must appreciate its erudition that will be hard for critical scholars to dodge. That discussion makes up the bulk of the Introduction.
He also discusses the date and place of writing, the occasion of the letter, and recipients. His section on theological emphases is surprisingly short, and he also gives a thorough explanation of how he will explain Greek verbs and syntax in the commentary. His outline is followed by a select bibliography.
In the commentary proper, every passage is given an introduction, an outline, a rendering of the original text in Greek, textual notes, translation, detailed commentary, application and devotional implications, and a selected bibliography for the passage.
When I checked out some of the more controversial passages of Ephesians, such as the household code, I found him to be very cautious on his way to reaching conservative conclusions. His commentary work was still thoughtful, and I often caught myself saying “I hadn’t thought of that before”.
We have several outstanding commentaries on the Book of Ephesians available today – add this one to that category. As one of the most important New Testament letters, you will want at least a few of the great ones. I suggest you make this volume one of them.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Mr. Baugh begins the Introduction by discussing the authorship of Ephesians. He explains that no one doubted Paul as the author until the mid-19th century. He provides a listing of the five main issues that critical scholars use to attack the authorship of Paul. The fifth issue (“the Greek style of Ephesians versus the other Pauline Epistles”) is one where he will make an in-depth, scholarly contribution to the discussion. His explanation of the Greek style in Ephesians might be more than some pastors will care to get into but they must appreciate its erudition that will be hard for critical scholars to dodge. That discussion makes up the bulk of the Introduction.
He also discusses the date and place of writing, the occasion of the letter, and recipients. His section on theological emphases is surprisingly short, and he also gives a thorough explanation of how he will explain Greek verbs and syntax in the commentary. His outline is followed by a select bibliography.
In the commentary proper, every passage is given an introduction, an outline, a rendering of the original text in Greek, textual notes, translation, detailed commentary, application and devotional implications, and a selected bibliography for the passage.
When I checked out some of the more controversial passages of Ephesians, such as the household code, I found him to be very cautious on his way to reaching conservative conclusions. His commentary work was still thoughtful, and I often caught myself saying “I hadn’t thought of that before”.
We have several outstanding commentaries on the Book of Ephesians available today – add this one to that category. As one of the most important New Testament letters, you will want at least a few of the great ones. I suggest you make this volume one of them.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 5, 2018
Very good. Heavy on the academic stuff, and not as thorough on the actual commentary. Still one of the better commentaries I’ve read.
Notes:
(1) 4:9: The reports of the earth means “desk“ or “grave “ (328)
(2) Blaugh a Third-use guy (406)
(3) Blaugh makes a gd pt. Most of the wives in Ephesus would be quite young, and their husbands would be much older (468)
Notes:
(1) 4:9: The reports of the earth means “desk“ or “grave “ (328)
(2) Blaugh a Third-use guy (406)
(3) Blaugh makes a gd pt. Most of the wives in Ephesus would be quite young, and their husbands would be much older (468)
November 22, 2019
Exhaustive commentary, with special attention given to the grammatical structure of the book, focusing not on the "sentence", but on the colon and period as the units that give shape to the message, particularly with orality in mind. This is handled in a lengthy and complex introduction, and regularly recurs in the comments.
This is a technical commentary, and though the author provides devotional and applicational insights, they are often quite brief, and there are many technical discussion of linguistics, rhetoric, and history.
Baugh provides his own translation, which is often illuminating and a bit surprising in the extent to which it differs in expression from the current popular translations. More valuable may be his structural arrangement where he seeks to visually present the colons and periods that he argues for.
Baugh writes from a confessionally Reformed standpoint, and though it comes through at particular moments (ie, Eph. 2:1-10), it doesn't control the interpretation so as to make the book useless to the non-Reformed.
Pleasantly surprised by his exegesis of 4:12, which departs from the modern consensus based on grammatical and contextual arguments and restores the missing English comma so that the "work of ministry" in view is rightly identified as the teaching ministry of the Church, which equips the saints not to all become teachers themselves, but for growth in maturity.
Tough sledding, but well done.
This is a technical commentary, and though the author provides devotional and applicational insights, they are often quite brief, and there are many technical discussion of linguistics, rhetoric, and history.
Baugh provides his own translation, which is often illuminating and a bit surprising in the extent to which it differs in expression from the current popular translations. More valuable may be his structural arrangement where he seeks to visually present the colons and periods that he argues for.
Baugh writes from a confessionally Reformed standpoint, and though it comes through at particular moments (ie, Eph. 2:1-10), it doesn't control the interpretation so as to make the book useless to the non-Reformed.
Pleasantly surprised by his exegesis of 4:12, which departs from the modern consensus based on grammatical and contextual arguments and restores the missing English comma so that the "work of ministry" in view is rightly identified as the teaching ministry of the Church, which equips the saints not to all become teachers themselves, but for growth in maturity.
Tough sledding, but well done.
June 27, 2019
I appreciate the rhetorical sensitivity to the problems Ephesians poses. These are not inconsiderable, and Baugh is persuasive. He is also deep into the background, being something of an authority on first century Ephesus. I think it is a bit much when it comes to his comment on the armor. I wonder very much how technical about armor and warfare the Apostle Paul actually was. (Compare Baugh's comment with the 9th chapter of Sinclair Ferguson's recent book on Maturity and you'll immediately see which is better.) But obviously the authority on background is otherwise useful; definitely a strength.
There are commentaries more interested in sociology and economic theory than the gospel. There are commentaries so naively literal you wonder if these authors have ever thought about serious literature in their own language. Baugh is none of these.
I don't have time to read a lot of commentaries. It is a good week when I read two commentaries on each of the passages I'm preaching on. I read Calvin most of the time. I just need one other good commentary to complement my selective use of my Logos collection. For Ephesians Baugh is the ticket. If this is characteristic of the Lexham people's work, then I'll take it.
There are commentaries more interested in sociology and economic theory than the gospel. There are commentaries so naively literal you wonder if these authors have ever thought about serious literature in their own language. Baugh is none of these.
I don't have time to read a lot of commentaries. It is a good week when I read two commentaries on each of the passages I'm preaching on. I read Calvin most of the time. I just need one other good commentary to complement my selective use of my Logos collection. For Ephesians Baugh is the ticket. If this is characteristic of the Lexham people's work, then I'll take it.
March 28, 2025
Found this one pretty helpful on the whole. More on the technical side, however. I appreciated his Main Idea for the book: Unity in the inaugurated new creation. That's pretty concise and fairly comprehensive.
June 16, 2025
One of the most memorable experiences in my commentary diggings. The excursus on marriage solidified my conviction that complimentarian marriage is not repressive but rather redemptive.
July 10, 2025
A solid commentary from a very good Greek scholar. I am not a fan of the general "two kingdoms" approach from Westminster Seminary in California but, otherwise, this is a fine tool.
January 12, 2021
Helpful at times, though not as good as other commentaries in this series. Baugh gives a conservative interpretation of Ephesians, but doesn't add much to what has already been written in the established great commentaries (Hoehner, Arnold, etc).
April 16, 2016
S. M. Baugh is Professor of New Testament at Westminster Seminary California. Baugh has earned both a M.A.R. and MDiv from Westminster Seminary California and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine. He is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and is actively engaged in preaching and teaching. Baugh has written essays and articles for various publications, and he is the author of A First John Reader: Intermediate Greek Reading Notes and Grammar (P&R, 1999) and New Testament Greek Primer, 3rd edition (P&R, 2012). Most recently, Baugh released a mammoth commentary on Ephesians in the highly acclaimed and quickly growing Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series published by Lexham Press.
Ephesians is a powerhouse of exegetical insight and reflection. Baugh seems to leave no interpretive stone unturned, and his interaction therein displays decades of seasoned consideration on both primary and secondary literature. The introduction alone is approximately 50-pages in length and includes a healthy and up-to-date bibliography, as well as the standard introductory material that the reader would expect from a commentary of this caliber. Although it must be said outright that Baugh does little if anything “standard” in this commentary. From beginning to end, it would not be a stretch to conclude that even the most learned of readers will walk away from Baugh’s interaction with a wealth of exegetical and interpretive insights.
One of the most apparent benefits of this commentary is the organization and presentation of the content. This really works well with Baugh’s interaction with the text. Each of the major sections begins with a brief introduction to the unit of text, followed by an outline, the original text, textual notes, translation, commentary, biblical theology comments, application and devotional implications, and a selected bibliography. Also, the reader will occasionally meet an additional exegetical comments section, where Baugh seeks to provide additional comments on various themes in the letter (i.e. magic, faith in/of Christ, etc.). One of the most helpful features of Baugh’s work is the amount of information provided in the original text and textual notes sections. Baugh does well in assisting the reader in the task of establishing the text before he carefully guides them on an exegetical tour towards a very practical end.
Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by S. M. Baugh is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best technical commentary on Ephesians available today. Baugh has offered far more than a reworking of his predecessors. This volume is carefully researched and judiciously presented for maximum usability. There is an assumed knowledge of the original languages that is required, but even those with limited knowledge will benefit greatly. Baugh has effectively blended academic rigor with practical exposition—a feat that could only be accomplished after decades of reflection and interaction. If you are looking for a commentary that will make you think and evaluate the available landscape of ideas before guiding you through the outcomes therein, this is a volume that you cannot ignore. It will quickly become the first off of your bookshelf!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Ephesians is a powerhouse of exegetical insight and reflection. Baugh seems to leave no interpretive stone unturned, and his interaction therein displays decades of seasoned consideration on both primary and secondary literature. The introduction alone is approximately 50-pages in length and includes a healthy and up-to-date bibliography, as well as the standard introductory material that the reader would expect from a commentary of this caliber. Although it must be said outright that Baugh does little if anything “standard” in this commentary. From beginning to end, it would not be a stretch to conclude that even the most learned of readers will walk away from Baugh’s interaction with a wealth of exegetical and interpretive insights.
One of the most apparent benefits of this commentary is the organization and presentation of the content. This really works well with Baugh’s interaction with the text. Each of the major sections begins with a brief introduction to the unit of text, followed by an outline, the original text, textual notes, translation, commentary, biblical theology comments, application and devotional implications, and a selected bibliography. Also, the reader will occasionally meet an additional exegetical comments section, where Baugh seeks to provide additional comments on various themes in the letter (i.e. magic, faith in/of Christ, etc.). One of the most helpful features of Baugh’s work is the amount of information provided in the original text and textual notes sections. Baugh does well in assisting the reader in the task of establishing the text before he carefully guides them on an exegetical tour towards a very practical end.
Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by S. M. Baugh is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best technical commentary on Ephesians available today. Baugh has offered far more than a reworking of his predecessors. This volume is carefully researched and judiciously presented for maximum usability. There is an assumed knowledge of the original languages that is required, but even those with limited knowledge will benefit greatly. Baugh has effectively blended academic rigor with practical exposition—a feat that could only be accomplished after decades of reflection and interaction. If you are looking for a commentary that will make you think and evaluate the available landscape of ideas before guiding you through the outcomes therein, this is a volume that you cannot ignore. It will quickly become the first off of your bookshelf!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
May 25, 2016
You can read my full review here: http://wp.me/p3JhRp-Qt
As a technical commentary, this is one of the best (if not the best). But this commentary wasn't spit out to split hairs on Greek grammar. There is much to gain from this commentary for both the pastor and the student, not only the scholar.
Baugh agrees that Paul is the author of this epistle, and that there are “no serious problems or concerns with his addressees that led Paul to write Ephesians” (31). He believes the main theme of the letter “is easy to summarize with the phrase unity in the inaugurated new creation” (35). The church’s unity is rooted in the Triune God’s counsel and redemptive love. The Messiah has complete sovereignty over the old powers of creation, especially magic. The new creation is entering this world.
Those who have a handle on Greek will be the ones who benefit the most from this volume.
As a technical commentary, this is one of the best (if not the best). But this commentary wasn't spit out to split hairs on Greek grammar. There is much to gain from this commentary for both the pastor and the student, not only the scholar.
Baugh agrees that Paul is the author of this epistle, and that there are “no serious problems or concerns with his addressees that led Paul to write Ephesians” (31). He believes the main theme of the letter “is easy to summarize with the phrase unity in the inaugurated new creation” (35). The church’s unity is rooted in the Triune God’s counsel and redemptive love. The Messiah has complete sovereignty over the old powers of creation, especially magic. The new creation is entering this world.
Those who have a handle on Greek will be the ones who benefit the most from this volume.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews